Hello, Im new to the group. November 2020, after noticing a swelling in my left breast i was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. In December I had a mastectomy with auxiliary node clearance and I will be starting chemotherapy soon. Im 36 years old with three children and I was right at the beginning of my PGCE which is now on hold due to having to take so much time out of school. Im often told im quite young to have this type of cancer and there's no family history of it either. I guess im here because I just wondered if anyone my age is in a similar situation and how are you feeling?
I have a great support network around me but (and this sounds awful) people keep texting me asking about my treatment, if im okay and how im feeling, which of course is lovely but usually thats all theyre interesed in hearing about I feel like they want me to break down and cry. The consultant and nurses kept saying that im taking the news very well as I haven't cried, Im just trying to be very practical about it and to be honest I was more annoyed that Ive had to stop teaching and financial worries take over too. Maybe I don't understand how serious it is, I don't know but Im just wondering if anyone is feeling the same?
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community, a Community that no one really looks to see themselves joining, and so sorry to hear about your BC diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of confusion, stress and many questions but talking with other people who are on the same type of journey can help a lot.
The Community is organised into support groups so you may want to start by joining our supportive Breast cancers and Breast cancer for the under-50s groups as these are the places where you will connect with others walking the treatment journey both as patient or family.
Follow the above links then choose ‘click to join' or ‘join’ when the page opens. You can then introduce yourself, post questions or just join in with existing discussions by clicking on 'reply'.
It’s always good to talk and the Macmillan Support Services provides lots of information, support, financial guidance or just a listing ear.
Most services are open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week and it's free to call on 0808 808 00 00 have a look by Clicking here to see what is available and we also have our Ask an Expert section, but do allow two working days for replies from our expert team.
Our Online Information and Support Section is a good place to find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers.
All the very best.
