Hi
I’ve had a rough couple of years. Mainly realising my 26 year marriage was abusive. Isolated from family and friends, financially ruined and controlled to the extent of what was put in my mouth. I owe my life to my GP and NIDAS (women’s aid). Currently going through the most toxic divorce. I have battled against the police, children’s social care and my employers (NHS) who have not believed the extreme co-ercive control I have experienced.
New Year I found a lump in my breast. 13th January the lump was confirmed to be malignant. I have triple negative carcinoma stage 2 or 3. I’ve been tested for the mutated BRCA gene. On 17th February I had a lumpectomy, axillary biopsies, reduction on left side and bilateral mastoplexy. I’m going back for more surgery tomorrow and then chemotherapy starts next week.
Now I can include the NHS breast and Macmillan team for saving my life. I’m scared, but I’ve got through worse in my life and just grateful he is no longer living with me as I would be going through this process alone. I’m convinced my cancer is a direct cause of the extreme stress thrown my way over the years. A positive I am clingy to if my cancer is stress related is my daughters will be spared if the BRCA result is negative. I am very lucky I have my amazing family and friends supporting me all the way.
My oncologist mentioned getting my nails gel manicured as this prevents damage from chemotherapy treatment. Problem is covid!! Does anyone know of a practitioner who can do this for medical purpose’s. I was looking forward to start making myself feel worth it, just didn’t realise it would be my diagnosis that would be the driving force of this.
I am a nurse myself and very pragmatic, I know through working with WA it’s good to talk and to reach out I feel I have everything under control but not ever being able to have my nails manicured I’m not sure where to go, sorry if this seems trivial
many thanks for reading
s x
Hi and warm welcome to the Macmillan Online Community although sorry that you had to find us and especially sorry to hear about your journey you have been on.
A cancer diagnosis brings many questions, much confusion and lots of stress but I am the wrong person to talk about getting nails gel manicured.......;)
But talking with others who are on or have walked the same type of journey will help you navigate this challenging post treatment times.
The Community is organised into dedicated support groups and I see you have joined our supportive Breast cancers group, you may also want to have a look at our Life after cancer group, these are good places where you can connect with patients and families navigating the same type of post cancer journey.
To join or go to a group just click on the link above then choose 'click to join' or 'join' (depending on the device you're using) on the page that opens.
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘New Thread’ or hit the box with the X on the top right (phones), you could just copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also 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 listening 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.
((hugs))
