Hello
its so nice to find you and not feel so alone.
please can anyone offer me some advice?
I recently had a lumpectomy to remove stage 1 cancer cells, and very fortunate that my lymph nodes are clear.
I have been advised to have radiotherapy and sent some videos from the hospital before my consultation tomorrow.
I have 2 concerns:
My left breast had the cancer, therefore will need to hold my breath for 20 seconds during treatment. I am asthmatic and currently can only hold it for 10, I am taking some breathing exercises to improve on this.
also concerned about possible damage to my lungs, as I am asthmatic breathing is difficult at times.
Any advice would be really appreciated, thank you.
Wishing you all a good relaxing Sunday 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 diagnosis.
A cancer diagnosis brings many questions, confusion and lots of stress but talking with others who are walking the same type of cancer journey will help you navigate this challenging time.
Just to say that I am asthmatic and have asbestosis and during my blood cancer treatment had 45 radiotherapy sessions and yes you have to practice holding your breath but I took my inhaler before my treatments and it did not damage to my lungs in any way. Talk this through with your team.
The Community is organised into support groups so can I recommend you join our supportive Breast cancer group, this will be a good place to connect with patients and families navigating the same type of cancer journey.
To join 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.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers can be found on our Online Information and Support Section.
All the very best
