This is a little hard and over whelming, but I do know I am not the first to feel like this and I will not be the last.
It is time to start being proactive instead of reactive. I hope this is the way to go.
I was given my breast cancer diagnosis (right breast) on the 25th of April 2022. Group 3 invasive ductal ER8 PR8, but no HER2 yet. Level 1 lymph node. I don't know if that is the correct way to type it.
I have been in for my CT scans and MRI scan. I am fortunate that the cancer is only in the right breast and 1st lymph node, but was called back as they found some spots in the MRI. So another ultra scan was needed for more biopsies. Any way I now need to go back for the biopsies using the MRI. Its a process. In the meantime I have also started my menopause (In my mind its a little late). My fear is the longer I wait for the full diagnosis and treatment program the worse the cancer could become and the likely hood of it spreading.
I am on a rather wild roller coaster at the moment. We don't know the full extend of the cancer, we don't know the treatment program and we don't know what surgery there will be. The anxiety is not helping, my stress levels are explosive, as are my mood swings. My hot flushes are not helping either.
I maybe a little early joining this forum, but I did not know what to do.
I was wondering if there was anybody out there who could give me some pointers on balance with the menopause and cancer?
Thank you for reading this, it does help to get it out there with out worrying the family.
Hi Little Moose and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your Breast Cancer diagnosis. Well done in reaching out to the Community, this is one small step on the unwanted journey you find yourself on.
A cancer diagnosis can be so stressful and challenging but I do hope you find the community a safe place to ask your questions and when it comes to support there is nothing better than talking with others who are on the same journey.
The Community has dedicated cancer specific support groups so can I recommend that you consider joining our supportive Breast cancer group. This is a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group click on the Green (Bold) link I have created above. Then once the group page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New or + (Depending on the device you are using) and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this post into your new post and as always you can reply to existing ‘Discussions’ by click [reply].
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via Webchat and Email too. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear and our Cancer Nurse Team in our Ask an Expert section may be helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
Wishing you all the very best.
