Going through the process

mc13 7 months ago

2 replies
37 subscribers
197 views

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 28 November, a 15mm tumor in the left breast.

I had surgery on the 29 December, which went really well and healing well. I am scheduled to start chemotherapy in 2 weeks and am struggling to come to terms with it all.

What is chemo like? Is it really painful and horrendous? What are the worst points and how do you cope with it all? Is the hair loss different with everyone and when should I expect my hair to start falling out? I have requested to use the cold cap, but should I just embrace the loss, if its going to fall out anyway?

I live alone but have older children, but really don't want them to see it at my lowest as still trying to be strong for them.

I have received so much information from the hospital but would appreciate real life experiences that really outlines what to expect and what little thing help.

Thank you in advance X

Thehighlander 7 months ago

Hi mc13 and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses.

Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).

The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Breast Cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.

To connect in with the group click on this link > Breast cancer then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)

When you are ready you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.

You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.

We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.

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 and give support to all the family.

Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.

Mike (Thehighlander)

It always seems impossible until its done - Nelson Mandela

My cancer story

wino 7 months ago

Hi mc13, sorry that you find yourself on here but its a good place to start. Chemo were do we begin. I didn't have any pain when i had chemo, the needle to me was not painfull just a bit uncomfortable but not painfull. You ask is it horrendous, well we are all different i felt sick for about a week after, but with the sickness tablets i could cope, then the next 2 weeks i felt a lot better. The worse points for me was feeling sick for a little bit and hair loss was difficult. I have know a few friends who used the cold cap and it was great for them their hair only thinned a little bit. I did try it but i didn't like it so my hair fell out after the second dose of chemo. If you are going to let it fall out and have long hair i would have it cut short before chemo starts as it can be a bit upsetting when you wake up and realise its coming out. I know what you mean about trying to stay strong for your kids i was the same, its hard to see them going through this with you. All the best for your treatment Dawn x