Hi all I'm new to the group I've just been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer for the 3rd time, I found a lump under my reconstructed breast on the 18th of December, pet scan shows a 15mm tumour and nodules in my lung and around my heart so inoperable. I'm starting treatment on the 22nd of March which will be palliative chemotherapy and pembrolizumab immunotherapy every 6 weeks. I m feeling completely overwhelmed and really struggling to cope with this, the fact that treatment never ends, what do I do about work and basically will I ever be able to have a normal life ever again? I know I need to be positive but I'm just so frightened
Hi TEW30 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 some of our dedicated Breast Cancer support groups as well as our Incurable Support Group. These groups are safe places to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.
To connect in with the groups click on these links
Living with incurable cancer - incurable patients only (Please join this group but for everyones safety this will then have to be approved by the Macmillan Community Team so will not happen immediately)
…… then once the group pages open 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 3 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.
I think that every cancer journey is impressive in my eyes…… as in reality our bodies are just not designed to go through some of the treatments…… but from my long experience it’s amazing what the body can withstand….. all the very best.
