Well, after a rollercoaster 6 weeks, I'm having a lumpectomy tomorrow for a grade 1 invasive er+/pr+ her2- tubular 6mm tumour. The screening programme did its job and picked it up - I had no clue. It's tiny in the scheme of things, so I feel a bit of a fraud when so many on here are going through far more extensive treatment, for far worse problems than mine.
Still, I'm struggling to get to grips with the idea that I've got cancer and that whether I like it or not I'm going to need help for the next few weeks. I'm widowed and live alone and I'm fiercely independent, so it's really hard for me to ask for/accept help. I've been told of all the things I wont be able to do for up to six weeks and I keep thinking surely it can't be that bad, it's "only" a lumpectomy. An I being naive or just wishful thinking?
Even writing on here is difficult - I've never been one for sharing my life on the internet, but suddenly facing this alone seems a little too daunting. So, I'm hoping that talking to others who've been there, done that and thrown the t-shirt in the bin cos who needs it anyway? will give me a better perspective.
Hi MoodyBlue62 and a very warm welcome to the Macmillan Community but sorry to hear about your diagnosis.
Navigating a cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked or are walking the ‘exact same' journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).
This New to Community area is like our reception desk where we look to try and direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support.
The Community is actually divided into dedicated Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend that you look to join and put up your own post in our dedicated Breast Cancer Support Group.
This group 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 please click on the link below…….
……. and once the group page opens you will see a [Black - Click to Join - Banner] at the bottom of the page, click in this box and this will then confirm that you have joined the group.
You can then introduce yourself to the group by putting up your very own post by clicking [+ Create new post] or [+] in the top right of the group page.
You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.
The Macmillan Support Line is open between 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.
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.
Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community ((hugs))
