New here! Newly diagnosed and getting ready for treatment

Oh my dear, we are in exactly the same boat. I go next Tuesday to my CT scan for the 3 tattoos and then start radiotherapy on Monday, I think. Tell us more about your situation…nothing is off limits… we’re all here for you. 

Hello Wave dancer!

I’m still getting staging etc - I’m concerned that since it came out of nowhere it’s spread to my lymph nodes.  Otherwise I’m  a healthy haha 58!year old woman. I hope to get started as soon as I can with the treatment. So sorry this is also happening to you! Thank you so so much for replying!

Hi Ewagirl ,

Firstly welcome to the MacMillan Online Community although I’m really sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis.

Rest assured the way you’re feeling right now is completely normal, feeling totally freaked out is natural. Apart from anything else there is so information to take in right in the beginning. I remember after I’d had my diagnosis back in February 2018 just wanting whatever was going to get rid of it to start straight away!

You’ve come to the right place for support from those of us that have been through this diagnosis & also those that are facing or going through their treatment now so lots of perspectives. 

Nicola 

Thank you so so much! Any advice fr anyone is welcome! I appreciate you all and I hope to be helping one day!

Hi Ewagirl

Welcome to the club no one wants to join. Like Nikki65 has said the way you are feeling is totally normal but once your treatment plan is in place you will feel more in control. Easier said than done I know but try to keep busy with things you enjoy and stay of Dr Google. Ask anything you want people are very open nothing is out of bounds. Everyone is here to suppport you in whatever way you need. I will be 5 months post treatment on sunday and while it wasn't a walk in the park it wasn't as bad as I expected. Sending hugs. Xx

Hi Ewagirl,

Im so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and can absolutely understand that you’re at the ‘freak out’ stage. I remember that stage well and how frightening it is.  It can feel very overwhelming with an rollercoaster of emotions but it’s good that you have found the forum. 

Everyone here understands and it’s full of grounded advice, kindness and support.

Hopefully you will have a treatment plan for the chemo radiation soon and a team to support you through. It somehow helps when you know what you’re dealing with and when you are starting. The treatment has a really good success rate and although it’s challenging it’s doable. You can ask absolutely anything on here so don’t internalise your worries or questions. I honestly wish I had used this forum when I was diagnosed and it’s probably my biggest regret as it’s a fantastic source of information.

Big hug to you xx

Thank you so so much! I’m sure the questions will be coming, I’m so grateful for the support from all of you! Congratulations on completing and thank you for sharing!

Thank you for the encouragement! I love the support and inspiration thank you thank you!

Hi Ewagirl 

Welcome to this wonderful forum..

I was diagnosed on 17th October 2024..started my treatment on 7th January 2025..

Those weeks between diagnosis and treatment start where filled with fear, shame,anger and bewilderment..try to stay off Google and listen to tge doctors and nursing team and the wonderful people on here..

Mine was stage 2...the treatment is hard and grueling but once you start the time goes really quick..

I tried to prepare as much as I could before hand..

So bought 

Water wipes as tissue too harsh

Sitz bath..total god send..did a lot off wees in this little bath and even the odd poo bear end of treatment 

Shewee as once treatment kicks in its easier to wee without the pee hitting the broken skin

Jellies babies.. for a sugar intake..

Cranberry juice to stop the cystitis 

Stick up on easy food as lost all appetite 

Make a list of things you want to watch as further into your treatment all you will want to do is be in bed..

I'm 7 weeks post treatment and will be having my scans mid May and seeing oncologist on 3rd June..but im going back to work on Monday..just phased return..so there is light at the end of tge tunnel.

I know it is very very scary for u right now..but please reach out on here if you have any fears..we have all been through it and hopefully we can help you..

Stay positive and be kind to yourself always

X

Hi Squeak,

Wishing you well for your return to work on Monday. Another big milestone and good that you are able to do a phased return. 
Hope all goes well xx