Newly diagnosed

Hello JustSue 

I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis, we all know that feeling on hearing a cancer diagnosis only too well.  But you have definitely come to the right place for advice and support, all of us have been through or are going through treatment and having lots of tips and coping strategies, so please let us know as soon as you have your treatment plan in place.

It is an absolute rollercoaster in the early days when you are operating in a fog of terror and disbelief whilst attending multiple appointments, investigations and scans.  There is a lot going on in the background before deciding on the final plan, but I can honestly say that for nearly all of us, once treatment started, we started to feel a bit more hopeful and in control of what was happening to us.

What you have to bear in mind is that although the standard treatment has side effects, they certainly don't all come at once and not for probably two - three weeks into treatment.  And the severity of the side effects differs from person to person too, there are some (but I don't think many) who were able to carry on working and with their normal daily life.  Fatigue (especially later) may influence how much you are able to take on, and now is the time to rally your outside resources for help with the little ones. 

I have never ridden but doubt if I could have especially towards the end as as my sores were quite bad, but there was another horse rider on here, I can't remember their name but I am hoping if they are still on the forum they can help.  I seem to remember they were riding very soon after.

I was fortunate in that I was retired and didn't have any of your worries, but you certainly aren't the only young Mum on the forum who had to navigate this.

Sending a huge hug, and please remember we are here to offer support at any time should you need it.

Irene xx

Hi Sue, and welcome to the forum

Yes, that diagnosis is overwhelming at first, but as Irene has said once you actually get started on your treatment, you will feel much more that things are under control and that you are making some progress.

You will probably be fine with the children and the horse, certainly at first,  and I too remember the lady who rode here and I think she did okay, maybe with a bit of a break. Many of us find a little moderate exercise like walking is really beneficial, so going to see your horse and potter about might be just what you need.

I think if you can recruit some friends and family to help, you will find things much easier especially in the last couple of weeks when you might just feel really fatigued, so you might find it helpful to think about how you might plan these things, but don't try to anticipate too much until you have more details about your treatment. 

Please come back and let us know how you get on. I wish you all the best xxx

Thank you. Yes will pop back on and keep this thread up to date. I’ve got my Amazon list started with products to try and help and I had started moisturising. These forums have really helped to settle my nerves. Thank you

Hello JustSue,

I’m so sorry about your diagnosis and can well imagine how you feel your world is imploding. Getting a cancer diagnosis is so frightening and the fear of what happens next can be overwhelming.

Its good that you have found the forum as we have all been through or are going through treatment and there is so much helpful advice here. 

I finished treatment just over a year ago. I found it tough but doable. The early weeks of treatment were very manageable and the tiredness and other symptoms built up by week 4. I do think as Irene said, allow family and friends to help you wherever possible with your boys. I got out for walks every day, and some forum members worked right through, although I personally couldn’t have.

You will be the best judge of what you are able to do. Prepare as much as possible in advance, stock up the freezer and never turn down help. 
Wishing you well for your scans and treatment planning appointments. The treatment for our form of cancer has a really good success rate . 
We are here if you have any questions about anything xx

Thank you for your words of encouragement. The waiting is tough but I’m hoping I will find out soon what the plan is. Yes stocking up the freezer gradually x 

Hi Sue. you’re definitely in the right place for help and support. I’m 58, retired and 12 weeks out of treatment now and just waiting for my scans to see if it’s worked. 
I think I was one of the lucky ones who didn’t suffer too greatly and although I don’t ride horses there is no way I’d have wanted to ride a bike during the last 10 days of treatment or for the first 2 weeks after (from then on I was absolutely fine again). during that period it started to be sore if I walked for more than 15 minutes and sitting for long periods in the same position was uncomfortable. I also got more tired than usual and napped some afternoons but otherwise could do operate pretty much as normal. xx

Hi im sorry you have had to come here in the first place but everyone on here will give u great advice 

I've ridden horses throughout my life and my advice is. Get someone to look after your horse and to help because as you get further on with treatment you'll possibly start to have more symptoms

For me it wad nausea at first which got under control but then came the lethargy and tiredness and it takes it out of you going to the hospital everyday and you'll likely need a nap in afternoon. The skin by week 4 onwards got quite sore so I font think sitting in a saddle will be an option and for me, after treatment it was very painful and I felt quite ill. The positive is that i turned a corner rather quickly so it wont be long until you art back in the saddle

Im not suggesting that you won't be able to look after your horse but there will be periods of your treatment when you'll be grateful of some extra help.

Im three months post and am awaiting my mri and results and apart from the odd bit of lethargy im back to normal with job etc

That’s great to hear, thank you. Congratulations on your retirement x

That’s great. Yes I have friends that have offered to help with my horse (Elmo). He often stay at an eventers yard for training so I may look at that as an option while I’m in the trenches of treatment. Thanks for your reply x

You'll still be able to potter round muck out room etc and occasionally ride but you wont be ypur normal self and will be great full of help

I'd love my own horse again but just so much commitment day in day out plus as I've got older im very nesh so winters would be too brutal lol x