Breast cancer and chemotherapy

First, never apologise again, you have every right to feel this way. I got my diagnosis 1 month ago and felt the same. Take your time, give yourself some space to absorb everything, it’s a lot to take in at first. Take 1day at a time, 1 Appomattox a time and you will get through this. Have a look at the July chemotherapy thread, it’s a great comfort xx

Appointment! 

Hi

Welcome and yes...you have had a big shock...it may seem like you should be able to knit fog, trying to tie up all the snippets of info and possibilities that are floating around.

First this is completely normal and the medical bods dealing with your tests and diagnosis and treatment plan know this soooo deep breath and a take a moment to just be still....

There are lots of lovely folk here to offer support and answer questions and a shoulder and hug or to listen to a rant.  Day and night... yes lots of us are struggling or just not sleeping in the small hours. Lots of silliness breaks out to bring a smile where appropriate 

You say you are a technophobe so if you need help finding  your way around the site just shout up. The Awake thread, for example, is as it suggests the most likely place to find folk overnight and there are spots for particular cancers, chemo etc and also for carers and family etc 

You didn't mention if you have folk supporting you with this? You will feel less lost and a bit more in control when you understand your treatment plan. Having someone with you and a notebook to jot down questions before appointments and what's said when you are there can be a good idea. 

Remember no question or fear is silly but Googling can be a very bad idea. Stick to sites such as this one that has balanced and up to date info.

Take care

Thank you for your kind words and support, I have a wonderful partner and sister to support me but I’m just struggling to find any words.

When I originally got my diagnosis it appeared all positive or as positive as it could be all the cancer removed lymph nodes clear with no mention of chemo after surgery just radiotherapy so from 9th May until Thursday just passed I have been so positive.

From discussion with the oncologist and the information given I can’t seem to get past this very dark place and fear from the Chemo.

thanks for listening to me ramble on

Hiya, sorry that you find yourself on this crazy ride but here you will find lots of love and support from people going through just the same as you.

Sounds like you and me are in the same boat, I too am HER2+ and had my first cycle of chemo on Tues, so far not too bad.  Apparently to have Herceptin, the targeted drug needed to tackle HER2+ you must first do the chemo but it is only as a mop up.  I too had clear lymph nodes and last week I had a CT scan which also, thankfully, has come back clear.  That was the best news and a real boost. But to be sure that they get any microscopic stuff they are doing a belt and braces. The important thing is to zap it proper.

Chemo is scary but please try not to panic, the team will take very good care of you and they have everything needed to make sure you come through safely.

Hang on in there and ask any questions, I'm ahead of you by only a few weeks so if I can help I'll be gad to.

XOXO

Hi Lilly,

I start chemo next Tuesday, and I'm somewhat scared, too, but more angry about the disruption of my routine, my independence. I so far lived with no medication, now I have to get that much, including Herceptin.

I refused it two years ago, after I had mastectomy, lobectomy (another cancer). Margins were clear, so was sentinel lymph node, and I felt I can do without.. But the breast cancer recurred this year in three lymph nodes, so I feel I have to do it now.

I see here how many others went through it, and that helps.

 Hi thank you for sharing this with me,

Now I have found this extra support that is sending out so much love I feel not as alone and hopefully become a bit more positive.  

I think I’m still in shock and very angry it was my fiftieth birthday at the beginning of the year and had planned the whole year and had never felt so well. X

Initially I was thinking that I would refuse the chemotherapy as I have to have the Herceptin but now I have decided to go through the treatment it’s just so daunting and I don’t think I have been through so many emotions all at the same time.

Thank you for sharing and good luck for Tuesday I’m sure we will speak again x

Hello liily,

Sorry you've got to join us  but hopefully you'll enjoy our company! You have been given really good advice about the why's and wherefore's from the previous posts that I'm not going to add anything much except......

Like you,  at my initial diagnosis my surgeon hadn't expected I would need chemo. Small tumours, detected early by mammogram, sentinel node clear, etc but the tumour analysis showed agression and opposite to you, triple negative so chemo was to be a prevention against return. I took the chemo and despite some unpleasant side effects, have no regrets because it is now nearly four years since my cancer was removed by the lumpectomy. 

I know this is a difficult time for you. The speed everything goes, the decisions there are no time to consider before making, the unpleasant treatments but suddenly, it will be over....... and you won't be a techno phobe by then.....and you'll be in my shoes, reassuring the next newly diagnosed person that there is still a future to look forward to. 

Love Karen