Diagnosed today

I was diagnosed late February/ early March. My son was in his GCSE year. We told his school as we were unsure as to how he would react - he seemed very calm and matter of fact about what was happening whilst he was at home and we weren’t sure if this was the same as at school ( it was) . The school did inform his exam boards about what was happening so that it would be taken into account if his exam results weren’t as predicted - as it happens he put all his concentration into his school work and exceeded his predicted grades.

Sorry about your diagnosis.  There are a lot of younger members in this board and I’m sure someone will come along with advice.  Good job your consultant was thorough though xx

Hi sorry to hear your news. I'm 44 with an 8 year old. I found speaking to school very helpful as I knew I would be having chemotherapy and possibly struggling with side effects and wanted to make sure daughter was supported and there was awareness among the staff. They were really supportive and had lots of advice how they would manage the situation from a "password" if daughter was upset to being able to collect from office instead of playground, understanding if we were late etc . Maybe when you know more about your treatment plan would be helpfull . Gentle hugs xxxx

Yes,  do tell them.  My youngest was almost 16 (my mastectomy was on her 16th birthday!) and she was in her GCSE year.  We told the school, who gave her a red card to put on her desk if she needed some quiet time out of lesson,  and the exam boards were told.  Our deputy head had a lumpectomy last October and is on Tamoxifen, so we even had a chat about it!

Hi Loolaa, 

I was diagnosed in August and I am 47. My daughter started school reception in September and she is 4 years old. We have tried to keep my diagnosis simple by calling it the naughty boobie and that mummy is seeing doctors and nurses to make her better. She gets upset so I have spoken to our school who are really supportive and are aware of what is happening at home so they can reassure her and support her if she needs it. The school have been great and so supportive. 

Its never nice at any time to be told you have cancer but the main thing is you have found it and they will treat you. You learn to cope and gain so much courage. I was petrified of it all but my little girl has been my goal to keep going. 

Sending you lots of hugs as we all know how you are feeling. 

Lots of love Netty xx

Hi , I also have two children aged 15 and 12 and wasn’t sure if we should inform school. My youngest has emotional issues anyway, so I guess we will have to inform head of house . 
I go for a mastectomy on 22/1 . It cannot come quick enough. I just want it taken away. Then of course another two weeks to wait for histology. I think all the waiting is torturous.

x

Hi loolaa 

I was diagnosed back in may 2019. Christmas Eve was my last treatment having gone through an operation,chemo and radiotherapy. My children are 7 and 11. Strongly advise you to tell the school. The support I got from them was amazing my kids were great but still struggle with mum being sick we on own own as well so they had only my family to go to. Keep yourself well hun is a hard road but hopefully as they have caught it early this time next year you will be in my shoes. Keep me up to date with treatment plan no horror story’s here I can advise of what to do and how best to cope with treatment xxx  

Forgot to mention I’m 46

Hi Goodie001, 

I'm 46 too!  I was diagnosed BC at the end of November last year and am about to embark on my third weekly chemo session.  We have a 10 year old son who Is on the Autism spectrum so did tell school straightaway. However, he also has a lot of school anxiety which has been going on for a long time prior to my diagnosis so we may end up having to home educate him whilst I am ill.

 I think it's a really good idea to inform school and they should be able to make some reasonable adjustments, as the other lovely ladies have mentioned.

I hope your treatment goes well, take care.    Flossie. xxx

Hi flossie

i just finished treatment on Christmas Eve. Chemo then radiotherapy after an operation. Patently waiting on hair growing back lol. Keep yourself well and a wee pointer don’t do what I did. Any tempetures bad in chemo over 37.5. Phone helpline right away. I didn’t thought I could deal with it I couldn’t and ended up in hospital for two weeks lol. Good luck with it all and any advice you need give me a shout.