everyone I’ve already read some amazing support on here - I expected surgery but was shocked that I’m starting with chemotherapy first to reduce the size
did this happen to anyone else? just feeling overwhelmed
I didn't have chemo beforehand only because of my existing health conditions. Yes, it is normal to have chemo first to reduce the size of the tumour as, if they can shrink it small enough you would have a lumpectomy instead of mastectomy.
I too expected surgery first but I'm having chemo to shrink the lump (2nd dose next week) and then surgery. I still feel overwhelmed, it still doesn't feel real sometimes and believe it or not, I sometimes feel "normal" for a while!
I'm taking each day at a time and crying when I want to, but laughing too!
i have just finished 8 cycles of chemo and have surgery planned for 17 Feb. I’m going to have to have a mastectomy and lymph node clearance though. I feel overwhelmed some of the time, totally normal for the rest of the time. Mostly though you end up just getting on with it. Focus on the end result be positive and we will all get there.
I’m also having chemo before surgery, with the intention of shrinking the lump so I can have a lumpectomy rather than mastectomy. I’m in the petite department, boob wise, so that made sense. Right now, I don’t think I’m that bothered if it ends up as mastectomy but those feelings might change. I’m viewing it as chemo giving me options down the line, while stopping it going any further. Totally overwhelmed by everything but staying sane by walking the dog and practising napping (which I’m rubbish at right now). One step at a time x
