Just saying Hello!

Hi BelleStar,

Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I’m in a similar position and have already had my first chemo.

I’m in the very fortunate position of having full pay for 6 months. Do you have to keep working? You can apply for PIP and perhaps other benefits . You can get help to apply for these through McMillan advisors. I’m now far more conscious of my lowered immunity (after chemo) and, as a community health care worker, just wouldn’t want  to put myself at risk. Also I was extremely tired after my 1st chemo.

I know some people still work, and it could be right for you too.

Hope all goes well.

Bluebell xx

Hi BelleStar

I was diagnosed with DCIS around the same time as you and had a Lumpectomy in January. When I went back for my results I was told that the 65mm DCIS was actually 110mm and 95mm was invasive breast cancer. I was also told that I was HER2 positive which makes the cancer more aggressive and can grow faster. I have had a Lymph Node Biopsy and a CT Scan and thank god it hasn't spread anywhere else. I am now waiting for my appointment to come through to start my Chemotherapy and Anti HER2 treatment, I will also need a Mastectomy and Radiotherapy, it's going to be a long hard road. Luckily my manager has put me on Furlough until September, I have also applied for PIP but have not heard anything yet. Is it  not possible for you to be furloughed or work from home? 

I know everyone is different when they have Chemotherapy and some have worse side effects than others, I hope that you do not suffer too much especially if you have to work, although I would look into what benefits you are entitled to if you are unable to work. Stay strong and keep positive always xxxx

Emie xx

Hi Bellestar,

I’m in a really similar situation. Mine is invasive Or / Hr positive and about 2cm. I’m starting chemo EC-T on 18th March to shrink tumour before surgery. I’m also hoping to work as and when I can. Very anxious as to how it will go. I have a real phobia of vomiting so I’m worrying about that too. Days seem to be flying past very quickly now too!

Ruby x

Hi Emie and @Bluebellwoods, so we're going though chemo at roughly the same time. Sorry Emie that you have so much planned stuff ahead.

I'm HER2 positive too and hoping for a lumpectomy at the end of it but we'll see!. Re work I'm lucky in that I'm freelance and yes I can work mainly from home so I have committed to a couple of jobs where people know the situation and after that I'll see how things go. I know I'm being a bit optimistic but it's a distraction too. I'm unlucky in that I'm in (remote) Spain and I've fallen through the support net! 

Can't tell you how helpful it is to be in touch with other people going through similar. Good luck to all of us X

Hi Ruby

We'll compare notes and metaphorically hold hands through it! It's still not decided if I'm starting on the 16th or the following week. I'm v anxious too but trying to be practical – stocking up on some of the food and things recommended on chemo lists and spring cleaning the house so it's not a hazard zone! If I'd known I'd be going through chemo this year I wouldn't have gone through Netflix so fast during lockdown XX