Just diagnosed

Hi Monalisa

I was finally diagnosed a couple of weeks ago with grade 2, HER+ breast cancer and I'm about to start chemo before a lumpectomy with radiation therapy afterwards. I'm a newbie here too so I'll leave expert advice to all the other supportive people on this amazing forum, but I do know how overwhelming it feels at the beginning - so chin up! My thinking is that we are getting all the info up front so that's a lot to think about in one go, and it all feels really strange and new and scary but actually the treatment itself is slow and steady so there is plenty of time to ask questions and settle down into getting better. If that makes sense!

If you do have chemo scheduled at some point, there are good tips and shopping lists for things that can offset some of the possible side effects and I'm finding that stocking up ahead of starting is keeping me busy and helping me feel (a bit!) more in control. 

Take care - there's lots of us here x

If you click on my name 6 years ago I was recalled .  I avoided chemo and hormone therapy and now back to 3 year screening xx

Thanks it’s all happening at once! What tips and shopping lists have you found? I think it’s the chemo that worries me most. My friend calls me doctor Google as I keep looking at things online - all I can say for certain is that everyone’s experience seems to be different! 

Hi Monalisa,

Your story sounds quite similar to mine. I had lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy and it was the chemotherapy that freaked me out the most. I am now nearly a year down the line and out the other side and hoping I can offer you some comfort. I can't lie - the chemo wasn't pleasant but I got through it and so will you and I think it is true that it different for everyone. Personally, I didn't look anything up on google, I didn't even join this forum until recently. I just took each day as it came. I think for me it was the fear of the unknown, and unfortunately all anyone can do is give you a list of possible side effects which don't really mean anything until you actually experience them. Just remember that chemo doesn't last forever and one day it will be over. I hope your treatment goes well and you are out the other side soon. Stay positive x

Hi Monalisa1869

PLEASE DO NOT GOOGLE. You do not know who has posted the information or how old and out of date it is. Come on here and ask questions or phone the helpline , they are brilliant and so knowledgable. The others on here are great too. Stick to Macmillan and Breast Cancer care . No matter how similar someone else’s diagnosis is they will still be different. You are unique , so please do not google anything. 

Wishing you well and please don’t be afraid to ask questions 

Love 

Ruby Rose  

Hi Monalisa1869 sorry about your diagnosis.  You didn’t say what size they think the tumour is but stage 1 at least sounds good.

The waiting is the hardest bit but once you get your treatment plan you will feel better.  Definitely don’t Google, instead read people’s bios and ask questions on here or of your doctors.  

You”ll see from people’s stories that breast cancer is very treatable these days, even if there is spread to lymph nodes and that chemo is very doable and people recover well from it.  My story started like yours in Dec 2020 and I’m now cancer free and finished with treatment other than taking hormone blockers - you can click my name to read my bio.

wishing you a speedy and easy ride through this cancer rollercoaster.

Thanks everyone. I’m used to being in control and definitely not at the moment. The lump is about 1.5cm. I had a CIS removed from my tongue in Dec and then a little more removed in feb 2021 so with at and the breast cancer which isn’t in situ I guess I’m wondering what’s gonna happen next! I live in my own, parents are elderly and I have no partner, husband or sister - is there anyone else thas in a similar position ? On a positive note I do have my first Covid jab booked for 23rd and BCN said that it’s ok to have up to 7 days before my op. I can’t remember much of the appt but do know tt the cancer isn’t receptive to tablets? I have a holiday booked in the uk for June - surgeon said don’t do anything yet and wait to see what happens? Sorry for all the questions and question marks! Gonna ttry and have a positive day with positive thoughts xx

Hi Monalisa, some lists are specific to possible side effects or surgery or just good stuff for pampering, but here's a good general list thread – scroll for everyone's tips (link below). I wouldn't stock up yet! But it's good to know the info is there if you need it. I agree with Ruby Rose - don't go down google rabbit holes – you can be in touch with people with a similar diagnosis and treatments on here every step of the way and always speak to one of the lovely nurses when you need to. X   https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/chat-breast-cancer/f/breast-cancer-forum/80859/shopping-list-for-chemo---am-i-missing-anything 

Thanks - wow there’s a lot of different things that different people found useful - I’m wondering if it’s best to wait until I’ve had op? Are there different types of chemo? Perhaps I just need to slow down a bit and focus on one thing at a time? 

Exactly! Just know it's there for if / when you need it so you don't need to worry, and focus on what's relevant to you, taking one day at a time.