Diagnosed this week and super scared

Hi I’ve also got tnbc and am waiting to see an oncologist - I’ve had a lumpectomy but now need chemo - I live alone and have no partner or family that can help me, very unsure how I’m going to cope aswell. Perhaps we could keep in touch for a bit of moral support? Xx

Hi Monalisa thank you for speaking to me I too live alone and no family close enough to help, will defo keep in touch, definitely need some moral support xx️

Hi Fee

Welcome to the club that no one wants to join. I have HER2+ BC but am stage 3 so having 6 rounds (every 3 weeks) of chemo before surgery. I’ve had 3 rounds already and have my 4th next week.

I was working full time but haven’t worked since diagnosis. Luckily I’m on full salary for 6 months.

Everyone is different, and every chemo is different, but I was so tired for a week or so after chemo that I couldn’t have worked. You also need time to recover so that your blood count comes back up to acceptable levels. You will be immunocompromised too, especially between day 7-14 after chemo.

My neighbour agreed to clean my house for a few hours a week as I didn’t have the energy, well not consistently anyway. It’s been a great help.

There is the emotional side to consider as your head isn’t always in the right place, well mine wasn’t. I thought it was time, well past time, to concentrate on me and not work!

Then again everyone is different so you might want to keep working but I think it would be really hard going.

Bluebell xx

Hi, I'm in my 2nd cycle of chemo ahead of surgery in the summer.   So far I have managed to work quite well.  I am lucky, I work from home and my job in desk based and I know this makes it easier,  I have tired to clear my diary in the early mornings for the first week after chemo, so I am not under pressure if I have a bad night.  I have a flexible boss who is really supportive so this has worked well.  Honestly, I have been surprised at how much a I have been able to do so far as it is more than I expected.  I hope this gives you some hope, but of course we are all different and we all react differently.  Good luck 

Hi, 

I had 3 sessions of EC, then 4 sessions of docetaxel, pertuzamab and trastuzumab in 3 weekly cycles. Completed chemo part at the end of January and will continue to get P&T every 3 weeks  till November. I had a lumpectomy in March and currently having radiotherapy (15 daily sessions).  I have worked throughout with only two days off for the operation.  I have been very fortunate as I work from home throughout due to covid. I was office based so my office is now the lounge! My boss has allowed me to work flexibly eg I just work round the appointments, rest when I need to and work when I am feeling well.  I have also been blessed with a willing husband who has taken care of me throughout. 

of course it depends what type of job you do and what treatment you have eg if it is physical you may struggle.  If it is dealing with people or children eg being a teacher you may need to take time off as if you are on chemo your immune system will be at risk and you don’t want to put yourself at risk of catching something bad.

I think you will be surprised by how much you can still do, as long as you recognise that there will be times you won’t be able to do everything.  You must listen to your body.  If you are tired then rest up.  Don’t worry about the house work.  Who cares if it needs hoovered? You can do it tomorrow when you feel better.  Not sure about the horses though! You might need help there?!

every step of the way will be a little bit frightening, but none of it is as bad as first feared.  You may get side effects but on the chemo thread, or radiotherapy thread, the awake thread on this forum you will get loads of tips on dealing with them, you will get loads of good advice and lots of virtual hugs from all of the lovely people on this forum who are going through it with you or have already been through it.

keep strong, laugh, cry and you will get there!  Good luck x

Hi. I found out last week that I have TNBC.

My work have furloughed me from Monday (l still have to work tomorrow) as I am a bus driver.... Not a good job for social distancing.

I'm glad that I'm able to stay home, I will attempt to do as much normal stuff as possible.

I start chemo on Wednesday and am dreading it.

Just message me if you fancy a chat xx

hI

I'm not having chemo but I also live alone.  I assume you will have some good friends that will  be happy to be able to do something for you?  I lent one of the handout leaflets/booklet to one of my friends and, maybe because of that, she's been including me re cooking evening meals and her husband has been bringing them to me, still hot, then going home to eat with my friend.  I really can't express how amazing this is. 

I'm a very independant person, never married etc, only shared flats during my early work life.  I really don't find it easy to ask for help, nor even recognising when I could do with help, or what help to ask for  LOL  So, this friend has just felt this would be a good way, ie meals, and it's been such a help.

Other friends will do housework for me; one friend has recently helped me by doing my cat's litter trays when I broke some ribs recently (first op had to be cancelled because of this) so, I do feel that they do want to help but often don't know what would help YOU.  If you can, please ask them.  If you find it difficult, find a way to ask them or let them know etc.  They'll be happier to be able to do things for you

Hello Bluebell lovely to hear from you  really appreciate hearing your experience, it's the unknown that shakes you, being an active outdoors person am dreading being stuck in the house, which I don't mean to sound selfish, I just really want to maintain some kind of normal to keep positive if that makes sense  head is spinning just now xx

Thank you  really appreciate any advise xx

Thank you  it is good to hear some positive experiences xx