Partner's mastectomy & chemo imminent, 2 kids

Hi  I am so sorry you are all going through this but it's great you've find this site as there are so many people going through similar experiences all helping each other get through this.  And you will get through this one day at a time which is what is best to focus on.  Your wife has her surgery booked in and her treatment plan in place so unless you've been told it's not treatable then it all sounds promising at the moment.

If you read the bios of others on here (by clicking on their names) you'll find that the surgery isn't too bad and neither is the recovery.  The radiotherapy is also fine (I had no issues at all with that) and the chemotherapy is also very doable - some have a tougher time than others but it's doable with lots of meds to help counter any side effects.

I think things will get easier after your wife has the surgery and has started the process.  It might help her if ehe also joins this site as it really helps to talk to others that have come out the other end as well as those currently at the same stage as your wife.

If your wife does need chemo there is a thread specifically for those currently undergoing chemo - so at the moment it would be the June chemo thread.  There is also a radiotherapy thread.

Breast cancer is very treatable these days with a very high success rate so stay positive and take one day at a time otherwise it can get overwhelming.

Keep posting whenever you need to as someone will always respond.

Wishing you and your wife all the best.

Hi Martin,

Yes,  the improvements to the site need some work!

I was diagnosed when my daughters were aged 15 and 17 a couple of years ago, one with high functioning autism whi studies Maths at uni and the other was in her GCSE year at school.  I'd tell the school about it so that they can be in thr lookout for any signs of anxiety etc in their behaviour and support then. 

Chemo isn't great but doable,  and I highly recommend the chemo thread as it has lots of info and tips about it at the start. For me thr best tips were an alcohol free medicated mouthwash and evonail (or similar), and to call the emergency number if feeling unwell.  

Hi, the diagnosis is tough, but no doubt your fsmily will get through this. I am 2/3 through 6 cycles of chemo. You might find my blog usefu. It's over on the blog page and is called One Life Live It. Good luck 

Hi  Martin

Welcome and sorry to hear that your wife has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and has to have a mastectomy.

While I won't say chemo is easy it is doable and your wife will get plenty of support to make sure chemo is as easy on her as possible.  There is a carers only forum that you might like to join to get support for yourself as your wife battles this disease. The link is https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/carers-only-forum.  There is also a family and friends forum that you might also like to join for support.  The link is https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_experiences/family-and-friends-forum. You and your wife can also call the Macmillan helpline on 08088080000.

Wishing you and your wife the best of luck as she goes through treatment and hopefully things won't be too tough for your family as your wife goes through this.

Best wishes

Daisy53