Hello , I'm Jan, a new member of the club no one wants to join! I am a golden oldie, nearly 78 years old , any more of you around my age out there? But any age appreciated , I'm still young at heart .

Hi Flynn2, well done for getting here.

I replied to a post you put up 10 minutes before, but I'm not sure if it is still there, so I've cut and pasted my reply here for you too.  I hope you find some people your own age here but even if not, I'm sure that there are loads of us who are here to reach out and hold your hand whenever you need us to.  The joy of using this forum is that people can literally support each other through the worst of times and they'll actually understand - even in the middle of the night when you think nobody is awake.  Wishing you all the best.  Do hope you keep us posted and feel free to say whatever you need to say. Kathie x

Hello Jan,  welcome!  Sorry to hear your diagnosis.  Its hard isnt it but I suppose we just have to plod on and hope for the best.  I am nearly 76 and had breast cancer 19 years ago and then four months ago developed back ache and eventually was diagnosed as having cancer in the spine and sternum. I am on medication and have fusions.  I get all worked up when I have hospital appointments!  And have crying sessions.  I do have a very supportive family so am lucky in that respect.  I do hope all your treatments go well.  Much love Suexxx

Hello Sue, so kind of you to reply, thank you so much. I'm sorry to hear that your journey is so hard, I'll be thinking of you from now on.Glad that you have good supportive family. Holding you in prayer if that's ok? Talk to me anytime you need a listening ear.I don't know much about what you are going through, but I'm always here.Still in lockdown!! Much love to you .Jan xxxx

Thank you so much for replying .It's hard writing the first time isn't it? I will post again nearer time, or after my op. Big relief to be able to talk about it , so kind of you. Best wishes to you too. Jan.x

Hi Jan 

Welcome and sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and that you have been experiencing health problems.

I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer last year and after having chemo, surgery and radiotherapy I am now in remission.

Wishing you the best of luck with your operation in September.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hello Katherine.h.p. I replied via e mail but not sure if that's how to do it ! I wanted to make sure you got my reply, as I am so grateful you replied to my first post. I'm not a whiz exactly at technology, but I'll soon pick it up I'm sure Thank you for your good wishes and encouragement to participate, it helps as I am very nervous starting to post, so very kind of you. I wish you all the best in your journey too. Hope we shall speak again sometime. With kindest regards, Jan x

How very clever of you, to reply by email, Jan.  I hope that you're treatment goes well and that we'll be in touch again some time too.  My husband can't tolerate distress in others and is of "you'll be OK" school of thought (or gets angry), which would have left me feeling very lonely if I hadn't been able to reach out to others (some of whom have been through this already and others who haven't but are just empathic and have just listened to me without trying to make everything better).  You're in the right place! 

Hello Daisy 53. How kind of you to reply, and send best wishes, thank you so much.You have obviously been through a great deal, and I'm so pleased to hear that you are in remission now. So reassuring just to hear from you girls out there.Bless you. I don't know what lies ahead, but it will be better for having the support of people who really understand what it is like to go on this journey. With kindest best wishes for your continued health  Daisy. Jan xx

Thanks Jan.xx

Hi Flynn2,

I noticed you mentioned ME, so I thought I’d get in touch as I have been living with it for the last 30 years, was brushed aside as ‘yuppie flu’ back then and to be honest I’ve received no real help from the medical profession on how to deal with it, just been a case of get on with it!

Had mastectomy 7 weeks ago, surgery was successful, lymph nodes and margins all clear, but now have option of chemo as well as letrazole……must admit oncologist very understanding with regard to ME so that put my mind at ease.

Good to hear you have a breast care nurse that is doing all she can to reassure you and explain things to you, I have also been fortunate in that respect and it does that a lot. My husband is a very positive thinking man and even that can be too much at times as sometimes by constantly saying everything is going to be fine makes me weirdly feel I need to find the negative…..he can’t win!!

Sending best wishes x