Scared and Overwhelmed

Hi Clove welcome to the forum. Its hard to know where to start so what about we go with "what brought you here and why"?

Just you write what you want to and we can see if we can be of any help with that or maybe re-assure you that what you are feeling has been felt by many . Look forward to seeing your posts. xxx

Hi Clove

Like Gail I'd like to welcome you to the forum and I'm sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and that you have other health issues.  Like Gail said write whatever you like and tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey so far and you will find that we are a nice bunch of people on this forum and are only too happy to help you if we can.

If you feel up to it why not ring the Macmillan helpline one 0808 808 00 00.  The helpline is open from 8 am to 8 pm seven days a week.  The volunteer on the end of the phone will only be too happy to give you support and if you'd like put you in touch with someone with the same or similar diagnosis as yourself who will call you once a week to see how you are doing.

You are not alone in feeling lost and scared and overwhelmed after a cancer diagnosis, it's a scary time when you are first diagnosed but hopefully once you know your treatment plan things will seem a lot better for you.

Wishing you the best of luck with your treatment and please don't hesitate to reach out when you need to.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi Clove welcome to the club no one wants to join but is filled with such lovely members. I was diagnosed a few weeks ago and start chemo on Monday.  I found there is always someone around in the forums to chat if you need to. I've also used the mcmillan helpline and they were lovely so please do reach out to them if you can. The first time I rang I was a mess and didn't really know what to say at first but sometimes speaking to a faceless voice over the phone or on these forums can really help. 

If it helps at all, you are not alone in feeling numb...I think it's the shock. I have gone through (and still do) so many different emotions and moods - sometimes changing in a matter of minutes. It's a big shock and it's to be expected. 

Have you got more tests booked or any treatment plans yet? Happy to chat if you want to xx

Hi Sam,

I am going into hospital on Monday 01st August for surgery to hopefully remove the C word and lymph nodes.

My consultant has told me and my husband that until surgery has been done they won't know which route my next stage of treatment will be. My consultant explained that the "options" will be either Radiation Therapy followed by medication or it could be Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy and Medication, I guess it depends on if it has spread.

I know it may sound strange as we all know how terrifying having this is, but I also have an immune deficiency (I have no antibodies so my body is unable to fight infection) and I also have a chronic lung condition that is gradually permanently destroying my lungs, so I am absolutely terrified that as this disease is slowly destroying lungs that my lungs just won't cope with surgery. This is my re-occurring nightmare that I have been having this week, especially as Monday is fast approaching. My consultant and anaesthetist are fully aware and although they have been so good I am still so scared xx

I completely understand why you would be scared...its a horrible thing for anyone to go through, even more so when you have other conditions that make it harder. 

I know it's easier said than done sometimes but try to keep reminding yourself that you have an entire team looking into your case on a regular basis to decide the best way to proceed and treat you. 

Everyone's treatment plans are different as they are bespoke to each person to ensure you get the best treatment. For me, they are starting with chemo to shrink the tumors and  try to stop it spreading further before I have surgery to remove what is left and the lymph nodes. After that I may need more chemo and/or radiotherapy but they will decide that once they know how chemo has affected it. 

Have you been given a breast care nurse? They will be able to answer any questions and maybe put your mind at ease at little before your surgery on Monday xx