Hello, my first post. I want to connect with people who understand how I feel!

Hi Rosie, I understand how you feel.  When you get the initial diagnosis it completely overwhelms you & it’s hard to think about anything else.  I was diagnosed after a routine screening in July and I know it’s hard to believe now but it will get a bit easier once you have your results and a treatment plan.

Re the steri strips, I slowly peeled mine off in the shower

Take care of yourself xxx 

Hello and welcome although most of us haven't joined by choice. We're a friendly bunch so ask any questions. My story is in my profile if you click my name to save me typing.

I felt like you and once I had my diagnosis didnt stop crying for about 3 days. It was all a bit unreal and this was just post covid lockdown so unfortunately I had to attend all my appointments on my own. I too had support but it is hard to describe how you feel to others who haven't been through it.

Personally your boob will be bruised and sore for a couple of weeks. Be kind to it. I didn’t soak mine just had a normal shower but didn’t have the jets on the boob. Breast tissue doesn't like to be messed with hence the bruising. Its ok to use shower gel but perhaps something plain as opposed to highly scented is better.

Once you have a treatment plan in place and an idea of what happens next then that wil be easier on the mind. I too wake at 4am. Being put through menopause early means my sleep is crap so am still constantly tired but your body and you will adjust. It is a big thing to be told news ,I've this and it is a lot to process. Sometimes its good to have a pad and write things down to get them out your head, try and distract yourself with things you like to do - reading, rubbish tv, walking. There are other threads which may help you - Awake (for those that have trouble sleeping) and ones about medications. Try the search function. As this site is very busy, they do drop off the front page quickly.

Take care x

Morning, 

I do hope you are ok, this is totally overwhelming but once a treatment plan is in place it does get easier, maybe because you start to feel like you are taking back control I think. 

Please try not to Google in the first instance, it’s scary out there and a lot of information is either outdated or not your journey and in your current mindset you will only centre on the worst bits. BC is incredibly treatable and your team will know what is right for you. 

I am 3 weeks post Chemo and 2 days ago had a lumpectomy for Triple Negative BC, so far everything has been doable and I am hopeful for the future determined this is a chapter of life not the story. 

Wishing you all the very best and lean into the support you are given by Friends, family and Macmillan xxx

Hi Rosie

I felt the same, utter bewilderment.  Nobody understands if they haven't been in the same place.  I waited for my results on the lymph nodes which was terrifying and distressing.  I had a left mastectomy and full node clearance as they all had cancer in.  I've since had chemo too.   Yours will be different to everybody on here.   I cried and cried and I still do.   The people around me might not understand but when I'm low they pick me up, dust me off and off I go again.  It's nice to have those people.  Hugs to you xx

Hello Rosie, Sorry you are here but you can get through this. Everyone on this forum understands you even though they are all having different treatments at different times.

 I wish I had found the forum sooner - but I have had chemo, a right mastectomy and full node clearance. Just radiotherapy to go.  I agree some of it seems difficult but it is all doable. Take one appointment at a time- don’t be afraid to cry, scream or shout if it helps.

lots of luck.

x

Same. Its such a shock when you feel fit and well and then you receive a diagnosis. Be reassured that the whole treatment plan happens quickly, and before you know it there will be a plan, personal to you, and you will begin to feel more in control and able to process what is happening. My hospital offered counselling which I was wary of, but it has been helpful to get my head around being a patient rather!

Good luck and don't Google! 

We are all with you Rosie!  I was diagnosed in August and still find it hard to accept I have cancer. I told a random person once, it was weird to do that but it just came out. I too woke up iin The night and quietly sobbed so as not to wake hubby. Even though my tumour has been removed, clear margins and clear lymph nodes I still feel so scared at times.  First oncology appointment Mondayto plan radiotherapy. I don’t like taking Hormone Replacement but will if that’s what I have to do. Remember that we are all here to share your journey. Take care.

Evajean x