Woke up scared

Good morning. 
I don’t know what advice to give you, I just know I feel this way too…. I wake up and for a second or two it’s not there then bang:…. I have breast cancer. Waiting is the worst…… try to keep yourself busy, could you maybe reduce your work hours and do something for you the rest of the time. Please don’t take time off work to sit worrying. Sending hugs. Xx

Gal, thank you. My sister in law has given me the same advice. Big hugs to you toox 

Oh Mary, I'm so sorry you are having a tough morning. It's completely normal and please don't beat yourself up about anything! You will have good days where you think you're going to get through this, then bad days where you go to dark, dark places.

I was diagnosed on 03 10.2022. I'm 36 with 3 small children and those first weeks have been a mixture of emotions. I cried evry morning for the first week. But slowly, as a treatment plan has come together it's become easier to deal with. The waiting for the diagnosis has certainly been the hardest part as you don't know what you are dealing with.

Be assured that if you are diagnosed, your team will have already put an initial plan together and they spring into action very quickly. I had a lumpectomy yesterday and I'm sat waiting to go home today (stayed in by choice!). Between diagnosis and surgery, I have had more tests, biopsies, MRI, and mammograms that I care to remember. But, they are doing it all to make sure they have the best possible picture and can treat you so it goes and doesn't come back.

Deep breath, have a cry, and take some time if you need it. I was very open about my diagnosis and my work have been amazing. Don't be afraid to take some time off and talk about how you are feeling. 

Tonis  thank you  for telling me about your experience so far. Its brought me comfort on a dark day.  I hope the rest of your treatment  plan goes well x  

Good morning, 

I know how hard it is but you are not alone. This time of waiting is so very stressful but do try to flip your thoughts to that of, if this is Cancer it’s no longer hiding, you have found it and knowing what you are dealing with is the first step to beating it. Knowledge is power over what happens next, thinking this way gave me back a little control. 

These early days are the worst, if your fears are confirmed and you go down the Chemo route, please know it is doable, a journey you never wanted to take but totally doable. 

My own journey is 9 months down the line from diagnosis, 6 months of Chemo, lumpectomy and node biopsy and I feel good, older, wiser, changed but good. I had the news last week that there was no cancer found in my tissue they removed and am now classed as Cancer free. I have radiation to go as a precaution and 5 years of screening but that’s all fine. 

Please take it one step at a time, don’t Google whatever you do! We are fortunate to live in a time where treatment is open to us. 

Deep breath and enjoy the little wins today, tomorrow is another day. Xxx 

Harrigoose, thank you for sharing your story, it helps and Im grateful for your support x