Hi, I have just joined the forum after being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer last week. Thus far, I’m taking things in my stride and am determined to be positive, put my trust in what I think are a brilliant medical team and continue to do all the things I enjoy for as long as I physically can. I did have a bit of a meltdown when I read the potential side effects of the medication I’ve been prescribed, mainly as I’m about to go overseas and was concerned I’d spend the whole of my trip with my head down a foreign toilet! So far, no significant side effects, so fingers crossed this will continue. I am really struggling with insomnia, but not sure if this is worry about the diagnosis or stress as I’ve decided not to tell my family until after the holiday period, and have no idea how to start this conversation.
Hi Jules B sorry to hear of your diagnosis, but I love the positive attitude. Honestly, when the oncologist briefed me about chemo I was more scared if that than the cancer, but I soon learnt that everyone tells you about the worst of all the side effects and luckily most people only suffer from some of them, and to varying degrees of normality.
For the insomnia, why not try some sleep apps (I used Headspace) as these can offer some helpful techniques. Good luck with telling your family, that can be hard. This article, from he MacMillan Support team, might give you some advice Telling People Link.
Best Wishes
