New here and desperately need support please

Hi Suzanne34. As someone who is a 14 months down the line from diagnosis, I can assure you things will get better and that you will smile again. Just try and take things day by day and sleep as and when you can. Xx

Thank you for your reply , I wish I could fast forward as it’s all the waiting that isn’t helping matters , I’m trying to be positive but it’s so very difficult 

Hi Suzanne, it's a tough one isn't it? I had my op on 6th Dec. It is scary at the beginning, a sense of disbelief almost or shock. Catching it as early as poss is the best thing. Nothing can change the way you feel at this stage. You will get through it. I was relieved even in the afternoon of the op. 

I even went to the garden centre the day after. I think the pain killers were still working. I had total node removal, the Macmillan Nurse reminded me to start the exercises the day after. Glad she did because I think I would have forgotten. I had the Oncotype DX test and didn't need chemotherapy. Finished radiotherapy last week. 

You are stronger than you realise, it is a wobbly time, so many things to process. As Dolly says the sun will return to your life. For me I feel this was a lesson I had to learn. I so appreciate things my more now. Take care, eat when you can just small amounts or treats. 

Xxx

Hi Suzanne, 

Firstly, so very sorry about your diagnosis.  I certainly know how you feel. I too was diagnosed with breadt cancer last November after a routine mammogram.  It rocked my world. At first I was in disbelief. But after alot of support from family and friends I slowly came around and accepted it. Then the next stage was to go through the medical procedure.  I had my first op in December on my right breast to remove the DCIS, with reconstruction on my left breast. The operation and healing afterwards went smoothly. However, in January we were told that they didn't have enough margins. So would need a right breast mastectomy.  I opted for this and was a good candidate for a reconstruction using fat from my abdomen.  This was the most stressing and difficult time. Thoughts of had I made the right choice for the reconstruction as it was a extensive surgery.

I met with the plastic surgeon and she said the op could go ahead late February.  I had little time to think it all moved so fast. 

I'm now 7 weeks post surgery and I can see the light after all the darkness I went through. So far everything is healing well but there are days of moderate pain and discomfort. Nothing that a painkiller and rest can help to manage. Also, I've got to take Tamoxifen for the next five years. That was my next challenge. I did not take tge tablet for at least a week because I was so anxious.  Then last Saturday I plucked up the courage to take the tablet. So this is my experience.  Be sure that each person's experience is different and has its challenges. I've used the support of Macmillan telephone helpline and Maggies who are based next to the hospital. Also, speak to your breast care nurse to ask questions.

I really do hope this has helped a little.  I wish you all the strength to fight this xx

Thank you .. it means so much to get these responses.. I’m so scared and desperately trying to be strong and carry on but I can’t seem to forget about what’s happening even for the shortest moment and it’s draining! I’m not worried about losing the breast in fact I want it gone from the moment I found out it was cancer , I’m probably still in shock if I’m honest and hopefully will feel better once I’ve had the mastectomy.. it’s just the coping from now till then .. and once he mastectomy is done what happens then ? does everyone need radiation,tablets ? It feels this will never end .. how painful is it after the operation? You’ve given me some hope saying you went to the garden center the day after .. sounds like something I would do xx

Thank you for saying you can see the light again .. I hope I do as all I see is darkness and sadness at present , I’m not wanting reconstruction as my breasts are small so I’m hoping a prosthesis will make me feel ok .. I’m not very stoic when it comes to medical things we’ll certainly not as serious as this situation.. I just hope one day I will be on here to help others who feel like I do right now xx

The waiting is absolutely the worst part in my experience. Once your treatment starts you will feel a bit calmer I'm sure.

In terms of pain post-surgery, I really wasn't in too much pain at all post-surgery. It's uncomfortable and the incision stings a bit, but that was it for me. Hopefully you'll be the same xx

Thank you , yes it’s definitely the waiting .. if I could get it done tomorrow I would , I’m so glad I posted on here and you are all so kind with your speedy responses .. thank you from the bottom of my heart xx

Hi, I was diagnosed back on August, had 15 rounds of chemo and surgery 4 weeks ago. It is such a shock bit you can do it. How big is your tumour and do you know the grade.?

Kerri

Hi Suzanne34.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer 15th March 2022 whereas i only had a lumpectomy and 7 lymph glands removed. I found myself in the 4 weeks prior to surgery on a real roller coaster lots of ups and down lack of enthusiasm and motivation. Like you mine was caught early. Depending on your age depends what if any hormone therapy you will have. I had 5 sessions of Radiotherapy approx 2 months post op as I had Covid. Try to be as positive as you can. Go out walking see friends read to help you try and relax. Surgery for me wasn't as bad as I expected and if you do exercises they give you it will be a great help. I was able to lift my arm over my head without to much discomfort after 3 days.

Hope this helps in some way. x