Diagnosed 4 months ago

Hi, I’m so glad you went to your appointment when you did.  I was diagnosed at the end of September 2022.  Had surgery 9th November and 7th December 2022.  I had 10 radiotherapy treatments that ended 17th February 2023.  I am still off work and can’t think of returning yet. I do t know how you manage.  I am still so tired and emotional. This didn’t hit me until all treatment finished.  

Hi I was diagnosed 4 October 2022, surgery 1 December, and just finished 5 days of radiotherapy.  Also stated taking Anestrozole, which I have to take for 10 years.  I think the impact of all of this is just starting to hit me, along with poor sleep which isn’t helping.  I am currently off sick until end of April and am fortunate to be able to have up to a year off (on reduced pay).  Anyway, I just can’t see myself going back anytime soon due to hot flushes, night sweats and needing some time to recover and decide what I want to do next.  People say I look well - and I do having lost 9kg, but they just don’t understand the mental side of a cancer diagnosis.  My next Oncologist appt is at the end of April and I have so many questions about my prognosis.  I walk every day and watch my diet and have stopped drinking alcohol, but need time to think about life moving forward.  

Thank you so much for replying. I completely understand where your coming from with the tiredness. If you don’t mind me asking why did you had two surgeries? I’m crying a lot more than I have in a long while.  I have found my energy levels seem to come in waves. I don’t know how I’m doing it either but I feel somewhat obligated to return to work because I work in a school. Today I’m resting on the sofa because I’ve over done it.I’m finding it really quite tricky to find a balance. 

Hi thanks for replying,,  Your employer seems understanding.              The Anestrozole is that a hormone therapy tablet. I’m on Tamoxifen currently. My colleagues are supportive, I’m just not very good at being unwell. I was looking well when I first went back but now I’m not too sure  I’m on the sofa today completely wiped out. I reduced my alcohol intake a few years ago because I felt it was making my peri menopause symptoms worse. Im being more conscious with the food I’m eating also. I’ve noticed an increase in the aches and pains along with my anxiety and night sweats too since taking the Tamoxifen. I loved the idea of being able to walk and try yoga and maybe some dance classes but I get upset that its going to be a little while yet. 

I had 6cms removed and the biopsy report showed there was still cancer in the margins.  A further 1cm was removed and thankfully the biopsy report was clear.  I am also on Anestrozole and have night sweats etc. I find my energy levels dip as the day goes on.  I’m also going to physio this week because my upper back is going into spasms.  I was so anxious during my tests and waiting on results my muscles have gone into knotts.  I also look well but can honestly say I don’t feel well and find it difficult keeping up

Your right.  It doesn’t hit you until all the tests, running to appointments and treatments stop.  Now mine has stopped work is starting to hassle me.  I think you have to go through it to understand 

Yes I think you do have to go through this to understand, and that’s why this group is so valuable.  My work hasn’t started to hassle me yet, but they may well do.  I don’t care that much as I want to get myself well before I get into all of that again.  I am planning on asking for another 3 months off, and might use the mental health card.  I work in education and they bang on about all of that, so why not me this time.

You might need another three after that.  I am just all aches and pains!  My breast is still sore to touch.  Anyone else still having discomfort around the area that was removed? 

Thank goodness for that biopsy, not for you having to go in and have surgery again so quickly. Hoping the physio improves the issue with your back quite quickly. 

Mine is too. I’ve noticed also that it hurts when I sleep on my side and not my back.