Newby to club no one wants to join

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Hello I’m Michael aged 72 have been diagnosed with breast cancer and under arm cancer, neck , awai scan see if gone anywhere else, op for breast Oct 10 and under arm no che as consultant says wouldn’t survive as quite hard for me, so tablets, haven’t told grandchildren yet as awaiting rest of test, and rest of family, I new something was up sometime ago but thought it was my copd plus had stroke 6 years ago, I live with my daughter and 3 grandchildren, any tips on getting through this thanks 

  • Hi Michael,

    Im so sorry to learn of your diagnosis and applaud you for having the courage to tell us about your condition.

    I had a lumpectomy some months ago and lymph nodes removed, I  finished my radiotherapy a few weeks ago and am now taking one day at a time. It is a shock when you are told and it is important you take a bit of time to let it register and sink in. The strides made in modern cancer medicine these days is amazing and they can do so much for you. However, there is so much you can do for yourself too.

    You have made the first big step by finding the Macmillan site, also do visit your nearest Macmillan centre, a list is on here, or ring them on 0808 808 0000, they are superbly helpful and give you lots of great info, do walks, talks, help with benefits, bills, open 10-4 Mon-Fri for coffee and chat and lots more. Please also get a good support structure in place, I know you want to wait till you have some results and that’s understandable, but please tell you’re family, because they’re support will be vital. I’ve lived on my own for nigh on forty years, but realised you can’t do this on your own. I also go for a short walk every day (British weather permitting) and do a daily diary, this is mega helpful, as it gets everything off your chest and out of your system. It is important during the day to keep yourself occupied, hobbies, interests etc., it stops you from dwelling on what is going on. You may also find it beneficial to listen to a meditation podcast, they really help you to relax especially when you are trying to get to sleep. I use one called ‘Go Gently’ by Christine Elizabeth Smith, it does a lot for me. Whatever you do, do not visit Dr Google as there is so much conflicting information, your head will spin and it will stress you out, listen to your medical team and ask your breast cancer nurse as many questions as you want - also, you get great support on here.

    I know it’s hard sometimes, but try and keep as positive as you possibly can, have positive people around you and dump the negativity, above all, be kind to yourself - I promise you, you will get through this. You are never alone and can always come and chat to us shower in here.

    Keeping fingers and everything crossed for you.

    Take care and big hugs.xxx

  • Hi conflakes

    Welcome to the forum and I am sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer on top of your other medical conditions.  Try doing the things you love to do in order to get through it.  There is a thread in this group called Blokes with Breastcancer where you can get in touch with other men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Here's a link to that thread: BLOKES WITH BREAST CANCER .

    Wishing you the best of luck with the rest of results and with your treatment.

    Best wishes

    Daisy53

    Community Champion Badge

  • Hi boobybabe I try and get out but with weather being up and down it’s difficult as don’t like going to far, plus takes me awhile to get my electric wheelchair ready, as nobody at hame, but now weather is turning won’t be out as getting colder, I do walk around house a lot and use stairs, but don’t exert myself as breathing goes, have my ct scan next wed from neck to groin quite a large area, just hope they don’t find anymore will update mick

  • Had my ct scan results in week everything so quick didn’t have time to sit, that feeling when they injected the dye was so str all your body felt warm, have date for operation go in at 11 am can’t see how they let you out after, if no complications but will be nice to get home, mick