New diagnosis and so frightened.

Hi Nico1a, so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I would say speak and try to be open with your family n friends on how you feel- it really does make a difference to just let it out rather than thinking of every worry or question in you own head. I found it helped also just telling myself, one step at a time, otherwise I knew things could feel they were spiralling out of control. It is a totally crazy place to be in and try and get your head around how you feel and everything going on but you're not alone and there is so much support and help out there. Hope this just helps you feel somewhat reassured and wish you all the best 

Hi Nicola,

I had a lumpectomy some months ago and lymph nodes removed, I finished my radiotherapy recently and have now been told I am clear. I really hope all of this will turn out well for you, but if it is the worse case scenario, don’t panic. 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, family, friends, good work colleagues, 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