Hello I’m a nervous newbie just saying hi!

Hi LouiseG,

Welcome to the forum. 

I also have BC, mine was grade 3 also I have completed my chemo, had op and completed my radiotherapy this week. Now on Letrozole and awaiting bone infusions.

The waits are the worst between appointments and after testing we always think worst case scenarios.

However I am now coming through the other side. Light at end of tunnel and all that.

Be kind to yourself, if able to work do so. Personally I'm off at the minute as the fatigue is bad. I was advised as my job is a nurse not to do front facing work during treatments.

I wish you well in your recovery, use this forum to keep us updated and seek support. Also use the macmillan nurses and cancer care service. They are a great support xxx

Hi Louise, I am Jacqueline.

 I was diagnosed this year with stage 2 ductal cancer . I had a mastectomy back in July & im now waiting for chemo etc to start in next couple weeks. I’m 44 so similar to you. I feel too young to be going through this. I’ve also been shocked at how many young women are affected by this horrible disease. 
I’m glad to hear your first round of chemo went well. That gives me hope for me when I start  

Sending you lots of strength & love. Feel free to message anytime. I’ve found this all so hard not knowing who to talk to that will understand so finding this forum a comfort xx

Hi Louise

Keep head up lass and I'm so sorry you are going through this. Despite different diagnosis and experiences we are all going through this together. I have found that going to coffee mornings at Macmillan centres helped tremendously. I can't handle crowds and a bit of a wallflower but just seeing friendly faces and talking to staff and other patients with Thier families is so warm,caring and friendly.

I wish you all the best x

Hi missmollly thank you for your kind words and it’s so good to hear that you are coming out the other side now xx

oh yes definitely won’t be hesitating to stop work if I’m too tired, and defo can’t imagine doing this treatment as a nurse would be impossible, I just work at home reading/ writing reports so not super taxing but still imagine that there will be periods when that is also too much.

im just v grateful for your supportive words I will defo check out the macmillan nurses x

Hi Jacqueline 

thank you for sending love! Sending you  lots of virtual cwtches right back!! The nurses doing the chemo are really excellent and I had anti sickness tablets which were fab, other than feeling a bit achey like I’ve been to an aerobics class I feel fine.  I think that’s what feels so weird that I feel physically well: no symptoms just found a lump while showering and find it hard to correlate that with having cancer, 44 is so young.  While at clinic on Friday another young woman approached me as she said she had been having treatment for 2 years and also was only in her early 40’s and she was so kind sharing her experience . I think it is quite hard & isolating as she said you dont see many our age but that certainly seems to be increasing and I was so glad she approached me when she saw I was upset.

thank you for your kindness and hoping you get a good experience at your chemo xx

Hi EmLee

thank you ever so much for making me feel normal,  also not good in crowds and not sure what to say in groups but everyone seems so kind I will defo give it a whirl.  All the best to you too x

Hi Louise. 

Sorry you are going through this, but glad you are finding support. 

Is there a Maggie's Centre near you ? I found them mine very helpful. A warm, friendly, colourful place to go and be. You can sit and eat your sandwiches there and not talk to anyone if you don't feel like it. Or you can talk to a counsellor and cry and no one bats an eyelid. Or you can sit and help yourself to free biscuits while a kind volunteer makes you a cup of tea. 

I did all the above and felt so much better for it. 

Sending you hugs   

Hi LouiseG , lovely replies already from the fine folks here. Sorry you find yourself joining this club that we’d all rather avoid but I’ve found it a great place for support and shared experiences. Hence why I’m still rattling around the site nearly 6 years after my diagnosis! 
I had a different type of breast cancer but a dear friend had the same type as you, with node involvement, around 20 years ago, in her 40s. Just thought I’d tell you that I’m meeting up with her shortly for a day out. She’s doing well, had the full works (chemo, surgery and radiotherapy) and has not had any further issues. 
I’d also recommend Maggies centres or similar. I didn’t discover mine (an hour away and not near the hospitals where I was treated) for over a year but it was wonderful when I did! The nurse who greeted me said something like ‘you don’t have to pretend here’ which really resonated. It’s a safe place where no ‘brave face’ is required. As is this forum, no pretence needed and ask anything, there’s usually someone who’s gone through something similar. Sending love and a big virtual hug, HFxx

Hello

i also had my first chemo yesterday and sound as if we are having similar treatment. There is so much they can do now. I feel better for starting the treatment as I hope you do . This is such a good site for getting advice . The waiting is so hard but you sound as if you have a good medical team . I have been good on my first chemo also having steroids and anti sickness meds although it’s only day 2 so fingers crossed . 
big hugs for future chemo sessions 

love Rosie

Hi Jaqueline 

I too am awaiting to see the oncologist to discuss chemo after a mastectomy in early Sept ….. I’m not good with the waiting.

i am trying to keep positive especially with family and in front of my daughter (especially when she is on school holidays like half term now) …. sometimes it’s all just a good distraction and you can’t just forget about what’s happened/ happening/ going to happen and pretend nothing is wrong. 

I was not sure if to join these groups but maybe it will be good to talk to others in similar boats….

take care and wishing you well x