Scared beyond words

Hi.Powerpuff girl, I'm so sorry you find yourself here. My daughter was in exactly your place just over 18 months ago, also having been told for months that it was 'just a cyst'. Now, 8 sessions of chemo, 3 surgeries, 15 days of radiotherapy and a final year of chemo, she's coming to the end of treatment.

It's been very tough, but she would say the worst time is where you are now - when it's all so new, you're constantly waiting for results and don't know what's going to happen. Even though the treatment is  hard going, you will feel better when there's a plan and a timeline. I hope you have family and friends to support you - accept all the help you're offered when treatment starts.

Sending love, strength and a big hug. xxx

Hi Powerpuff girl

So sorry you have to be here, but welcome.

A cancer diagnosis is a huge thing, and something we think will happen to someone else, so it’s no wonder you feel scared and in disbelief. Although my diagnosis was different, I too was really tearful and worried about the impact on my children. For me the time between diagnosis and surgery was the worst part of this whole thing by far so I genuinely feel for what you are going through. Things which helped were some sessions of MacMillan counselling, really recommend this. I also wrote a daily journal where I could get my fears out onto paper and try to work through them. 

You will likely hear lots of people say you will feel better when you have your treatment plan and know what is happening and when. It’s true. Well done for managing to get an earlier date for your MRI. The sooner all of the tests are done and information is gathered, the sooner your plan will be in place.

Keep talking here, there’s lots of people to support you. Best of luck with everything. x

Hi Powerpuff Girl. This is my first time writing in the forum but I wanted to reach out to let you know you're not alone. I also have Grade 3 her2+ breast cancer and was in the exact same terrified position as you a couple of months ago. I'm 38 with 2 young children so to say my world fell apart is an understatement. I'm so sorry its happening to you too, you are probably at the worst most scary part of your journey right now with shock and the fear of the unknown. The waiting for tests an worrying about results takes a huge toll mentally. I'm not sure there is a way to avoid all the horrible feelings sadly but I would say be kind to yourself, distract yourself with things you love. Use this forum, it really helped me and reach out and talk to whomever whenever you need to. Once your tests are done and results are back things will move fast and you will feel more in control and the anxiety will start to lessen. I have now started chemo and will have my 3rd round next week and although it's hard I definitely feel better now mentally than I did at the beginning and you will too! Keep telling yourself that no matter what the outcome of the tests there will be so much treatment available to you, breast cancer is one of the most successfully treated cancers and the resources available these days are amazing! I hope this has helped you in some way and good luck with everything. You can do it one day at a time xx

Thank you so much for all the kind messages, love and support.️

MRI and further biopsy done, now have to wait for the results. 

I know so many people are going through this and I just want to say you are amazing, strong and beautiful. Let's beat this together ️️️️

Hi

I'm so sorry to read this but you have come to the right place as I'm sure there are many people on here who have been or are currently going through.

The word cancer is so scary and when the consultant dropped the bomb, my first question was " am I going to die". I'm only 45. My husband was with me the whole time. The consultant said "no. We are throwing everything at this thing".

I found my local Macmillan centre to be so helpful. There coffee mornings are great ( I've not been to 1 for a couple of months due to chemo". Talking to a complete strange helped us both so much. My centre provides counselling sessions. I'm up North!!

I've read people talk about Maggie's centre. I don't have 1 up here but they may have 1 near you. Maybe your daughter could talk to someone if it helps. She must be as terrified as you are right now. 

Just remember that your team is working to figure out the best course of treatment for you and there are people working to find new treatments all the time.

I wish you all the best

Hi there, I had the same diagnosis of you in early 2021 and I remember those early days of having a diagnosis but still having test and scans so they could decide on treatment was the worst of times. Once I had a treatment plan, it was easier, and I hope it feels the same for you.

Macmillan offer a lot of support, for you and your family.   Maybe start by giving the team here a call on 0800 808 0000 and they'll be happy to have a chat. Does your local hospital have a Maggie's Centre?  Or other support groups? Might be worth asking.

Macmillan also have some information booklets that are quite good. I noticed you mention telling your 12 year old so I've popped a link here to some info guides you might find useful.   Link to Info Guide

Finally, to give you some hope, as I said, I was diagnosed in early 2021.  I had chemo, surgery, radiotherapy, herceptin injections and remain on daily letrozole tablets. I worked throughout all my treatment and hold down a busy global job. It's a tough time for sure, but with lots of support from friends and family, I managed.  Try and be kind to yourself, best wishes