Recently diagnosed

Hi Bridgette,

I was her2neg, erpostitve, prpositive grade 3. Diagnosed in May this year. I had my lumpectomy and sentinels nodes removed in June. Chemotherapy July to September and radiotherapy in October. I am now on daily Letrozole tablets for 5 years then Tamoxifen for 5 years. I have to have 6 monthly bone infusions for 3 years.

As you can see I am at the other end of this recovery journey same diagnosis as you. It's tough going, scary at times but doable. I wanted to write to let you know I have travelled my journey and am now planning to go back to work in the new year.

Please be kind to yourself, listen to your body and give yourself little treats.

Take one step at a time. Happy to answer any questions that might be helpful to you. We all experience the anxiety and fear. It's the not knowing. Once you start your chemo you will feel in control again. Take care xx

Thankyou so much. Looks like I will have the same treatment as you. It’s very scary isn’t it? 

did you wear a cold cap? 

Hi Bridgette,

No I didn't wear it. I didn't want to be at hospital longer than needed. You need to have it on an hour or so before treatment and a couple of hours afterwards with no guarantees. I felt I was suffering enough.

I has 4 cycles of EC every 3 weeks. On the 2nd cycle my hair fell out in clumps. My daughter shaved it for me at this point as it was horribly thin and balding.

I live my wig. People don't realise your wearing one. They are very well made. No bad hair days. Xx

Hi Bridgette,

I am really sorry to hear, I have a similar diagnosis just few steps behind you as I still do not know the oncotype or genetic testing results. However it is likely I will get chemo RT and hormone therapy.

I am with you, it is a very difficult time. I am sometimes feeling silly when I fear about ageing as an effect of induced menopause - I am not even sure if ageing is a thing or I am adding to an already long list of side effects!!  It is ok feeling this way and you are brave, being worried or crying does not mean not being brave.

I think you made the right choice joining the community, there is some special warmth and strength people that have experienced it can give.

I send you a very big hug and keep in touch if you like ️

Hi 

thanks for replying , it really helps. I am dreading the next 6 months. I will keep you updated with my progress and let me know your results. The waiting is awful isn’t it? 

B

It is pretty bad waiting you are right!! At the same time I am making a conscious effort to enjoy my days now as I still have the illusion of normalcy, lumpectomy pain aside. Sure, please do!

Hi miss molly hello bridgette.

I also got diagnosed her2 pos invasive ductal carcinoma last nov. I will have right breast mastectomy next week. Im afraid but at the same time happy to have it removed im dreading chemo or radiotherapy. But most of all im terrified about not gonna have a baby. I had a miscarriage 2yrs ago and i feel like my chances are slimer to none now to have another baby.

Hi 0411,

Sorry to hear about your miscarriage and  you have breast cancer. If you require chemo and radiotherapy let your oncologist know. They can arrange  for you to be seen by gynecologist to have some of your eggs withdrawn prior to treatment commencing.

This will give you a better chance of conceiving once your cancer  treatment complete. 

I wish you well on your recovery, please use the forums, macmillan nurses and cancer care for support.

Keep us updated on your progress xxx

 Hi O411

Sorry to hear that you were diagnosed with breast cancer and needed a mastectomy.  Just to give you a some hope, I had a cousin who had chemo over 20 years ago and she's since gone on to have two children.

Wishing you the best of luck with your results.

Best wishes

Daisy53