Struggling

Hi - so sorry you’re feeling so anxious . But it’s normal to feel scared and lonely . Facing a cancer diagnosis will affect everyone differently so you must allow yourself to acknowledge your fear and that in itself will give you strength . The shock of getting a cancer diagnosis is hard to deal with , let alone anything else .

Try to eat a normal healthy diet and drink lots of water . Your body needs nourishing as well as your mind . 

It’s good you are making an effort for your children , so remember that you are able to do that and you will get through this .

Get as much rest as you can and let your body try to respond to the treatment and then start to heal , that’s all you can do for now and your treatment team will support you along the way .

Dont be afraid to ask for  help and use this online facility where lots of people will want to support you .

Best wishes 

C 

Hi Lauzloo,

The anxiety and fear you are experiencing is what a lot of us feel. I cried for days, couldn't breath properly with anxiety. I couldn't say the word cancer.

However give yourself time to process it. Once you start your chemo you will be actively doing something to overcome the cancer. Hopefully you will feel more in control.

When I started my treatments last May I was as you are now.

I have now finished my treatments. I've had op chemo radiotherapy and now on Letrozole and 6 monthly infusions. I'm through the other side now and going back to work. Gently easing myself in. Please be kind to yourself, do things that give you pleasure. Distraction is good at this point.

At the start I also couldn't see myself as I am now. I hope sharing my journey will help you. Sending hugs xx

Hi Lauzloo

Like you I am at the early steps of this. I too feel panicky, quesy, can't sleep. You are not alone.

Firstly, you are allowed to feel anyway and it's ok. We all process news differently and you shouldn't feel guilty about it. Give yourself time. Some of it is to do with the unknown.

Have you been given contact info for a breast cancer nurse? If so, give her a call. Tell her your fears and you may find that she will answer some of the questions that pop into your head. you should also have a nurse chat with you about the chemo before it starts (so I've been told) to address those fears. They won't completely go away, but should alleviate some of them.

As to work, if you can work from home, then talk to your boss and see if it's possible and see if they can be flexible with your working hrs. You won't really know when you are going to feel like crap until after your first cycle.

Food - I honestly don't know if there are foods that cause cancer, but I you will need all the energy that you can to go through chemo. The advice I have read is eat little but often and drink plenty of water. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

I've started to write down what I'm going through and it seems to be helping. I also jot down all my questions at the back of the notebook too, so I can ask the nurse the next time I call. 

Thinking of you.

for Wednesday