Newly diagnosed

Hi there. It is so overwhelming, isn't it? I was diagnosed almost 3 weeks ago, and have had an MRI and CT since, and still waiting for HER2 result. Just in limbo waiting for the treatment plan now. I have it in one breast and lymph nodes, so definitely stage 3. CT will show if I have it elsewhere in my body (so possibly stage 4). I have also had to stop HRT, and had my first period in 6 years this week! Waiting for information is so hard and it's really difficult to not imagine the worst - you are not alone! I will say I have mostly found a way to accept that there will be a lot of waiting and uncertainty on this path, and just keeping myself busy but also looking after my emotions more than I usually would. I'm having a sad day today, and I will feed that with chocolate and rest. I sometimes allow myself to consider worst case scenario, as I am a pragmatist at heart and want to prepare, but I'm not giving those thoughts too much space. Keeping myself going so I can manage the treatment has to be top priority. Fingers crossed you get some clarity soon!

Thanks for your kind reply. Definitely the waiting that’s the worst part. Think we’re all trying to process so much information too which I’m personally finding so draining. Actually sleeping ok but exhausted all the time from thinking. Hope your results are back soon x

I'm surprised by just how exhausted I am. I start some days ok, but generally not getting through a full afternoon without having to put my feet up. I am doing my best to allow myself to rest, but it's frustrating as I also want to get stuff done before treatment starts. Such a rollercoaster!

Chocolate needed!

Hi Macallan and Moominmamma

A very warm welcome to the the forum to the both of you.  I'm Daisy53 one of the Community Champions on this forum.  I was diagnosed with with oestrogen positive breast cancer just over two years ago.  I had chemo and radiotherapy which I found mostly ok.  Chemo and Radiotherapy are not easy but they are doable.  I'm currently on a an anti-oestrogen tablet which I have to take for at least another four years.

The hardest part of the journey is the waiting around for results and to start your treatment.  But once treatment begins you'll be surprised by how fast it goes by.  Do whatever you need to do to get through treatment, listen to your body and rest when you need to.  Try to get out for a walk at least once a day even if it's only for a short one. Drink plenty of fluids once you start your treatment and if you feel anyway unwell ring the chemo line, they will give you a contact number before you start treatment.

Wishing you both the best of luck with your treatments.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Thanks for this Daisy. It is reassuring to hear from someone who has been through it and is now out the other side. I’ve been told that following 6 months of treatment that I will be on an oestrogen surpressent for 10 yrs after. 
do you still go for regular check ups after treatment and can I ask whether your cancer had spread before treatment?

Hi Macallan

Yes I still have regular checkups and the cancer had spread to one of my lymph nodes which is why I had Chemo.

Thanks for your openness much appreciated. Thanks for being here to support us newbies