Diagnosed with Breast Cancer last week!

Hi OneBlackLady  , sorry to read about your diagnosis. The beginning is quite surreal and it really is just going through one day at a time until you get a treatment plan. To be honest, even then, I found it best to just focus on each stage of treatment as that’s more than enough to manage.
It’s great to have lots of support and friends to lean on. This forum is also great for questions, advice and more support. 
I wasn’t in the same situation with work but I think MacMillan offer financial and work advice so it might be worth getting in touch with them? It might be helpful to get that sorted before treatment starts - one less thing to worry about. 
staying positive is always good but be kind to yourself - sometimes this journey is tough - but we all muddle through together. 
sending a hug x 

Hi, I was diagnosed and confirmed right BC 4/2/25 high grade DCIS stage 2 as also in lymph nodes. Had DIEP surgery 5/3/25 and started chemo at Easter and then will require radiotherapy. At first it takes over your life but once you have a treatment plan you will slowly accept and start the journey. It’s a long bumpy rocky road but you will keep going…my chemo been delayed a week and it’s like the end of the world but next day you think right let’s carry on. I felt better after surgery knowing the bad was taken away and treatment is to mop up any stray cells. I know everyone treatment plan is different but you will get through it. It’s not easy! Here if you need to ask any questions xx

Thank you for your kind words. I am just starting to understand to take one day at a time but its hard knowing that I look completely normal on the outside but BC is on the inside. I had my CT scan on Saturday and was completely knackered after it, later in the afternoon. I have never felt so tired, I sat in a disabled seat on the bus and was almost daring someone to object as I was feeling sorry for myself, but nobody did.... I am trying to take things one day at a time but I really just want to get my final diagnosis and get on with the treatment plan. I don't want to be going over the internet and making myself insane. I have also got to try and look for a job, to not only pay my rent and bills etc but also to stop my mind wandering. I feel very lucky as I have the support of my family and friends and would be supported financially partly, but that is not who I am, so I am starting to look for a side hustle to keep me busy as this can be a long journey and I don't want to think yet about being overly tired or potentially losing my hair, I know that these are only potentially side effects, so I will just have to be prepared for what's to come.

Yes take each day at a time and try not to jump ahead. I think Maggies or MacMillan can help re- financial support. I am on full pay for 6 months with working for the NHS but cannot imagine being in your situation on top of all the worries of the illness. I found it hard as I felt so well but you just never know! I still feel quite well but do get more tired (chemo) probs. I’m cold capping so not lost all my hair but 4 more treatments to go yet. I try to keep on this journey and when you hit a bump just pick yourself up and move forward. I have friends who had same grade as me and they are 5 years on now so this helps keep me strong xx

Hi, just wanted to encourage you in looking for a job.  You are now legally covered under the disability act.  Employers are not allowed to discriminate against you because you have cancer.  I’m sure there are places looking for holiday cover to get you through the next few months.  

I literally have no close friends who are going through this, but all of my friends are supporting me on my journey. I think there is a bit of there by the grace of god go I, that defiantly would have been my first thought if I had a friend in this situation. I have reached out to Macmillan and they have given financial advice, but ultimately this is my burden to solve. I have just been given another imaging appointment on Friday the 13th.. I did have a giggle on the date wish me luck and any words of encouragement is really appreciated. I am here to offer support too....

Thanks for this. Its hard to think that BC is a disability as I feel able at the moment at least.  Although Employers are not allowed to discriminate they can also just not put me forward for a role based on skills etc - It would be hard to tell. I was made redundant after a year and a half, told it was my performance which I wasn't really able to challenge if I wanted to get the package they offered. It will be a struggle but I think I will be fine I just want to make sure that I am not made homeless too.. Promise I am not navel gazing it is just a lot at once

Hi. I hope you are ok. I know it’s a shock especially as you had no symptoms. I had no symptoms either so it was absolutely not expected especially at my age (41). 

I want to say yes absolutely continue to look for a new job. I start a new job in a few weeks and I’m half way through chemo with still radiotherapy and operations to follow.  I’m not going to let this take over my life and neither should you. I know a lot of people give up work but if you can physically work then why not, it does wonders for your wellbeing. What would we do otherwise, mope around at home thinking the worst, no thank you!