Really scared but trying to put a brave face on

Hello dippy,    Every one diagnosed with cancer…of anywhere and any type has an ‘oh no’ moment after confirmation of diagnosis and we all react differently so have your moment. Now,you are a type 1 diabetic ,me a 2,but you have been dealing with this at home and with the regular input from your clinics. Breast cancer treatment is like that ,but ramped up a thousand times. With that little bit of tissue removed at biopsy and the mamograms a whole team of people of different cancer treatment ramp up and and when they get the tumor out by lumpectomy off they go and work out a treatment plan of what’s to be done for YOUR cancer and YOU. This will be discussed with the oncologist. Lots of tests and information coming your way and of course this web site for proper information and it lets us vent our frustrations,l’v used it that way twice…great relief!       The point of this text is your diabetes….you have to do a great deal of work yourself to control and keep well and you know how stress can affect it. Don’t stress over your cancer there are a lot of people you will never see only interested in doing there best for you so make sure you do your best by controlling your diabetes to help them and yourself.   Sorry it’s a long text, and wishing you all the best x

Hi, you are certainly not alone! I went into complete shock after being diagnosed with bc after biopsy, I couldn't sleep and was afraid to seek out any information as I just couldn't cope. Gradually I've come more to terms with it ( the surgery was 12 days ago).  It helps to follow your normal routine as much as possible eg daily shower / walk or whatever you usually do. This gives you something to focus on. I also started looking at lifestyle generally eg diet/ exercise/ stress management to see if I could improve anything with that. Someone suggested I read a book written by 2 doctors who had breast cancer which gives explanations but also tips about stuff eg how to tell people you have breast cancer. It is called The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer by Trisha Greenhaigh & Liz O'Riordon.

Be guided by the hospital doctors, I couldn't make any decisions as I was too upset, I just followed their advice and did everything they suggested. The Breast care nurses are excellent for support/ advice also Macmillan support and this online forum.

Do little things you enjoy whether sitting outside for a cuppa, listening to music or buying some new lipstick or whatever. It is a scary diagnosis, I was terrible at first but am now a few weeks further on and better than I was. 

All the best. 

Thank you so much Dizzy Di. That’s really helpful. Yes I do have to get better control of my diabetes and am in touch with my diabetic nurse.   I’ve been a diabetic for 60 years and do have some problems because of poor control but I am trying to get better control since the diagnosis x

Thank you so much Silvabell. It’s reassuring to know others feel the same way. I’m trying to be optimistic and will do whatever the doctors tell me. Thank you! X