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

Hello Dippy, that terrified feeling is overwhelming, I feel for you, what helped me was finding a nice group of people on here who were encouraging. Also the Macmillan office at the hospital where hopefully you can drop in and have a chat if you feel up to it. I haven't told many people as I don't want to worry them till I have my surgery/results and know what's what but I was able to open up about my fears to Macmillan and they were caring. It's a long way off to 01 September, have you got any other appointments in between? The Macmillan service at my hospital does some meetings with other people awaiting treatment to help prepare people. Also they gave me leaflets for some local centres where you can go for support. I haven't been to any yet but it's worth asking if they have anything like that at your hospital? Easier said than done but try not to read all the negative things on the internet, maybe try to keep doing your normal things for a while, whatever you enjoyed doing before, things you can get completely lost in to distract you (I've been watching TV series when I want to stop worrying) try to focus on looking after yourself, your diet, anything you want to change, a little exercise and looking after yourself emotionally. I have been looking at some apps for anxiety and sleep like Daylight, which Macmillan told me about. I still feel like you, I feel sad a lot but I think after 4 weeks I'm coping better, and hold on to what your doctor said, it's treatable. Sending you fondest wishes x 

Hi missP6.  Thanks so much for your reply. I haven’t heard of any groups or anything here but there may be some. I contacted the site on the advice of a friend and it does help reading other people’s experiences.  I think I just feel in limbo. September is a long way off and I don’t have any appointments in between.  The hospital have sent me a 2 page letter about my appointment and diagnosis which is helpful cos I just wandered around in shock at first. I have a wonderful daughter who will do all she can to help me.  I know I can ring the cancer nurses with any worries but I feel a bit silly doing that. Perhaps after my next appointment or the operation I’ll need more support from them. I know they will have to operate but it’s the recovery I’m most worried about, although some stories on here are very positive 

I’m usually resilient and face everything quite well but this was such a shock (as you know). I know there are millions of people worse off than me and I feel for them too. 

im trying to keep busy and not be negative but thanks again for your reply! 

Take care x

My surgeon recommended that book too x