Recent Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

No mine will be going in on Friday. Yeah I’ve done the food research too, so that’s positive. 

Hi

My tumour was 41.8mm. I was really tired during the chemo and for a few months afterwards. My chemo was July to September, and radiotherapy was October. My fatigue lifted after a few months. I now feel more like myself. I still tired easily. Listen to your body rest or sleep when you need to. I found if I tried to fight it I felt nauseous. Xx

Hi,

The heart echo is painless just uncomfortable at times when lying on your side. The picc line was more nuisance but good for getting bloods and treatments. It was awkward at first showering but they provide you with a plastic sleeve. You also attend weekly for flushes of pucc line or district nurse can come to your house and do it. I didn't attempt the cold cap. I didn't want anymore pain than needed. My hair fell out at my 2nd treatment. 3 weeks. I had a lovely wig. Everyone commented on how nice my hair was not knowing it was a wig. My hair has grown in still short a lot thicker darker and curly. 

I wish you well with your treatments xx

Hi,

I am on Letrozole for 5 years then Tamoxifen for a further 5 years. I have 6monthly bone infusions for 3 years. 

My hair has grown back on the medication. It so much thicker darker and now curly. I get occasional bone and joint aches which can be walked out. I don't really notice many hot flushes during the day, more so at night. I feel emotional at times and mood can be low. All of which is manageable. I just remind myself that the medication is what's keeping my cancer at bay.

My boob's are 38EE looking straight on there's not much of a difference the left one operated on is slightly smaller. You only see the indent on skin when leaning forward.

I think people don't know what to say so avoid you. You will work out who your true friends are during this journey.

The anxiety is awful. I worked myself up couldn't breath, talk, eat or sleep I always went to worst case scenario. Once I started treatment I felt I took back control. I was fighting it. The staff are very supportive and informative. They are very positive.

Try to take it one step at a time. Set yourself small gals and do things you enjoy to help you cope. 

I still worry every ache or pain it has returned or spread but I think when I rationalise it in my head had op, chemo radiotherapy and on Letrozole I can lessen the anxiety a bit.

Sending hugs and positive vibes. Xx

Thank you so much, that’s really positive.  I know they have things that can help side affects of the inhibitors but if you say it’s manageable with things you can do yourself and it’s keeping things at bay, that’s reassuring. Thanks for taking the time to tell me your story I appreciate it and sending best wishes for your continuing recovery xx

How long you took time off from work

Hi,

I went off work in the may when diagnosed. I couldn't manage my anxiety and do my job. I returned to AL in November and December. In January and much of February I did phased return. It was March before I was working my full hours. I was fortunate and had a good manager. I was also fortunate to get 6 months full pay. I then went onto half pay for a few weeks. Then my AL started. Xc

HiCF58 

I was diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer in December last year. I had a lumpectomy and senital lymph node removal in January. The lymph nodes were clear, but the margins weren't so I had second surgery in February. Again the margins weren't clear so I need a third surgery. The oncologist needed me to start chemotherapy before the 3rd surgery. I had a PICC line put in. It was a bit uncomfortable for a few days, but since then it hasn't caused any problems at all. It is so much better than wrecking you veins. 

I started chemotherapy on 4th April 3 rounds of 3 weekly EC then 12 paclitaxel. I started cool capping too. I had some sickness during the EC but otherwise I wasn't too bad at all. I felt pretty much ok in-between. I had some sickness during my first paclitaxel. It was suggested the cold cap was contributing to it. I was losing my hair anyway so decided to try without it. It was a massive improvement, no sickness at all. I have a lovely wig so there was no point putting myself through unnecessary sickness. I decided not to use it again. I've got 6 paclitaxel left to go before 3rd surgery and radiotherapy. I have also started herceptin injections. It has been gruelling on a few occasions, but on the whole no where near as bad as I imagined. I haven't worked during treatment due to the risk of infection. My best advice it to get up in a morning get dressed put your makeup on and try to be as normal as possible. Taking my dog for a walk each day helps. They say exercise helps you to overcome tiredness. 

I've still got a long way to go, and there are times when I could just curl up and give up, but I push myself that little bit harder and try to get through it. Sometimes the anger and tears come flooding. It's best to let it all out when you can. 

Yes you definitely find our who is genuine and who isn't. I used to get angry about the ones I thought would be there for me. They aren't worth stressing yourself about. 

Good luck with everything 

Hi Lily Anne,

Thank you for sharing your experience, I am quite nervous about everything but it has to be done.  I am lucky I have a lot of people around me, and work has been very supportive.

1. i think I may just do the same and go for the wig and not the cold cap.  I don’t want to out myself through unnecessary pain. Xxx  

Wow you really are going through it, but I hope you know reading your story really inspires me to fight and be positive. I’ve been signed off as well, doctor said priority is recovery and not work. I decided against the cold cap, sounded like a lot of discomfort for no guarantee of keeping my hair. Best wishes for the rest of your treatment.