New Diagnosis

Hi, I am in round 4 of my chemo and although it hasn’t been a happy experience, I am getting through it and wanted to reassure you that it is doable . Staying positive and keeping distracted really helps me and try to remember this time will pass and you are not alone. I found not putting too much pressure on myself to feel positive all the time helped strangely and it’s ok to not want to be where you are at right now . It can feel overwhelming especially at first but the healthcare teams are so prepared and I found the side effects were managed pretty well . I hope that helps and some people sail through with next time no side effects ! 
Good luck - you’ve got this !!

Thank you!!! It just all seems a bit overwhelming. I was feeling the best I’d felt for ages in July, no symptoms whatsoever.. then in August… But must stay positive and take small steps forward.

I was the same I had just had a session with a gym personal instructor and was planning on increasing my fitness programme as I had been feeling so well and working as a teacher too ! No symptoms at all, it doesn’t give you time to get your head around it !! If it helps the side effects are a bit like the flu- hoping that takes some of the fear away for you . I wasn’t sure what to expect and definitely overthought my first session and got myself very anxious - once the first week is over you do start to bounce back and then feel better for the last 10 days to 2 weeks - which I really look forward to . Happy to answer any questions that may be useful xx

Sorry just noticed you are having your chemo weekly so the experience shared may not be as relevant

Hi Beam.  I am sorry to read about your stage 4 diagnosis it is so scary when you hear you have cancer.  I can imagine it has been a very stressful time for you with all the tests and biopsies and then the waiting.etc.  When are you starting your chemo?  I have stage 4 breast cancer with bone mets in most of my bones.  First time I went to see oncologist he asked me what I understood about the cancer.  I said I know it is terminal.  He said it is not terminal, it is incurable but definitely treatable.  This was in September 2024 so just over a year ago.  My treatment has now made the cancer stable and I have a good quality of life.  I walk my dogs every day and my husband and I went on holiday to Portugal this year.  These are things I never thought I would do when I had my diagnosis.  I know what you mean about feeling lost because it can be very lonely.  But you are not alone and this is such a good place to find help, support or just chat or rant whatever you feel the need for.  I am on this forum and the Incurable cancer forum-patients only every day and it is such a big help to me.  I just wanted you to know that you are not alone.  Sending you big hugs and can chat anytime you want to.

Lee x

Hi Yes it’s weekly, so not sure what to expect. But your message helped so much anyway. Good to know there are kind people out there giving encouragement. 

Thank you Lee!!  And thank you for the reassurance that life goes on after all this. My diagnosis was a real shock, as I had no symptoms whatsoever, other than a CT scan for an unrelated issue, showed up enlarged lymph nodes. With the waiting it’s felt like life will never get back to normal. I’m starting chemo next week. At least we now know what I’m dealing with and once I’m in a routine with the weekly treatments, the weeks will disappear quickly. In some odd way I feel happier now. Thank you so much for being so kind and really hope life continues to be good to you. Beam x

Hi Beam,  I had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy for lobular breast cancer 12 years ago.  One of my friends had it the year before me.  The best bit of advice she gave me is to try and stick to your normal routine as much as you can.  I did this and it helped me to feel a bit more in control.  I carried on as normal as much as possible when I felt I could.  It is odd I also felt better when I knew what my treatment plan was and just wanted it started.  Good luck.

Lee x