Diagnosed

Hi Melaniep6687 

I am sorry you have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Waiting for your results is very stressful. Once you know a bit more about how they propose to treat you, post a little more detail and many of us will be able to give lots of advice. Meanwhile try not to look too far ahead. It’s unfortunately a common cancer but most of us have good outcomes. 

Hello Melanie,

I’m so sorry you find yourself here, but you will always get support from someone on this site, no matter what time of day, and I, for one, am very glad I joined this community.  Given that, it’s not a community anyone wants to join really, is it?

Some tips, given my experience, are to try not to make assumptions at an early stage regarding the full diagnosis and treatment.  I have found it can change very quickly, as more results come in, some better than expected, and some less so.  And that goes for ongoing treatment too.  Assume you are in it for the long haul.

Try and find a support group if possible via your local hospital or Macmillan, it’s been invaluable to moan/rejoice with a group of people going through a similar experience!  Frankly, they have been better at supporting me than my family, but that’s another matter!

I’m a planner and an organiser, so for me it’s knowing the ins and outs of everything (which is possibly driving my oncologist nuts), but for you it may not be the same.  Have a think about how you might want to approach this new aspect of your life (clearly unwelcome, I know), as only you know you, and how it’s best for you to be treated.  Advocate for yourself and your treatment, as sometimes that’s what you need to do.

Kind regards,

Pollyanna x

Hi Melanie

I’m sorry you have to be here, but welcome! 

In my view exercise is the best thing you can do to support yourself throughout and beyond cancer, both physically and mentally. Doesn’t matter what you do, but, if you can, get your body moving. It comes up in research over and over again how exercise strengthens the body ready for surgery, aids recovery, helps with side effects from cancer treatments and reduces risk of recurrence. There may be times you don’t feel like doing anything but, if you can, then do. I swear by it and consider exercise as much a part of my ongoing plan as the medication.

As has already been said, once you know your treatment plan I am sure the lovely people here will be able to share their similar experiences. x