Just received diagnosis - awaiting further results

Hi Lau24

Sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with breast cancer.  It's perfectly understandable that you are shocked and that you can't recall much from the consultation.  If the HER-2 result is positive it will mean that you will definitely have chemo.  I know that chemo sounds scary but while I won't say it's easy it is doable.  While everybody reacts differently to treatment it is very unusual to get all of the side effect and you may get away with not having any at all.  Either before your first chemo session or the day of your chemo sessions you will get a load of medication to take home to help counteract any possible side effects and you will also be given numbers for your chemo unit and an out of hour emergency you can ring if you need to.

Try to take each day as it comes and make sure that you get out for a walk everyday even if it's only a short one.  Another good way I find of taking my mind off what's to come is to read a good book, listen to some nice music and anything else I love to do.

Wishing you the best of luck with whatever treatment your medical team put you on.

Best wishes

Daisy53

Hi Daisy53, 

Thank you so much - that conversation felt like such blur & family are now asking me questions and can’t really recall what I was told. 

I think hearing Chemo - just think the worst. I’ve also been referred to fertility clinic as don’t have any children so waiting for an appointment to discuss next steps there too. 

Hope you don’t mind me asking but when they discuss rounds of chemo what does that mean?  How long is a round of chemo - does it depend on type of cancer/ how do they determine what you need? 

Anything I can do ahead of treatment to prepare for what’s next? 

Hi, sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Pause take some time to register. I am currently waiting to start my chemo after having surgery (therapeutic mammaplasty and reduction of other breast) and I was HER2 negative. If you have a force centre in your area I advise going there as they are brilliant. As the last comment just do one day at a time. Don't worry about taking everything in either sign up for my care app or take someone with you to take notes

Hi, thank you I think I need to process things myself but trying to be strong for those around me - but just don’t have. The answers they are looking for. 
i will do some research and see what’s in my local area - I will ask my nurse too for some more info. This has helped just to speak to those in similar situations as although I have lots of people around me also feel alone - if that makes any sense. 

how are you feeling after surgery? Did you have any chemo pre surgery? 

Hi, I am now feeling ok just some movements are tender. No chemo pre surgery, everything moved very fast found lump on 11th may had surgery on 7th June, I agree about feeling alone as people don't actually understand even though they are supporting. Luckily for me one ofy friends has been through all this and is out the other end. As for doing research use the Macmillan website don't just Google 

Hi Lau24

Yes it depends on what type of breast cancer you have and what grade your cancer is. Chemo can last for up to three hours depending on what drugs your oncologist gives you and whether you decide to do cold capping so that you won’t lose your hair. They tend to talk about cycles of chemo instead of rounds.

For example I tell you about the treatment I had.  I was diagnosed with grade three triple negative breast cancer nearly three years ago. I had 8 cycles of chemo, 4 of AC and 4 of Taxol.  I had chemo first as my tumour was 2.5cm and then I had surgery. I had further chemo as I didn’t have a complete response to chemo and I also had radiotherapy.

Just bear in mind that everyone’s treatment path is different, it’s individual to your situation.

Jest make sure you eat a balanced diet to keep your strength up for what’s ahead. Drink plenty of fluids particularly during treatment. As Pud42 said don’t google your type of breast as the information on google is at least five years out of date. There is also a website called Breast Cancer Now that you can look at for the most up to date information on Breast Cancer.

Most of all be kind to yourself and give yourself little treats when you feel like it.

Daisy53

Hi Lau24, sorry to hear of your diagnosis. If your HER2 test comes back positive then you will have chemo like Daisy53 says. I agree it’s doable and you probably won’t have all the side effects listed but you may get a couple.  You will also have 3 weekly injections in the leg too possibly over a year or maybe just 6 months depending on how you get on with them. This is in the form of either Phesgo or Herceptin. This helps to target the HER2 protein and to stop it multiplying. I have the Phesgo injection every 3 weeks and have just had number 9 so am halfway. When I had my first one I had a reaction of fast heartbeat and temperature so I now have pre meds before each jab. Now I don’t have any side effects with it all. Also you will have a 3 monthly heart scan too as it can affect the heart but again so far this has all been ok for me. 
Everyone’s plan is designed for them so your medical team will sort the best meds for you. 
Wishing you all the best

Hugs from cuffcake x x x x x

You could ask for a meeting with a macmillan breast nurse, if that's possible,  they will help with all your concerns. I found it really helpful to take someone with me to all my appointments so they can make notes. I don't know where you live but there may a Maggie's near you, go in and ask to speak to someone. 

There is a local Maggie’s centre and now know that I can just pop in - that’s my plan this week. Thanks

Hi - wow there is so much to think about. This is so helpful as I’ve my treatment plan is yet to be decided so just to have this insight prepares me for what’s is to come. 

how did you manage work? I’m off at the moment as just found the initial diagnosis a shock & mentally didn’t feel I could cope with work - I will need to have a conversation with my manger/ Hr moving forward. 

I’ve also been referred to fertility clinic to discuss preserving my fertility - any experience of that process? 

Thank you x