Hello Jeannieo

I'm sorry to hear that you've recently been told that you are now living with secondary breast cancer. I'm sure that that was really difficult news to hear and it's natural that you will have questions and concerns about the future. 

It's good to hear that you've already been able to start some treatment and that the oncologist has been optimistic that these will help manage the cancer. I hope that you've settled into the treatments and that you're not struggling with side effects. 

You've mentioned in your post that at the moment you've not told your children the news about your diagnosis. I'm unsure how old they are and it's understandable that you want to protect them for as long as possible. Some people tell their children as soon as they are diagnosed. You might feel it is better to wait until you have had some time to cope with your own feelings and process what you have been told. There isn’t always a right time. But keeping it secret can be stressful. It is likely that your children are aware something is wrong. So, it might be best not to delay telling them for too long. I hope that you have other family and friends that you've felt comfortable sharing this news with and that you have lots of support around you as you navigate this. 

I know that we have members here on the forum who have been living with a few different incurable cancers for a number of years. Hopefully, they will post to share their stories and words of encouragement with you. If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're most welcome to give them a call. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

Keep in touch Jeannieo and let us know how you're getting on. We're here to listen and offer any support that we can. 

Best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator