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Dealing with a new diagnosis when you least expected it

CMurphy
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Hi All, 

I have just found out that I have grade two breast cancer at the age of 27. I don't think you can ever prepare for that news and conversations with consultants - but the internet really put me into a false sense of security with my diagnosis as it is so rare in someone my age and I do not have a direct family history of it too.

I am currently still under going more tests to see if it has spread to my lymph nodes, I have a CT and MRI coming up in the next two weeks too. 

I have known this information for around 36-48 hours and have not slept, constantly feel sick and just numb. 

It is likely I am going to under chemo for 4-5 months as a start. 

I guess I just wanted to know if anyone had any tips or advice for how to begin to process it, I know everyone is different but I cannot even start to feel this is real and the idea of saying this outloud to others terrifies me.  

I am also terrified of chemo and the side effects so anyone that has been through that and has any advice I would really like to hear from you. 

It feels weird to even be writing this, I am not one for sharing or talking but I figured this was as good as place as ever to start. 

Thankyou! 

Parents
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    Hi CMurphy, I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Whilst much older than you (64), I too have a Grade 3 IDC, ER neg, HER2 pos. The waiting is hard, no two ways about it.

    I've had six of seven courses of chemo so far, and it really hasn't been terrible, so don't assume it's going to be bad. There are lots of meds to help you with the worst side effects, but I've hardly had any bad ones.

    My two tips for you are: keep busy while waiting, listen to happy/calming music, meditate/pray. Once you get all your results and treatment plan, you'll find it much easier to move forward. My second tip is: exercise! This is a good article from Australia but there are lots of others:  www.cancer.org.au/.../every-cancer-patient-should-be-prescribed-exercise-medicine

    I would also recommend the book "The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer" by Liz O'Riordan and Trisha Greenhalgh. I like to have lots of information and I've found it really useful.

    I do wish you all the best with your treatment. Don't forget that there's always someone here for support, and the Macmillan helpline is amazing if you have any concerns or just feel you want to talk to someone. 

    xx

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    Hi CMurphy, I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. Whilst much older than you (64), I too have a Grade 3 IDC, ER neg, HER2 pos. The waiting is hard, no two ways about it.

    I've had six of seven courses of chemo so far, and it really hasn't been terrible, so don't assume it's going to be bad. There are lots of meds to help you with the worst side effects, but I've hardly had any bad ones.

    My two tips for you are: keep busy while waiting, listen to happy/calming music, meditate/pray. Once you get all your results and treatment plan, you'll find it much easier to move forward. My second tip is: exercise! This is a good article from Australia but there are lots of others:  www.cancer.org.au/.../every-cancer-patient-should-be-prescribed-exercise-medicine

    I would also recommend the book "The Complete Guide to Breast Cancer" by Liz O'Riordan and Trisha Greenhalgh. I like to have lots of information and I've found it really useful.

    I do wish you all the best with your treatment. Don't forget that there's always someone here for support, and the Macmillan helpline is amazing if you have any concerns or just feel you want to talk to someone. 

    xx

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