Newly Diagnosed

Hi, my names Danielle. I’m 41 and have just been diagnosed with Breast cancer. I’ve already spoken to the MacMillan nurses and I’m awaiting my surgery date when a couple more biopsy reports come back. They seem hopeful that they have caught it early (I’m praying).

Everyone is saying all the right things and being really kind but it just feels so lonely if that makes sense. I have so many things running through my mind and my children are absolutely my priority. I’m trying to be strong for them but feel like I’m failing slightly. This is all so new and raw so just wanted to introduce myself and hopefully this is a safe space to do so. Sorry for the waffling.

  • Hi Danielle

    I'm sure your not failing your children. Feeling lonely makes complete sense, my cancer is different to yours and I've just finished my treatment. Like you there are people around me if I need them and all trying to do and say the right things but you still feel alone I think it's because until someone says you have cancer you can't understand the fear that goes through your mind and even if you have had a diagnosis we all go on different journeys. Hope that makes sense. Don't apologise for waffling thats what these forums are for to get everything out. Sending hugs. Xx

  • Hi Danielle. I'm Margaret. I'm also 41 and recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I've lurked on here for a while and have found it to be really supportive for those posting. How old are the kids? Their reactions have been the toughest parts so far for me. I think it won't feel quite real to me until I start treatment.

  • Hi Danielle,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear of your diagnosis and like most of us here, I can appreciate your anxiety. Waiting for results is one of the most worrying times of our cancer journey. There are so many unknowns and our over active imaginations only make matters worse. It is good to hear that you think that you have caught this early, but irrespective of the outcome, you will feel better once you know what you are dealing with.

    Many of us get quite frustrated with the placatory remarks from friends and family, but they are coming from a good place. We all tend to fear for our children - this is a natural reaction. I felt the same with my 2 children, when I was first diagnosed and feared that I might never see them grow up and reach their milestones. I have since seen them leave school, go to university, graduate, find gainful employment, fall in love, marry and they have provided me with 2 beautiful granddaughters. This all happened over the past 14 years and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life - I'm sure that you will too.

    I sincerely hope that your other results come through soon.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx