Hello Liv22

I'm sorry to hear that you've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. It's understandable that things might feel a little overwhelming at the moment, but it's great to know that you have a good support network around you. 

I wanted to try to connect you up with another new member on the forum Sophbrx, who posted a few days ago to say that she has also been diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. Hopefully, the two of you can chat and support each other as you move forward through this journey. 

In the meantime, I wonder if you might find it helpful to chat with one of our team of nurses. 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 Liv22 and let us know how things progress over the next few days and weeks. Hopefully the team at the breast clinic will be able to give you some reassurance soon, and there is always a listening ear here available for you in the Cancer Chat community. 

Sending my best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator 

Hi there, Liv22. It's a scary time, I know. I was recalled after a routine mammogram and convinced that it was nothing. I was sure I just moved when they were doing it, something like that, and that's what was showing up. It was a huge shock to know they found a lump and not knowing what was going to happen.

That was in September last year and they acted very quickly. I had the lump removed at the end of September. My surgeon decided it wouldn't be necessary to do a mastectomy and I had radiotherapy instead of chemotherapy. I understand, if you do require chemo, you can have a cold cap that helps keep your hair, but someone here will probably advise you about that. It's not vain at all to worry about your hair. It's only natural.

I was introduced to my breast nurses and given some very helpful leaflets. They were so supportive and happy to answer any questions. The lumpectomy was done under day surgery and I went home with a drain attached, with the district nurses calling to change and check it. The drain was removed a little less than two weeks later.

The radiotherapy came just before Christmas and it was quick and painless. The staff at the hospital were I had it done were very reassuring and happy to answer any questions. I felt very well supported throughout all of it. I will be with the same breast nurses for the next five years and have my routine yearly mammograms at the hospital where I had my surgery, and I'm free to contact them at any time with any questions. 

It's a difficult time, but there's a lot of support around. My local cancer charity offers things like counselling, aromatherapy and massage and you can get help from www.maggies.org and www.macmillan.org.uk/ too.

I hope you find some of that helpful and there are always people here on the board for you to talk to. Take care.

Definitely call the helpline. The nurse can offer better advice and support. MacMillan have a number of self care booklets that can be a useful resource too. Good luck and we are all here with you. You can do this. Also find a hobby for rest days off from chemo. Do puzzles, read stories or maybe try arts and crafts. Diamond art is fun to do, give it a try. Ask about treatment options  

Carers UK offer a online activity program that is worth looking into. It’s called share and learn, take a look at their website. The details are on there.