I had breast cancer 3 cm lump approximately 2 1/2 years ago.  I had a lumpectomy, chemo and radiotherapy, and am now back at work and feeling very well.

Not every person needs chemo, it depends whether it has gone to the lymph nodes or not.  If you look at the satitics on this site for breast cancer it is very good.

It is a very worrying time for your wife and yourself, but I found taking one step at a time the best way of coping.I think when you hear the word cancer, you panic and think the worse, as I did.  I coped with the treatment very well, even chemo. and was back at work full time within 9 months.

My husband was very positive and supportive, which helped me.  

Take care, and if you have any questions, please post on this site.  

Diane

Thanks Diane, reading comments like yours help me be more positive. We won't know how bad until the biopsy but the 'C' word is so scary and use to be associated with death but reading up I've seen it doesn't mean that.

Barry 

Hi I'm 43 last January I was diagnosed with grade 3 Breast cancer , like you said that c word is so scary , but like Diane said keep positive,I had lumpectomy chemo and radiotherapy, a year on all clear now, have my days but I've tried to stay positive , any questions , take care , Ali xx

How did you and your husband cope. At the moment the thought of losing my wife is sickening and brings me to tears.

Barry 

We coped by staying positive and the thought of me dying very rarely came into our mind.  We told ourselves that this was an illness that would be treated and we would move on.  We have now been married 40 years, and worked together on this.  Yes, there were times that we were sad, but very rarely.  You will come through this very difficult time.  I told myself, I was alive, and going to live.  Take each step at a time, I had all the treatment, and I told myself that it was worth it.  

The diagnosis is a shock for you both, but when treatment gets underway you will deal with it.

Sending you both big hugs, and keep posting for support on this site.

Diane xxx

Hi Barry

We are just going into the radiation stage.it is not easy to come to terms with but we can not do anything about the future.Live for today.Share with your friends ,it helps.Try to keep life normal[new normal].

Waiting is dreadful,try to keep busy.

Bed time is worst,I have left music on all night cannot stand the silence.

Leave the reading until you know what you are dealing with.Then read what you need to as you go along,its to much to take in at once.

Set some goals.We are going to decorate the house and go on a holiday in October.

Make the home simple to clean so you can get out.As soon as we get mordaling we go for a walk around our village.

I am not a church goer but our vicar has visited every week and been atower of strength.

I belong to a African drumming group and although I have not felt like drumming I have carried on going and joining in with a shaker,it makes me feel normal ish not a freak.

Describing IT as a tumour helped me and in our young grandchildrens big earshot FRED

There is no right way to deal with IT .Don't beat yourself up for feeling sad etc its natural.

I do some Mensa  or colouring to take my mind off IT .I am making some needle felt brooches for my friends who have been rocks.

I have got my husband cooking and looking at making me a beat box if he can find some plans

Stay strong.

Huggies

Wildboar

X