Hello

I had treatment for breast cancer 3 years ago, and like you I was horrified I had to have chemo, but It was not as bad as I thought.  I suffered slight sickness for the first few days and then felt quite well until the next round.  Loosing your hair is not nice, but worth it.  I realise not everyone is the same, but it was o.k. for me.

Three years on and am doing well.

Take care Diane xxx

Thanks Diane, have had left mastectomy and axillary node clearance, those drains were a pain. Feeling almost normal now.Much better than I expected. Will be back at the clinic next week to find out what they have lined up for me. X

Hi

Glad the operation is over and you are feeling well.  It is a bit of a rollercoaster isn't it?  

Please post when you know what the next process is, there is lots of support on here.  

Look after yourself.

Diane xxxx

Hi there.
So glad to hear that the initial surgery went well and wishing you a speedy recovery before the next stage.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer last October, had surgery in November, sterted chemo New Years Eve and had my last session of Radiotherapy today. Hoorah!
I won't lie to you and tell you the treatments were easy because they weren't. My hair, eyebrows and lashes were the first to go on chemo and the fatigue is frustrating. The latter will continue for a while especially after radiotherapy and my nails have started with ridges and are lifting which is to be expected when you take into consideration the drugs I was on. I was fine for the first few cycles but after cycle 4 I was ill. Constant sickness, fatigue, weak and even my skin hurt to be touched. Not pleasant but at least I have lived to tell the tale. Nearly over!
The Lymphedema was easily treatable and as soon as I started with it I used the massage techniques that the classes will teach you. That soon nipped that in the bud but you have to be vigilant for when it starts.
I do know people who have tried to fight their cancer with diet and exercise and some with brilliant results but the cancer has almost always returned and nastier than ever. I did consider this option myself as chemo terrified me but the survival rates compared to standard treatments soon changed my mind when I researched the results for my age group (42 years old).
Good luck with your treatments and I hope yours will be as successful as mine have been whether you decide chemo/radiotherapy or the diet route........ xxx

Elaine when I was being treated for breast cancer I took all the treatment on offer. I tried to stay healthy by walking everyday at least one hour. I think that helped me to stay fit because the treatment is hard on your body. Some people do better than others. I had no option about treatment without it I would most certainly have died.  Take advice from your medical team I thinks that's the best course of action.  Keeping fit enabled me to have my treatment without delay due to ill health. So keep fit eat the right type of foods etc but remember treatment is vital to your survival whatever type of treatment you are offered. Take care 

Thank you all for the support and heads up, You are all amazing for being here for us newly diagnosed xx