Feeling sad and scared :(

Hi everyone, I've never posted on anything like this before but feel I need too. In March I had my first diagnosis of Stage 3 Breast Cancer in my right breast and lymph nodes. This was followed by a CT scan which showed what they think is my BC in my lung and bones. I dealt with the initial diagnosis fine, ok I had BC but I was gonna smash that right out of the park. However, the CT results really get me down. I feel like the problem expanded, ballooned, suddenly, before I'd had a chance to fight, it scares me when they write Breast Cancer with Mets. I'm only 45 with 3 young children, I am just about to have my second chemo treatment on Thursday. Anyone out there experiencing similar? Xxx

  • Hi i thought i had replied but it got lost "in the ether"     I have a different type of cancer but the fears and worries are the same for everyone i think. Do you have a good consultant that you can talk to - also you can be assigned a Macmillan nurse for support. (which isnt just for end of life care as i thought ) I try to embrace life and take every opportunity to make the most of it - sounds like you have a lovely family which keeps you busy!  Its not easy to keep strong but i am a firm believer in the power of positive thinking. ( and turmeric pills :) ) 

  • Thanks for replying. I didnt realise you could get turmeric pills?? Trying to add it into my diet though. My Consultant is ok, she is Greek though and sometimes I think she and I get crossed wires - in that I think she said one thing and my husband later tells me that its not what she said. Is being assigned a Macmillan Nurse the same as your Breast Care Nurse??

  • yes i get them from Natures best i think they are the strongest you can get - it has all sorts of good properties so even if it doesnt help the cancer ( which its supposed to) it wont do any harm!  A macmillan nurse is different but  probably does a similar job.   its not easy to do but try to stay positive - since i was diagnosed i have tried to make the best of every day, never turn down an invitation to go out and about and although my tastebuds are shot and my wine drinking days seem to be over ( it tastes horrible now ) i still find the funny side of things - especially when people dont know what to say to you and end up saying something totally inappropriate :) x

  • Hi Annie 

    So sorry to hear about your diagnosis -  it’s not half a side swipe to go from total normality to.... “this”. 

    I was diagnosed with BC in August last year... 2 lumps right breast invasive ductal and lobular. My active treatment is now finished (lumpectomy and radiotherapy) and I am back to whatever is classed as normal these days. 

    Of course you feel the way u do...you have been side swiped twice. Best bit of advice I was given on this site... ever... was live in the moment. Stop the thinking ahead, stop the what ifs, stop the would, could and should haves. Deal with the here and now and take it each day at a time. 

    May not believe it but now u have got your treatment plan in place and you feel you are actually moving forward with actions ... you will begin to feel more in control again soon.

    There is a thread on here “The good and the bad” where a number of BC ladies join in and support each other help with advice and talk cake, treatment and what they r having for tea... because we are more than the disease we live our lives despite the disease:-) 

    Drop by nd have a bit of a read and should u choose to post nd join in :-) 

    You can do this Annie you are not alone ️ X

  • Hi AnnieLove and [@madcatandbunnywoman]‍, 

    I saw you were discussing tumeric/tumeric pills so I just wanted to let you know that any supplements that are taken without letting your medical team or GP know can be dangerous as it can interfere with any conventional treatment you may be having or need so do make sure you have a chat with them and that they are aware of this. 

    Whilst we are unaware of the specific product you are taking madcatandbunnywoman‍, there have been concerns about turmeric based food supplements, as listed below:

    Risks of turmeric supplements

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has issued a warning about the turmeric-based food supplement Fortodol (also sold as Miradin).

    Fortodol (Miradin)

    Fortodol has been found to contain the strong anti-inflammatory drug nimesulide.

    Nimesulide can cause serious damage to the liver and is not licensed as a medicine in the UK. The Food Standards Agency in the USA states that taking products that contain unknown amounts of nimesulide could be very harmful. 

    Fortodol and Miradin are sold in the UK and on the internet as food supplements. The FSA advises anyone taking these products to stop doing so immediately, and contact their doctor if they have any signs of liver disease.

    The signs include yellowing skin (jaundice), dark urine, feeling or being sick, unusual tiredness, stomach or abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

    You can read more about this and tumeric in general on our website just here.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi, I can' imagine what your going through it sounds so hard I'm a mum myself to four young children and I can only imagine how strong your having to be! It isn't me going through cancer treatment however my dad is he got diagnosed with lung cancer that spread to his lymph nodes, he has his second treatment on Thursday and I'm trying to remain hopeful however I to am scared and worried of how he progresses I know this isn' much but I hope it helped. Kay x