A Newbie who's ready for chats :-)

 

On March 13th I was diagnosed with Lymphatic and Metastic lobula breast cancer which is aggressive and has since spread accross the chest wall. I am due to have it cut out in the next 2 weeks after several complications and recovering from  an ongoing chest infection.

I know the prognosis isn't great but i am forever positive. My biggest saddness is seeing my patner get so upset and I really am worried how he will cope. We have been together 17 years and we are each others life. Has anyone had this and what is the best way to deal with it?     

I recently had to give up work on my GP's advice but I need to occupy my time and would love to do volountary work so I think that will be my plan going forward. Any ideas?

   

  • Hi there ... so now your a member of our little club, that no one wanted to join, but glad wer all in it together ...

    I was diagnosed grade3 her 2 last July... and it seemed pretty dia ... made my funeral plans, letters written ... was just hoping I had couple months with my granddaughter (pictured)  then l found this little chat room, and a wonderfull lady, jolomine steered me through ... she's had a couple of bouts of b c .. and is still here helping others ... 

    So gradually we've built up a little groop ... wer all at different stages and treatments ... but we help each other through low days, and chat about all sorts on good ones ...  if you look at the thread " GOOD AND BAD"  you'll see sandra123 as her journey proceeded .. and we all have one goal, to kick cancers butt .. it's a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, but wer all still standing (well resting a lot too) 

    Once the shock dies down, and you read others stories, I'm sure you'll feel a bit stronger ... you can do this ... and I'm still here 10 months post mastectomy and all my plans and letters are put away safely. 

    There's a lot on here that have pushed those boundaries along their journey.. so get you hubby, hold on together .. get your boxing gloves on, look it in the eye and get in the ring, ready to trade blow for blow ..

    You will have tears, and your feelings will be all over the place, but after you say, your gonna do whatever it takes to get rid of that cancer ... it's not about winning or loosing this journey .. it's about sticking two fingers up to it ... don't let it change who you are ... wer all on that rollercoaster ride with you ... Chrissie big hug ....

  • Hi Newbie!

    Welcome to the forum ;-)

    Have you thought about volunteering for CRUK? I also retired due to my cancer and I am now a campaigns ambassador and a health awareness volunteer for CRUK. Both roles are completely different but very rewarding. Check out www.cancerresearchuk.org/.../volunteer 

    Cheers

    Dave

  • My partner struggled with my diagnosis too.  The GP can refer him for counselling, but that may take time.  Maggie's is a great place for help but try researching what is available in your area. 

    I worked in a hospice drop in centre and many of our volunteers had cancer, were in recovery or treatment.  You have a unique understanding, which would help many people.

  • Hi, I am also new to this so we’re both in the same boat I was also diagnosed with a aggressive cancer and like you strive to stay positive, and I have also had a partner that found it very difficult to cope with my diagnosis. In my opinion I think communication is so key in getting through this together! And also maybe a counsellor may be a good idea if they need to just release all their feelings out, they’re good at that. As for volunteer work I think that’s an awesome idea, a way to keep busy and help others at the same time :) 

     

    bex x 

  • Hi Chris,

    Thank you so much for replying, it makes me fell bad that so many people are so much worse off and so strong. I had my surgery on the 5th June, Lymph nodes removed  from left arm and masectomy but I feel ok and taking it on board. My partner sat for 5 hours every day with me in hospital for 8 days so that was committment!!!! Really nice to chat, I do hope your ok anfd going from strenth to streength.

    Warm regards,

    Suzanne

      

  • Hi there ...

    So good to hear from you again ... well that's the hardest bit done ... and with your super hubby by your side , well all kick cancers butt down the road ... it's not about winning or losing this journey , it's about not letting it change the people we are ... look how far you've come ... 

    Be carefull of arm where lymph nodes taken, the arm takes a while to heal ... so good on you ... bet a year ago you would never have thought you could come this far ...

    I've got my 1st year post op, next month ... can't believe I'm still here ... but wer both on that rollercoaster ride called cancer ... if you look round I'm right behind you ... so hold on tight ... it's a bumpy ride ... always here if you want a chat ... or let off steam ... sending you a big brave hug ... Chrissie