Hi Liv,

Welcome to our forum. I am so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. The emotions you are feeling are perfectly normal and will lessen once you start moving forward with treatment. We all tend to think the worst at this stage, but it seldom turns out to be as bad as we expect. Waiting for treatment to start and waiting for test results are some of the worst moments in your cancer journey.

When are you due to start chemo? What ages are your children and do they know that mummy is not well? They only need the simplest of explanations. Hae you got a date for your scans yet? I have had two bouts of breast cancer, the first was 8 years ago and the second was 7 years ago. I had a lumpectomy first and a double mastectomy the second time around, so if there is anything I can help you with just let me know.

Please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Oh thanks for your message Jolamine, scans are on Friday and chat with the oncologist so will know more about when I start chemo but probably in the next couple of weeks. 

I’m sorry to hear you’ve had 2 bouts, how are you feeling now? Did you have chemo? My children are 7 and 9, they know I’m not well but that’s all, have been waiting till I get more info then will tell them so any advice on what to say would be great...

I feel better knowing and planning helps, just trying to keep busy and distracted but it’s hard when it’s all you talk about and think about  but like you say It will get easier once treatment begins and you feel like your fighting it! Just all a bit surreal at the moment 

Thanks for getting in touch 

Olivia 

xxx

Hi Liv,

No, I didn't have radiotherapy or chemo. I was advised to have radiotherapy after my lumpectomy, but, due to procedural errors, this never came to pass. After my double mastectomy I was advised that I didn't need chemo. I had Tamoxifen after the lumpectomy for one year. Second time around I had Letrozole for 6 years. and finished taking this in July 2017. My mobility has been badly affected, but otherwise I'm ok.

Your children are old enough to know that something is going on, but possibly not ready for a full disclosure. Perhaps you could tell them that you have poorly boobies and you are going into hospital to try and make them better?  They don't need a complex description, just something very simple, but be prepared for some very probing questions as they take in your news!

Many of us here would agree that waiting for tests and results is a horrendous time. It is not always easy to keep yourself distracted from what lies ahead, but do your best. I am glad to hear that you are having more tests on Friday and then seeing the oncologist.

I shall be thinking of you and hoping that it all goes as well as possible.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Liv,

No, I didn't have radiotherapy or chemo. I was advised to have radiotherapy after my lumpectomy, but, due to procedural errors, this never came to pass. After my double mastectomy I was advised that I didn't need chemo. I had Tamoxifen after the lumpectomy for one year. Second time around I had Letrozole for 6 years. and finished taking this in July 2017. My mobility has been badly affected, but otherwise I'm ok.

Your children are old enough to know that something is going on, but possibly not ready for a full disclosure. Perhaps you could tell them that you have poorly boobies and you are going into hospital to try and make them better?  They don't need a complex description, just something very simple, but be prepared for some very probing questions as they take in your news!

Many of us here would agree that waiting for tests and results is a horrendous time. It is not always easy to keep yourself distracted from what lies ahead, but do your best. I am glad to hear that you are having more tests on Friday and then seeing the oncologist.

I shall be thinking of you and hoping that it all goes as well as possible.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx