Emotional Wreck

Hi everyone my names Christine and I'm 41.

I've recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and just can't believe it.

I've had surgery, and have been told my margins were clear and so were my lymph nodes, which I know it's great news, but when followed by but you will still need chemo and radiotherapy, well it took me a while to accept that it was good news.

Im due to start my chemo on 11th April, and I'm hoping to use the cold cap and maybe not lose all of my hair.

Im so scared though, I watched my mom to through so much with pancreatic cancer 15 years ago, and just can't belive I've got to go through this now (sorry if I sound selfish).  I cry so much, I've actually thought it would be better if I got knocked over and killed to avoid my family, husband and girls having to go through all of this.

I've been reading through the posts before I've taken the step to post myself  and Id appreciate any words of advice.

All take care 

Christine 

  • Hello Christine,

    your in exactly the same position as me....clear margins no lymph node involvement but as I'm her2 pos....it means chemotherapy, I'm now half way through. I'm on fec all the way, no changing to T......will be interesting to see if yours is the same as mine...

     

    its all a whirl isnt it? I totally understand how your feeling right now...I decided not to cold cap but know of plenty who do and are getting on ok with it....while chemo can be pretty horrible it's also doable, they keep a close eye on you and want to keep you well...

     

    what support do do you have at home? Keep in touch Hun, you will get a lot of comfort here, I know I do.....xxxxx

  • Hi Christine

    im new here today. I understand how you feel. I am having a craniotomy and my right eye removed on Tuesday, followed by radiotherapy. My cancer is rare and does not respond to chemotherapy and nearly always returns. I know it’s hard news to take but you just have to appreciate the treatments which you are being offered. So many people are wishing that they had the opportunities which we are getting given. I also thought it would be easier to just check out. My 2 small kids have given me the energy to get through this nightmare and I know it’s coming back so I will face it when it comes if I get through this bout. Look for the good in every day, enjoy every minute. My dad had chemotherapy and radiotherapy 40 years ago and all treatments are easier to go through today. I expect your experience will be different to 15 years ago. Stay happy & good luck

  • Hello CJL

    I don’t have anything practical to say to help,I am on this forum as I lost my husband to a very aggressive cancer, also very rare and aggressive and also returns .

    Just wanted to say my thoughts and love are sent to you

    Please keep in touch on this forum ,it does help x

  • Hi Marlyn

    Thank you for your support, I'm on FEC for 3 sessions then they are adding another targeted treatment for another  3 along with a targeted injection for 12 months. I'll have 3 weeks of radiotherapy and 10 years on tamoxifen.  Well I'm pretty sure that's what they said I'm a PA but need my own PA to deal with all this!

     

    My husband, sister and rest of my family and friends are really great, but I always want my mom and that's who is no longer here. My girls are 13 abd 10.

    All the best and do keep in touch 

  • I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, I'm glad you can take some comfort from this forum, as I know I already am.
  • I expect you will be on the herceptin then? It's usually for a year but I'm hoping to be on the 6 month trial......you'll have to tell me what the chemo changed to .....I'm interested to find out...

     it's good you have support....you will need all the help you can get....there is so much to take in! Always here if you need a chat xx

  • Can I ask, did you have surgery to remove the lump before chemo? I had mine removed on 28th Feb and the breast is still tender and feels swollen on the side almost like a lump
  • Thank you for your kind words, I wish you all the best too

  • Yes, I had a lumpectomy on jan 3rd, and still today get pains in the area, I also experienced cording the first few weeks. 

    It does take a while for the breast tissue to settle but if the pain is getting to you do talk to your bc nurse xxxx

  • Hi Christine

    I am so sorry that you are going through this and also about what you went through with your mom. I have also been diagnosed with breast cancer and have my lumpectomy scheduled for this Monday.  It has spread to only one lymphnode. Between the Diagnosis and the CT scan and MRI my entire body was in excruciating pain,My lymphnodes were swollen all over my body. My CT scan came back clear and I realised it was actually the state of my mind. My stress levels shot through the roof and affected my body negatively. I got upset with everyone who said “you will be fine”,because I just felt ,how do you know that,have you seen my family history,have you ever head cancer,dont say things you don’t know for sure and the list goes on.

    My sister went through and died because of chemo-Leukemia 12 years ago and well my mom passed away 23 years ago after the the breast cancer metastasized to her lungs etc. Thankfully she did not suffer but died of a heart attack instead. I am 42 by the way. So I can really understand all the emotions you must be experiencing now.

     According to my hubby and my friends,I am treating this as a common cold,which actually helps alot as my both my kids and my husband are also extremely calm. I know This is going to be really difficult but to have your mind under control makes it so much easier to deal with.

    I read somewhere that if you accept and acknowledge the diagnosis,it makes it easier for you to fight it.

    I really hope this helps and take care. 

    Oh and this is my first actual detailed post on here too xx

    All of the best on your journey and if you need a chat

    we’re here