Hi I'm 45 and just found out that a lump I had on my breast is cancerous, I had lump and lymph nodes removed last tues, so I'm now waiting to hear what treatment I'm going to need, My consultant has said most likely 8 sessions of chemo every 3 weeks, so 6 months in total and then radiotherapy mon-fri for a month, so i'm kinda in the unknown zone at the moment. Not looking forward to the hair loss, terribly vain i know, but my hair is very important to me like most women, I colour it blonde which will obviously have to stop. As far as I know my chemo will be given intrevenously, so my hair will most probably fall out. I am going to look into getting a real hair wig as I dont think i've got the guts to go au natural, I've also picked up a couple of bandanas to wear about the house. My partner says it doesnt matter if my hair falls out, as long as i'm here. Luckily I've found the lump very early by self examination whilst on holiday and my consultant is very positive about me getting better. I'm very wary about the next 9 months but feel quite determinded that chemo is a wonder drug and will make me better. My girls are 22 and 20 and are amazing, they have read stories in magazines about Kylie, sally from corrie etc and are determined I will just do what the doc says and get better, my partner who ive only been with for 2 years is the most wonderful guy ever, dunno what I'd do without him, he's been with me every step of the way. I was worried about losing my breast, but fortunately I had a lumpectomy which looks amazing. my consultant says put your life on hold for the next 6-9 months get better and you'll never look back, oh yeah sounds easy, but im trying really hard. I hope I'm still this positive whilst I go through my treatment (def not I hear you say) lol, but I'm a determined ***!

Hope to chat to others in the same situation xx

Hi Colly

I have just read your story and am sorry to hear your news. I like you have recently been diagnoised, I had my op in March and have just had my second chemo treatment on Friday 6 more to go so all going to plan will finish on 24th Septemeber followed by 3 1/2 weeks of radiotherapy, 1 year of tablets and a reconstruction this time next year oh what joys lol.

I like you was concerned about my hair as it was my pride and joy but just yesterday I had it shaved of as I just could not stand it all falling out over me, the house etc. The last straw was when I washed it so it was a trip to the hairdressers and of it came and I feel somuch better for it. At the end of the day it all grows back !!!!!! Ther are some fab web sites for wigs etc and I was speaking to others about this and if you look under hair after chemo in the treatment section this might help you a lot to, only a suggestion.

I have 2 sons aged 25 and 26 who have been great also my family and friends have been a great strenghth to me, it is surprising how people around you react. I have been unfortunate with my husband as he has found it very hard to deal with so we have recently seperated as I could not concentrate on getting myself better and then worry about how he was feeling, that sounds really bad doesn't it but I do not mean it in a nasty way. Well at least he came to chemo with me last Friday and he has now started to speak to others about it, I have suggested he speaks to others on this forum as that might help but hey who knows what he will do.

I like your daughters have read about celebrities who have recently gone through this and all sounds positive so we can all only look on the good side of things. Keep in touch and let us know how things are going

Take care

Littlesis (Linda)

Hi Littlesis

thanks for replying to my post, I've got an Echocardiogram this afternoon, which Ive been told is standard procedure, just feel as though theres something every other day. Very brave of you to have all your hair shaved off, I dunno if I'm going to have the guts to do that, tho most people seem to go down that road, I think to start with I'll get my hair cut shortish and take it from there. Sorry about you and your husband, I'm sure everybody handles things differently and I'm blessed to have such a great partner, if the tables were turned he knows I would be right by his side every step of the way. Well suppose I should move myself and get ready for the hospital. Take care. Col x

Hi Littlesis

thanks for replying to my post, I've got an Echocardiogram this afternoon, which Ive been told is standard procedure, just feel as though theres something every other day. Very brave of you to have all your hair shaved off, I dunno if I'm going to have the guts to do that, tho most people seem to go down that road, I think to start with I'll get my hair cut shortish and take it from there. Sorry about you and your husband, I'm sure everybody handles things differently and I'm blessed to have such a great partner, if the tables were turned he knows I would be right by his side every step of the way. Well suppose I should move myself and get ready for the hospital. Take care. Col x