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

just had my lump and nodes removed thursday (12th Aug) so will know my treatment shortly. I am expected to have radiotherapy and chemo but i thought radiotherapy came first, seems on here it is the other way around - perhaps I wasn't listening. I'm feeling a bit daunted at what comes next but more so for the effect it will have on the family - i worry too about not being the glamourous vital woman i was and will that change my realationship with my partner and so on. Although we are planning to get married. So much to talk about! it would appear you will be going through treatment at around the same time as me, so if you would like to stay in touch and discuss our good and bad days, please do !!! my email is simplysara1@hotmail.com

wishing the best of luck to you

sara

Hi Ladies

It's good to hear from you all

Lonie, Thank you for the advice about petrol and parking... I didn't realise that you could claim expences back.... that is a huge weight off my mind, and I have got a appointment with the Macmillan benifits officer next wednesday... so I am calming down a bit now.

I was watching a film yesterday and when it finished I just left the television on, and another film came on called "Matters of life and dating" And it was all about a woman called Linda Dankin (Played by Ricki Lake) and it was based on a true story...... And it's all about a single woman called linda who finds out she has breast cancer.... It's a very moving story about how this woman coped with finding she has cancer, having a mastectomy and her recovery and how she got back to work and back into dating..... I laughed, I cried but I most definitely related to the film..... It is so inciteful that I thought there muct have been some serious research gone into making the the film..... but as you get to the end of the film you see that the whole film was made by a poet friend of the lady in question "Linda Dankin" who was also in the same cancer support group as Linda having undergone a mastectomy and chemotherapy herself.

A fantastic film that I could recommed to anyone going through breast cancer..... She had so many of the same worries and fears that I have myself...... it's definitely worth a look

It's called..... Matters of life and dating.

Love Caz xx

Hi guys

so sorry Its been so long, but I have been reading all your posts, Hi to Sara and Caroline sorry you have had to join us, but Im glad the chats have been helping you, I myself have found so much strength from these wonderful ladies, Tues I go for my 3rd Chemo ....so sorry you havnt been feeling to good Colly and you too Lonie your previous post made me cry I wanted so much to just give you a great big hug.

Rose Im glad your not returning to work too soon, thought Id update you on the bald front lol, trying to see the bright side .....quicker showers! no need for an umbrella, money saved on shampoo etc etc.

Have been feeling great these last 2 weeks and have joined the gym again, but am aware that come tues I will feel like pooh again for a few days, still almost half way there ...roll on christmas hey!!.

Much love to you all

Lee xxx

Hi lee well don't you look fab without hair. You have a lovely face which obviously helps. I feel so much better but like yourself I know come wed I'll feel rubbish for a few days then back to normal. Hope everyone is well. Col x

You look sooooo pretty !!If I looked like that I would shave my head permanently.Glad you have mostly good days.On the bad days you must cwtch up on sofa and watch rubbish while eating icecream,its the law !! I cant belive you are so far on with your treatment,seems only a couple of weeks ago you wrote your first terrified post.

Good luck and love

Rose xx

wow Lee, I agree with Colly - you look stunning! i am inspired to hear about you and the gym. I am nearly off smoking (well i cheat a bit but i am not even smoking a whole cig a day so compared with 30 a day thats good - patches and inhaler help!) and intend to do my best to get into shape regardless of the treatments I will have to endure. I still don't really know what they will be or what to expect. Was told radiation and probably chemo. Results of lumpectomy and sentinel node biospy due Tuesday.

I am feeling very nervous about chemo, keep hearing about so many effects. however, Lee you look gorgeous and you have inspired me- i think a long walk tomorrow with my daughter and grandchildren, wear them out and get my lungs and muscles working !

Hope you all had a good weekend - shame about the weather but your comments here always leave me with some sunshine in my life.

sara xx

Hi Sara,

We sent the previous post at exactly the same time !:shocked: Well done with the ciggies Keep up the good work.

Colly,glad you get some good days as well as grotty ones.You have come so far and are always so happy with everyone.

Where is Loumack these days?Let us know how you are Lou.

Love to you all

Rose xxx

Hi Sara

good luck for Tues my thoughts will be with you and with you Colly on Wed this whole situation is one big roller coaster ride for all of us and we will have good days and bad days but thanks to this site we will never have alone days, thanks girls for the lovely comments on my new look!! it took some getting used to but I guess its not forever.

Take good care all of you

Lots of love

Lee xx

Hi All,

I went to the hospital today - god why is that always such a trauma? full waiting rooms and no air! Still, has to be done I guess. My sentinel node biopsy was clear and so was the margin around the tumour. So, to hell with waiting, after a tearful morning waiting to go to the hospital, i have had two large glasses of wine - soaked in the bath and removed the last of the dressings and feel a bit braver.

i am expected to start chemo in about 4-6 weeks and then radiotherapy, and i am a bit nervous but i am remembering every day the posts here about how life can carry on as normal - believe me - this makes such a difference to being positive, i had visions of being confined to bed for several weeks!

slipped a bit with the smoking today so need to really buck back up tomorrow, but couldn't go without sharing my news and saying once agan a big thank you for all your support. It is amazing how it helps !

Colly love and best wishes for tomorrow x

sara xx

Sara,

What brilliant news honey, I am so pleased for you.... That must be such a relief for you. You celebrate the same way I do.... bottle of wine and a long soak... :grin:

I am about a month behind you in my treatment so I will be turning to you for advice.

I had my MRI scan today so I have to wait till friday to find out how far the cancer has gone.... Then I have got my operation next wednesday and 12 days later I will be exactly where you are now.

As for the smoking..... one day at a time.... so you slipped a bit today, try again tomorrow.... Today you celebrate your good news

I will be back on friday with my results

Colly good luck for tomorrow honey

And to Lee and all the other ladies... Keep on fighting.... Your fight inspires others

Love Caz Xxx

Hi Sara,

Great news :grin: .You deserved the wine and dont panic about the ciggies,back to it tomorrow.Good healthy food for 4-6 weeks to build up your defences ready for treatment. You are getting nearer and nearer the day that your treatment finishes although it may seem far away.

Have a couple of days out and about nd enjoy !!

Rose xxx

Hi Sara,

Great news :grin: .You deserved the wine and dont panic about the ciggies,back to it tomorrow.Good healthy food for 4-6 weeks to build up your defences ready for treatment. You are getting nearer and nearer the day that your treatment finishes although it may seem far away.

Have a couple of days out and about nd enjoy !!

Rose xxx