Hi. I had diagnosis of breast cancer 2013. I had the opposite affect. I couldn't sit down was constantly in the go. I think it's all down to the shock of diagnosis. So you feel shocked down and your response is extreme tiredness. As I went through treatment I was up and down. I am still that way four years along the road or journey as was explained to me. Anyway once you start your treatment you will start to feel in control and as I said start your journey. Am I can suggest is get out in the fresh air fo some walking if you feel fit enough and eat well. When tired lie down and rest and allow your family and friends to support you even spoil you. Warmest wishes to you for the future. WA
Thank you for your quick reply, which was very reassuring.
I had a biopsy done on Thursday that very an awful painful experience, so that made me more tired and anxious.
Im a dancer so am used to being on the go out and about and meeting up with friends, so this has come as a huge shock, it's not the cancer I'm worried about, it's that how do I find the strength to fight it when my body and mind aren't of the usual mindset.
I with a wonderful man who is looking after me, cooking nutritious meals.
So my next step is to get more movement, like you mentioned.
I haven't had a full diagnosis, but know the cancer has spread the my lympth nodes.
If it's not too personal, could you please tell me how far your cancer had spread, and what treatment you were given. I know no two people are alike, but it might help me to understand what I will be up against.
Hi. We all have a different story. Anyway here is mine. Had problems with stomach and sent for MRI. Outcome nothing wrong with stomach but cysts noted in both breast. I was surprised but not concerned. Attended clinic 4 months later due to surgeon being off with broken leg. Outcome no cysts but one very nasty 2.5 cm tumour. Turned out was grade 3 and 4 out of 18 nodes affected. Had surgery to remove tumour and node clearance. However surgeon did not get clear margins do back to theatre. Once that was over I then had 6 sessions of chemo therapy and 28 fusions of Herceptin. The tumour was her2 positive. Herceptin targets the her2 receptors which sit on surface of cancer cells. Herceptin stops the signal telling cells to multiply. After chemo and still on Herceptin I had 35 radio therapy sessions and 4 boosts to the tumour bed. Her2 is considered especially aggressive and likelihood of recurrence high. The Herceptin targets that and hopefully stops any recurrence. It is s long haul but it is doable. You just have to look after yourself and if anything happens contact. Any concerns which arise talk to your breast care team immediately. I see the surgeon and oncologist every six months. They take good care of me and because of this I generally feel happy. I returned to work before the radio therapy started and was supported by my employer. I have been lucky. During my treatment I met many woman of all ages who had had breast cancer sometime before and it had metasised to another area of their body. Modern treatments were keeping them alive with a good quality of life. Most were back at work looking after their families and some were going abroad on a regular basis. So all in all it sounded positive. I dread the thought of a recurrence but know that there are treatments which can keep it under control for many years. I hope that all makes sense and I haven't alarmed you. Even where nodes are involved there is still good outcomes. Take care. X
You sound very much in control even thought you have gone through so much treatment.
You have given me a lot information which gives me confidence to tackle what's to come.
Today as the day went on, and after your reply. Although I was feeling exhausted and in low spirits I did a few stretches and light excercise, and got myself out of the house, just food shopping and a drive into the hills which has helped somewhat.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and had a second primary in 2011. I have had a lumpectomy and a double mastectomy, followed by Tamoxifen for the first year and then Letrazole for the last five years. I did not have any radio or chemo, but am still keeping well.
Waiting on tests or the results of tests is always a difficult time. Like you I suffered with extreme exhaustion before my diagnosis and for about 4 years into treatment. My medication also made me very tired, which didn't help. I dozed a lot throughout the day during this time and am only now beginning to feel a little better. Discuss how you feel with your care team and allow yourself to take as much rest as you need.
Hope that things go well next week and wishing you well on your cancer journey.
I am glad to hear that you are ready to fight this.
I'm 68 and also not as agile as I used to be, but with the help of some marvellous people on this site and some cancer support groups, I am in a much better place than I was immediately after diagnosis.
It would be all too easy to give up, but look around you. Do you really feel ready to go? Look around at family and friends - I'm sure that they're worth staying here for. When you get over the shock of diagnosis, you'll realise that it is worth doing it for yourself too.
Do pop back here. I know that all cancers are different, but it does help when you can talk to people who know exactly what you are going through. This spell of coming to terms with a cancer diagnosis and waiting for treatment is very stressful. We are all here to give you support along the way.
Keeping yourself busy at this stage is a good idea even if you do feel exhausted now. Well done for your activities today.Try your best to keep busy until you have had the results of your biopsy and have the other scans behind you.
I shall be thinking of you this week and hope that you don't have long to wait for your results.
