Life after breast cancer

I began breast cancer treatment in February 2013, chemo and radiotherapy, and now Tamoxifen. During the next few years I was very positive and carried on with most things, returning to work full-time working with young people  I was almost in denial, and thought this is an illness I will fight and get on with life.  I never allowed myself to actually sit down and think about it.  I always put on a brave face, and people would say how well I was doing.  Some would say this is the best way, and good on you.  It is only now after 2 1/2 years I have actually thought about what I went through, and am now able to talk about it to other people.  I would never have written on an internet site about it, but it actually helps me to come to terms with things.  I am lucky and feel quite well now.  But feel guilty that sometimes I feel quite down in the dumps.

I now feel a weight has been lifted being able to write this.

Has anyone else felt like this?

  • Hi Andy i hope your treatment goes well.i think when u first find out its a bit of a blur then you just go through the motions. Ihad op in march . and finished 15 rads two weeks ok . i feel now its hit me the reality. Didnt help fell down steps and hurt my back . but im really exhausted now . and a bit down . but i will pick my self up it just takes time . everyone feels different after treatment .theres no right or wrong just go with it .if u ever want to talk. Wish you a speedy recovery. Zoe
  • Hi

    i feel exactly the same,I was diagnosed in 2014 and had chemotherapy,mastectomy and radiotherapy,I am now taking tamoxifen.I too returned to work the following year,but found I was exhausted even after a phased return.I work with children and have suffered from serious back problems over the last year which is making it very difficult to continue with work due to the physical aspects of the job and also the amount of time off sick I have had to have.At present I feel very low and guilty for constantly having health problems which is hard for my family.I battled through my treatment for cancer and thought once it was over I could start to live my life again,but I haven't been able to.

  • I had breast surgery with immediate reconstruction but just worried as five months ago and still quite sore.

  • Hi there, I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in July. Had the tumour removed and lymph nodes came back clear. I am very confused about the treatments. So, I did some homework regarding the treatments, chemo and radiation therapy, that they can cause cancer and lung cancer when receiving radiation. I don't know what to do? I am positive about the whole thing. But, what to do?