Single parent breast cancer

Hi, recently diagnosed with breast cancer, I'm a single parent of a 6 year old. I'm yet to learn what my treatment plan is, as I await my ct scan.

just want to know if there's anyone in a similar situation. How did you navigate through treatment, chemo, surgery and trying to be a good parent and not let this affect them too much? And  still being able to play with them. 
 

thank you xx

  •  

    Hi Jj,

    A lot will depend upon what treatment you have. Be prepared to feel vey tired, although you may be fortunate enough to sail through. I would be prepared to read lots of stories and do a few jigsaws, games and play cards -  nothing too energetic for a while. Do you have any family or friends who can help out?

    Regards,

    Jolamine 

  • Thank you Jolamine.

    MY mum said she will come stay with me, it's just my daughter since lockdown doesn't really go to others for help, she is slowly opening up to others, it's just going to be hard not being able to help her if she needs me.

    I have my friends who are supporting of me and my daughter, and one that lives really close who is amazing. 
    I am just panicking of how to juggle treatment and being there for her. Xx

  •  

    Hi JJ,

    What age is your daughter? It can be difficult to go to others for help, when she has usually turned to you. Let her know that you will always be there for her, but may not feel like doing anything too energetic.

    I am glad to hear that your mum can come and stay with you and that you have some good friends who can also help out if needed. Try not to look too far ahead, just takes things one day at a time.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Thank you Jolamine, she is 6. 
     

    I had my ct scan yesterday so hopefully I'll get my results soon and have an idea of what I'm dealing with xx

  •  

    Hi Jj,

    At 6 it should be possible for you to be able to pass some quiet time with your daughter.  How does she get on with her granny?

    I am delighted to hear that you have had your CT scan. Did they say when you should get your results?

    Don't forget to let us know when you hear.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi JJ, I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and your concerns. I'm pleased you seem to have a good support network, especially having your mum stay with you. I have just finished 7 cycles of chemo and have surgery and radiotherapy to come. The last two cycles have been difficult, mainly due to taste changes and not being able to enjoy my food, but the rest has been really tolerable/manageable. I've just turned 64 and have stopped work while I have my treatment, so I have been able to get plenty of rest. Having a 6yo can be exhausting. My tip would be to get yourself in the best shape possible ahead of the start of your treatment, through a healthy diet/weight and regular physical activity. That's what I did as soon as I was diagnosed and I am convinved it helped me through chemo. I've also tried to maintain a positive attitude. You may wish to read these articles (from Australia/USA but the principles are relevant). You could also Google "Breast Cancer Prehabilitation".

    www.cancer.org.au/.../every-cancer-patient-should-be-prescribed-exercise-medicine

    www.cancer.gov/.../physical-activity-fact-sheet

     

    I wish you all the best with your treatment when it starts.

    Amy

  • She gets on well with her, it's just that she hasn't really had alone time with her as I'm always there.

     

    im on Tuesdays mdt meeting so they are hoping to have the results then.xx

  • Thank you for this Amy. It's all daunting in my head so it's good to hear it's manageable. I like doing the Joe wicks work outs, so do you think their safe to do whilst the lump is still in my breast? I'm worried I'll do something to make it spread. Is press ups and planks okay to do?

     

    I hope your doing okay and the rest of your treatment goes okay too. Xx

  •  

    Hi Jj,

    Not long now, thank goodness. 

    I'm sure that your Mum and your daughter will both make a special effort to get on. It actually does a child good not to be too dependant on one person, so maybe this is the start of a learning process?

    I shall be thinking of you on Tuesday and I look forward to hearing how you get on.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi JJ, I'm afraid I can't advise you on the suitability of this exercise programme. I suggest you check with your BCN. If she doesn't know the answer, she'll be able to check with a physio for you. Xx