Hi NGA

I'm sorry about your diagnosis but glad that you found the courage to post. You've already had some amazing replies and support from others with some great tips. I had IDC, Grade 3, HER2 positive, one positive lymph node. I have had 7 cycles of chemo, lumpectomy and lymph node clearance. I will have five days of radiotherapy at the end of the month, but have already been told I am cancer free. The RT is to reduce the risk of recurrence. 

I found the book really helpful (I know there's a new edition being planned as it's a few years old now and there have been advances in treatment, etc). The other thing that really helped me is exercise. I was already doing a little, but started taking a brisk half-hour walk every day from the day I was diagnosed. I believe it helped me cope with chemo side-effects, recover from surgery, and deal with the emotional aspects of having cancer. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence by up to 50% so I'm sticking with it. It is now seen by cancer specialists as the first treatment that should be prescribed (you can find out more by Googling "Prehabilitation" or "exercise and breast cancer".

If you're interested, I have a blog on the Macmillan site. I'm still telling the back story, but my experience of chemo and surgery are there. 

I wish you all the very best with your treatment.

Amy x

HI Managingit,

I hope that all goes well for you tomorrow. I had a double mastectomy 13 years ago. If I can be of any help to you, please let me know.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

I hope all goes well today Managingit - all best wishes for a speedy recovery xxx

Thank you. All went well and very happy with my new flat chest look. My movement is not as restricted as I expected as had all left axillary nodes plus a few swollen right axillary nodes removed. Pain control is good and nurses are amazing. So very glad to throw cancerous boobs in the bin. :) 

Thank you have pain under control now and loving this new flat look. Just had Double flat mastectomy with axillary lymph nodes removed in left and sentinel lymph gland removed in right. I can lift my arms more than I expected.  

image wise, I love it  Aim to get fitter after seeing my belly that hid under my boobs though. 

So pleased it went well and the pain control is working! And it is such a relief to bin the cancer - take care Managingit, feet up in-between the arm exercises xxx

How are you going NotGoingAnywhere? Have you had any news? Being borderline appears to lead to a choice between chemo first or surgery first.

Mine was -ve and I am really happy with surgery and in 2nd day and pain is manageable. sorry to hijack your post a little. Have been shown some great bras that have pockets for gel boobs that look and feel very real. 

Many in here managed chemo well if it is more +ve. 
It is a relief to start treatment as you are at the worst stage of getting prepared for it. A sincere good luck for your journey.
 

Hi there 

so sorry to hear of ur diagnosis! I'm like u, in lymph node and invasive grade 3! Keep being positive it's the only way to get thru this? Ur defo not alone, this whole journey is an emotional rollercoaster that plays with our mind!!!  You are lucky to be starting treatment so soon, I was diagnosed 10th April and have only my oncology appt this Friday so treatment not even started! I'm HER positive so it's chemo, surgery then radio! I personally haven't asked many questions as I just want to get to the treatment!!

keep strong, keep busy (u will with a one year old lol) and remember this is just a chapter that will take a wee bit of hard work! Ur defo not alone, always here for a chat 

leanne xx

Hi Ladies,

I've been a little MIA, but I'm ok, thank you. Nothing much has even happened to me yet, but I'm already so fed up with cancer LOL Only because it's occupying every inch of my brain every second of the day it seems. However, I'm a lot calmer and accepting. Honestly, if it wasn't for the upcoming hair loss, I wouldn't be half as bad. I made an appointment for tomorrow to cut my hair really short, something I would have never ever done otherwise. It feels like control to me, like I'm getting ahead of it a little. 

[@Managingit]‍ massive massive well-done for conquering such a big step! I'm so glad you are on the other side of surgery now and are recovering well. This gives me so much hope and reassurance. I'll take any tips and words of wisdom including bra recommendations haha I'm only just getting out of my nursing bras.

[@Leanne1202]‍ I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis. We can be treatment buddies :wink: A few women have mentioned to me they have been waiting a long time so I consider myself lucky. My first oncology appointment is this Friday too, 11am. They have mentioned chemo, mastectomy then radio to me too in this order. Chemo is what I'm the most anxious about, but I'm trying not to dwell on it too much. I might end up bald, one-boobed and menapausal, but my boy will grow up with his Mum by his side so it's a small price to pay 

N xx