I have recently been diagnosed with breast and had a mastectomy a month ago. Im now waiting to see an Oncologist to find out what treatment I need and although Im ready to accept radiotherapy or chemotherapy if required Im feeling very scared especially as my appointment to see the Oncologist gets closer.
So sorry you are at the begining of the journey, but take heart...I started mine 3 year ago ..and still here caising trouble! I knew exactly what my treatment plan was before it even began. Neo Adjuvent it is called, Chemo - Surgery ( Double MX with tissue expanders) - Radiotherapy. I was fine throughout it all...only now it is hitting me. Did they take any lymph nodes? What kind of cancer is it? I am surprised they have not told you in advance what your treatment plan is...I thought that was the NICE Guidlelines. seems to differ around the country! Not everyone needs Chemo & Rads...some don't need either. All I would advise is ask Onc why they have decided whatever they decide. If you understand more I think it is less frightening in a way...it puts you in a bit of control. Remember this is happening to YOU, not the Doctors surgeons etc. There is a lot of information out there...and a lot of misinformation. It all gets thrown at you so quickly. It is a surreal feeling, but you will get through it. x
hi weeme56. ive got breast cancer and had my right breast removed last month. ive an appointment to see the Oncologist next month to see if I need radiotherapy or chemotherapy as well as hormone therapy. its the waiting to find out thats killing me x
Hi if any of you are 45 and under and have or have had bc you are welcome to join a group on fb that I've found to be a godsend since I had my dx...
The group is called YBCN younger breast cancer network. They have regional, secret, moving on and other groups within the group depending on where you are in your treatment. Plenty of support, advice or even ppl to just listen to you on there.
I'd have been more or less alone thru my treatment if it wasn't for YBCN and the fantastic women there....
Im 58, WLE and SNB 4 weeks ago, I saw the oncologist last week and am going to radiotherapy planning on Monday, to start radiotherapy for 3 weeks after Easter. I just want to get going now. Am pretty scared after reading side effects but the alternative is worse. Got to make up my mind which tablets I want to take this weekend tamoxifen, letrozole or a combination of both. I feel I have come so far already without collapsing into a gibbering wreck, so still looking onwards and upwards and I'm sure you will too xxxx
I remember being in this position three years ago. I found my breast cancer by routine mamogram - I am also 60.
About a week after lumpectomy I saw the breast cancer surgeon, who told me what type of cancer it was, and that he had referred me to an Oncologist for treatment. The appointment came in a few weeks. My husband and daughter came with me, as it can be very difficult to take in all the information. They told me the options and the best course of treatment. Although I was very scared, I felt I was in good hands. I started chemo soon after, and then radiotherapy. Not everyone requires chemo but I had cancer in my lymp nodes, so this was the best course of treatment.
I had no trouble with radiotherapy, a slightly red breast but nothing else. I did feel tired at this time but I had just finished chemo. After the planning appointment and tatoos which were markers, each following appointment lasted about 10/15 mins. sometimes I was in longer if I had to wait. I drove to my appointments and went shopping after. I needed 3 weeks radiotherapy and 1 week booster. There was no pain or sickness. I am on tamoxifen for 5 years, which I have completed 2 years. The side effects are not too bad for me now, the doctor helped me sort the hot flushes. I thought I would gain weight, but I have actually lost 2 1/2 stone I put on during chemo with healthy eating plan.
Life is good now, running after my grandchildren and working full time.
Hi loopylinds
I was diagnosed on 3rd November last year. I had my chemo first and my mastectomy is to follow so as to shrink the tumour as it was quite large in relation to the size of my breast (small lol) x I too was terrified and yet I have just finished my chemo and although it's no picnic I got through it x I've had every side effect under the sun but my tumour has shrunk so much I can no longer feel it x stay strong in the knowledge that the nhs staff will do their absolute best for you x
Hey there. Well firstly Im sorry about you finding yourself in this position. 2ndly there have been some wonderful replies. I was diagnosed late November with breast cancer and had an operation just before xmas. I am having chemo followed by radio therapy and then hormone tablets. I think the fact you've already had your op you can relax slightly as the tumor has been removed. Those having it the other way around are having their treatment to shrink their tumors . So good luck to each and everyone of you. Look at chemo as fixing you up good and proper. . You will have days you will struggle BUT you'll have days you feel absolutely fine and dandy and them days do happen i promise you. . Its just the unknown that worries up but you're at the right place to receive good honest answers and support x X
at the moment all that has been mentioned is hormone therapy as my Consultant wants me to see Oncologist first to decide whether radiotherapy or chemotherapy is necessary. got two weeks before my appointment with Consultant so feeling anxious
