Hi Sharon,

I was diagnosed on 15th February, had surgery on 23rd Feb and am now waiting to start Radiotherapy on the 11th April. I haven't been in work as I am a teacher and I've been very emotional, so not the right environment to have random breakdowns! I didn't sleep at all through the night until after my surgery, there is just so much on your mind. The good thing is that (unfortunately) the surgery and after care is so rountine that the chances of success are extremely high. My first thought when I realised I'd got breast cancer is how fast it would spread, but the speed of treatment really reduces this risk. I'm back to sleepless nights worrying about the radiotherapy. I dealt with everything one stage at a time to keep my worrying to a minimum, but until everything is over it's emotionally tough. You will feel much better after the surgery knowing that the cancer has been removed, try not to worry about the surgery you will recover physically quite quickly afterwards. Think positive thoughts. I'll be thinking of you, take care xx 

Jackie

Thank you for your kind words Jackie. Yes one of my main thoughts was why is the surgery not being done sooner? I was originally down for surgery on 18th April, but they brought it forward. I couldnt help thinking about how much it can grow in those few weeks? I want the cancer out now! I am in the process of reading up on what is best to eat, both to prepare my body for surgery, and also what is best to deter cancer! I have had a headache since being diagnosed. I just can't shift it. I know its stress. Good luck with the radiotherapy too. I was told it can make you extremely tired, so I am going to play it by ear and make sure my diary is clear for those few weeks. Can I ask, how were you after surgery? Im not one for resting. Also Im looking at bras, non-wired, front fasteners have been recommended, any ideas??

Hi again, I recovered physically very quickly after surgery, just tried not to use my arm on the side of surgery (I had 2 lymph nodes removed - both were clear) and was advised not to lift anything heavy - including doing the grocery shopping and vacuuming, so I kept active using one arm only. My scar is healing well, I have a friend who went through breast cancer about 10 years ago and she bought me some Organic Aloe Vera Gel and I've been using it on my scars every day since the dressing was removed (about 12 days) and it is supposed to keep the scarring flat, it seems to be working. M&S do a range of post surgery bras which are non wired, but fasten at the back. They are really comfortable and have great support (from someone who only ever wore underwired!). Back fastening was only a struggle for the first couple of weeks, but still manageable (keep up with the arm exercises). Good luck xx

Jackie

I will look out for the aloa vera gel, thank you. I have found some front fastening bras online, so may get a couple of them for the first week or so. I popped into M & S but my local one didnt seem to have many in, I think theres more online. Really pleased to hear your lymph nodes were cancer free. I am having the same removed. I have a leaflet from the hospital about the excercises and I may have a go at thm before I have surgery! Do you know how long you are having radiotherapy for? I have been told 3 weeks. xx

Hi Jackie. I had a mastectomy in September last year and chemotherapy at the end of October. I too stopped working before the operation I work in adult education and could not concentrate at work. I didn't sleep well leading up to the operation but once things started it was easier to deal with. I now have had 6 radiotherapy sessions with nine to go. I worried leading up to it but I have found it quite straight forward. Once you lie on the table it is over really quickly, they give you moisturiser cream to apply after your treatment. I had a review today where they look at your skin and ask how you are. It really is quick and pain free. Try not to worry and good luck for when you start your treatment. Audrey x

Hi Sharon. I am going through radiotherapy at the moment I have had six with nine to go. To be honest I am fine up till now. I keep my skin moisturised with the non perfume cream that the department gives you. They also recommend non perfume shower gel and deodorant. I bought the Simple range. Regarding bras I bought Asda comfy and soft bras when going for treatment. They are similar to sports bras but no fasteners etc, very comfy indeed. Good luck for your surgery I hope it all goes smoothly. Audrey x

Hi Sharon

Iwas dignosed 1 july 15 it happened so fast  to begin with but i tied to keep busy, i had good days and bad days and i had great support from a phone buddie. She too has been through cancer so knew exaclty what i was going through i found this to help as i could say thing to her that i felt i couldnt say to my partner or children.  i had to wait for my op till aug and thn had  5 weeks radio threaphy. i joined the local breast care group who again very were and still are very supportive. on the day of my op a met a lovely lady and we helped each other  through all of our treatment, compared notes lol and still talk and meet up for coffee. rest as much as you can, if you have any questions ask evan if you think no i am being silly. the breast care nurses are great as well. when i went for my treatment i use to see the same people in the waiting room and we use to chat which helped past the time and we did have a few laughs. they suggested that i use Aquas cream, no deodrant or sented shower gel ect. I was also put on an tablet that gives me hot sweats which really isnt nice but i thought it was jut me till i spoke to my friend. it is an emotional roller coster but  you will get through it in your own way stay strong xxxxxxxxxxx

Thank you for your advice! I immediately thought I would be having surgery immediately and was shocked when I was told I wouold have to wait! I have calmed down a lot after the initial shock and find it easier to deal with keeping busy. Not only do I work full time but I am also at Uni studying so I have thrown myself into my studies! Like you though, I struggle to say what I feel to my nearest and dearest. I feel I have to stay strong as this is what is expected of me. I am extremely apprehensive of the future, both the surgery, radiotherapy and beyond. I have my pre op next Monday and have a list of questions! Never thought about shower ge and deodorants, so thank you! I have silly little worries like, how will I wash my hair? Its already an emotional rollercoaster and I know its not going to be easy. I am fortunate to have a large supporting family and circle of friends. Thank you for your message! xxxx

I was recently diagnosed and tomorrow find out Herr result which will determine final treatment plan. Def looking at mastectomy and chemo very likely and it's that which is giving me sleepless nights. I have told some family, friends and work but not my teenage daughter yet. I feel physically sick at thought of it. I have real moments of feeling positive so just hoping that happens more but nights are the worse when I feel so overwhelmed. So thinking of everyone in same boat and it helps to know I'm not alone, good luck x

Thanks Audrey, I think reading about all the possible side effects worries me, hopefully I won't suffer from them. I have to go for a second planning scan tomorrow to re-position, hopefully this will be the final one. Good luck with the rest of your teatment xx