Are you having a lumpectomy?

Hi Thislldome,

I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but by the sound of things, you have caught it early, which has to be good news.

Please don't be scared to tell your family. You need their support to get through this and they are likely to feel upset if they are not told - how would you feel if one of them were going through this and they didn't inform you? This can cause a lot of hurt in families.

I am also self-employed and have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. I got my first diagnosis eight years ago and had a lumpectomy. I found another lump in the same breast the following year and had a double mastectomy. I was extremely tired  for the first 4 years, but now feel much better. Most hospitals have a Macmillan financial advisor. There are some benefits which are not means tested and they will know about these. Some of the forms are brutes to fill in and it is better to leave this to someone who is used to doing it. Ask your breast care nurse about these services. If you have no joy, your local Citizens' Advice Bureau is the other place to go.

The sooner you apply, the sooner you might get help, so don't delay. This certainly saved the day for me.

I hope that all goes well with your op next week.

Do please let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx