I will tell you this there is light at the end of the dark tunnel and before u know it you will be in the light again x

The best bit of advice I was given was be honest with people about how you are feeling so if your in pain tell them if your feeling low tell them as putting on a brave front is lovely but will drain your energy, emotions everything and you will feel bla.

Also keep positive yep hard I know but really do try as been positive actually does help more then u would think, also once you know your treatment plan (mine was two lots of chemo 1st lasted 1hour the 2nd lasted half hour and I had that every 3 weeks for 6 cycles) plan little days out and do family things as that helped me more then anything as it helps keep positive and helps time move quicker x

thank you Annjo. We have got spa end of January and in April we off to Centa parcs and in October abroad. In between treatment I will be out as I’ve been stuck at home for a whole month since the op. 

Thsnk you for your kind words and support. 

I just feel like cold at the minute and just think of the worst especially as it’s taken a whole year for them to diagnose me which is pathetic x 

i will use cold cap is it like a suffocating feeling and is it horrible to recover from chemo each time. ? As nobody in my family or hubbys ever have experienced this and just feel awful being Christmas round corner just Gono stay home and have a very quiet one. 

My hubby is also outgoing we both hate being at home so next thursdsy we both going out for a meal. It diverts my thoughts away. Last night I got up thinking it was just a bad dream I’m fine at same time just recovering from my op life hey always happens to us good people. 

Thanks again for your messages xx

Best way to describe the cold cap is a horse riders helmet but with a cold gel liner inside. To help ease if it gets to much is a head band just on your forehead to help ease the cold sensation, but for me the first 10 minutes was mild brain freeze but keep busy (puzzle book, talking, tv anything) as those 10minutes pass quickly and to help de-ice after remove the outer cap (fabric one) as will really help quicken up the process. 
Also wash your hair very gently like you would a new born baby's and don't wash it every day as will not do it any good. After treatment I would leave washing my hair until day 4. 
 

Also ask them why it's taken so so long to diagnose you and if no reply go though PALS and make a complaint x

annjo 

Thank you. Oh ok so it’s worth wearing the cold cap then as it will save some of my hair. 

He said that biopsy was clear. As they took lymph nodes out 3 weeks ago once back from biopsy it was cancer. Yes I just want to get better. He is a top surgeon in this hospital which is why I’m surprised. 

Thank you once again 

babita x

Hi, I agree with Annjo and how she described the cold cap. It is worse for the first 15 minutes then you start to get used to it. I'm so glad I preserved with it as I still see me when I look in the mirror. 

There is light at the end of the tunnel but it's a long road before we find it. 

Take one day at a time and be kind to yourself. I was diagnosed back in July which seems like a lifetime ago now but I'm nearly done with chemo. Next step is an op then radiotherapy. 

It's all so new to you but you will adjust and begin to accept it in time.

Love Sue xx

sue 

thank you for your support and reply. Oh hopefully you’ll be all cleared soon. What operation do you need to have ?  

I think it’s just a big shock  to me still and just in denial. Is the cap caustophic. I’m very caustophic as a person and chemo I understand is via a drip just so dreading it all. I shall use the cap I’ll give it a go. 

Im going to get my hair cut shorter soon and then after chemo I may just get extensions. Till it all grows back all these things it’s just a shock. But I’m glad I have you all and your support xx 

Hi, no I wouldn't say it's claustrophobic but obviously not very pleasant. If I can do it I'm sure you can.

You will go through lots of different emotions as we all do and just when you think you have accepted it, something will set you off again. I still have days when I have a total meltdown but they are less and less. The chemo is by a drip but trust me when I say you will get used to it. You don't have a choice. Hair extensions sounds good but you hair will be very fragile for ages afterwards so you probably couldn't have extensions for a good couple of months. I use simple shampoo and conditioner but no more than once a week. 

Good luck,

She xx

annjo And Sue. 

Thank you so much. I think I got to go through more tests next month then once a plans in place I’ll read up more. 

I know it’s going to be a tough ride but not impossible. I know I need to be more positive 

I shall try the cap and I guess I have no choice in chemo. 

I’ll tell my parents and son around Christmas time. Just not doing much at Christmas either. 

ThAnks again. Your a great support x

Hey Sangha

I'm so sorry to hear about the runaround you have experienced, glad to hear you are on the right track now. I agree with all that Sue and Annjo have said, it is tough no doubting that and we all have a mixed bag of emotions.  it is like facing grief, when i think about when i lost my dad, you have frustration, anger, sorrow, denial but also acceptance and hope.

Apart from chatting to the lovely ladies on here, one thing that has helped me is Breast Cancer now.  They have a lot of options and support out there for you and your family. I had a call from them this week asking if I'm ok and if any additional support they can offer.  One option i might take up is 'Someone like me'.  They put you in touch with a breast cancer survivor that has the same diagnosis as you and is now a counsellor and will give you a call for a chat.  I'm still waiting on my BRCA gene result so i feel i may need that then.  

I would also suggest downloading the BECCA app.  There is loads of information on there and it stops me googling things i shouldn't lol!

You'll get there, dont worry about your family and giving them the news, they will support you just make sure you let them know when you need it.  I was in denial and numb when i was first diagnosed i went to work the next day as if everything is normal and was poker face when i told people like it wasn't me.  Now months down the line half way through my chemo it hit me.  Together with the fatigue, i felt rubbish and morbid for a week. But i needed to go through that phase to get out the other side :)

Ok enough waffle for tonight.  Hugs all around.  Glad you are doing ok Annjo and have the all clear :)

xx