Hi there Leanne and welcome to our little safe place .. where we can all share feelings ... and know there's lots of us who knows exactly how you feel.... 

Firstly , deep breathes ... I came on here 2 and a half years ago, just as scared as you .. because we mainly hear sad story's on the t.v about those who loose their journey with cancer .. there's lots of us here, still standing .. when l joined there were about 5/ 6 of us all different types of cancer and stages and different treatments... you can see our journey on the good and bad thread ... though it's been going a couple of years so there's a lot on there .. but it covers the highs and lows .. and even the lighter things that make us laugh ... 

Most of those lasses and ones that joined along the way, have gone back to their life post cancer... and only pop by occasionally... one lass had a new addition after treatment ... so it's not all doom and gloom ..  what I've learned ... is get those feelings out ... give your self permission to feel anything... cry , scream , cuss ... and once it's all out, get your pink vertual boxing gloves on and join us all in the ring ready to kick it's butt ....  

Cancer wants us to lay down and never get up.. to stay down .. to feel overwhelmed and weak ... then it's stronger ... once you look it in the eye... and get ready for the fight of your life ... you may get knocked down... we all do at times .. but get it out, and back in the ring ... wer all in there with you ... you can chat about anything on here, or ask questions .. we all hold each other up ... I had a grade 3 and total right masectomy in July 2017 ... 

So I'm just tagging a couple of others that may help along the way ...  [@Marlyn]‍  ...  [@Jolamine]‍ ... i know if they pick this up, they will pop on ...  so sending you a vertual hug... your braver then you think ... Chrissie xx

Hello love,

Exactly this day last year my world fell apart, I had breast cancer....my world turned upside down. I know everything your going through right now, every emotion in the universe takes over....

what I can tell you is .....you will get through it, I know your wondering how? But you just do, as there is no other option. What support do you have at home? 

Im done with active cancer treatment now ( surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, herceptin) and now on 2 types of meds for the foreseeable...

I won't lie, chemo isn't exactly a walk in the park but its doable....we all react differently, so don't be getting hung up on side effects....

I see Chriss has replied to you, she was among one of the  first Ladies to reach out to me, as was  jolamine, they all helped me enormously, there's nothing quite like chatting to people who just get it.

so.....big girl pants on....brush yourself off and dive in head fast ....and I'm here if you need me xx

Thank you so much means a lot to me I'm so scared I still can't believe I'm so much shock x 

Hi Leanne,

I tried to respond to your friend request, but your request disappeared. I am more than happy to accept your request, but can't do so until you send me another request.

I know that when you are newly diagnosed, it feels like the end of the world, but there are brighter days ahead. What type and grade of breast cancer do you have?

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 10 years and, was absolutely terrified when first diagnosed. One of the problems at first is that there are so many unknowns. We also all tend to look at the worst case scenarios and manage to persuade ourselves that this is where we are. Fortunately, this is seldom the case. You will find it easier psychologically once you start treatment and feel that you are moving forward.

I am not someone who cries, but I cried copiously at this stage. Please don't worry about this, as most of us feel like you do to start with. It must be hard not to let the children find you crying. What ages are they?

I haven't had chemo, but I do know that some people find it hard, whilst others just sail through it. The advice given is to drink plenty and, to give in to tiredness when it strikes. I know that this is not easy when you have 3 young children. Do you have a family member of friend who can help you out, or support you through this? Take any offer of help given.

Chriss and Marilyn have both been through the mill. There are several others here who will, I am sure, join in as time passes. We are all here for you, whenever you want information, advice or simply to rant. Please let us know how you get on. Good luck for Friday.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Don't be looking too far ahead, deal with what's right in front of you now. Tick off the treatments as they come. I personally didn't cold cap as I'm prone to headaches but I do know of quite a few ladies who have had very successful results from it. They've still lost some hair but not totally. The trick  seems to be to slather on the conditioner they give you and fit the cap as close and as tight as you can get it, don't be afraid to speak up when the nurse is fitting it...

will you be on fec? Suck mints during it as the red one gives you a strange metallic taste, the nurse should tell you about this...

honestly fri will come and go....you build yourself up and then before you know it you'll be home recovering....xxxx

Your total shock is completely understandable. You are only 27. So you are very unlucky. I wish you and your family the very best.

Your children are probably very young. But they will still know that something is wrong. My advice is to tell them that you are ill, and will need treatment, but that everything will be OK. Which it almost certainly will be.The statistics are great. 

You may also have questions. Questions you did not think to ask, because you were so shocked, when you were diagnosed. Do not hesitate to contact your specialist to ask anything you like. 

Harry

Thank you so much mean a lot ye I have lot of support around me which is good my children are 11 1 4 I have got grade 2 and I'm having 6 room of chemo I do suffer with head aches to but I'm going to give it a go x 

Very unlucky ye my eldest is 11 and I've gone through it with her My 2 youngest don't understand there 1 and 4

Hi Leanne,

Grade 2 is not too bad and, should be treatable, which is good news.

I am glad to hear that you have a lot of support around you. Don't be too proud to accept any offer of help, as you'll appreciate this as your treatment progresses. I hope that the headaches don't get any more severe during chemo.

Your 11 year old will certainly sense that there is something going on. The other 2 are a bit too young to know. A simple explanation is all that is needed, but you are better to tell them gently before they overhear something.

I shall be thinking of you on Friday and, hope that all goes well.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx