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Diagnosed today

ClaireMH
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Unfortunately I was diagnosed with cancer today. In my left breast & 5 lymph nodes. Feeling numb. Have CT planned & results of biopsy's taken today to see what sort of cancer & plan treatment. Told I'll need operation, chemotherapy (as it's in lymph nodes) & radiotherapy. Not sure how to tell my teenager children. 

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    Hi Claire...

    So so sorry you've been diagnosed today ... it's made even worse by the time of year ... l was diagnosed in July 2017 ... with a grade three breast cancer .. those early days are the worse ... it's scary and it's the unknown ... 

    But take heart there's lots of us breast lasses on here,  all with different cancers and different treatments... there were about 6 of us came here the same time as me .. now those of others have gone back to their life post cancer... so it's not the dire prognosis it used to be ...

    Emotions run high in those early days .. we all "loose it" a bit ... as it's like being on the scariest rollercoaster ever .. not know when we can get off .. so give your self permission to feel anything... and know that's normal .. then when you get your head round it, get up, put a pink vertual boxing gloves on .. and get in the ring ready to kick it's ***... wer all in there .. we've all got each other's back ..

    Cancer wants us to lay down and never get up... then it feels stronger .. it doesn't like us strong and ready to fight back .. your stronger then you realise... and it will be hard for your kids .. they are at that age .. teenage years .. when they know about the word, and they probly will be upset hearing it .. but they will take your lead .. and if they see you ready to take it on, it will help them ... and it's o.k for them to feel scared too .. it's being able to hold each other's hands together ... 

    Any questions, just ask... I'm here most days ... hopefully more will pop by soon ... Chrissie xx

  • Offline in reply to Chriss

    Thank you so much for your kind post. I'm feeling utterly numb. My husband was devastated at hospital & I was comforting him. Unfortunately he's only just lost his dad to oesophageal cancer in September so very raw for him. I can't quite believe it. I found the lump in side of my breast Monday evening, saw G.P Tuesday morning & given cancellation appointment this afternoon so had been very quick, which I'm grateful for but huge shock. I'm worried about it being in my lymph nodes. G.P found a lump in my armpit that I hadn't realised was there. I'm scared CT scan will show its travelled. I will certainly draw strength from talking to others. Thank you again 

  • Offline in reply to ClaireMH

    Hey! Try not to worry too much. I know it's easier said than done.

    ive just had my second cycle of chemo because it was in my sentinel lymph node and showing in my bloodstream.

    you can do this and you will do this. One step at a time. Try not to think too far ahead of yourself.

    i was originally told first stage no lymph involvement so surgery and radiotherapy but after surgery it came back stage 2 in the nodes and blood. 

    the early days are hard and scary. Until you know what you're dealing with it's all so daunting.

    im 35 and have 3 children. 4, 6 & 15. My teen has been so so good about it. I've never kept anything from her. I think if you withhold any info it would be taken a bit personally. I've reassured her that I'm fine, this is what it is and I'm not going anywhere for a long time! I think if you fully explain it doesn't set them on a rollercoaster of emotions. Do you have a maggies centre or similar you can contact? They have been amazing with helping me to explain to the kids. And it's a nice "safe haven" to stop in for a cuppa and a chat between appointments!

    the small ones get a little clingy with me and a bit scared of the changes now my hair is pretty much non existent. But again constant reassurance that I'm ok and it's the medicine that makes me better doing funny things. 
     

    I don't want to say all the cliche things of be strong etc because it absolutely bugs the crap out of me in all honesty haha. If you have any questions or worrying about anything just send a reply or pop me a message. 
     

    remember though, one step at a time ️

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