So frightened i cant eat

Yesterday i had a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy and clip for my breast lump. Before leaving i was to,d it is cancer and will wait 2 weeks for the results.

i havebt really eaten for 5 days and can't face food, i have alreday lost 4 pounds in weight - i know i need to eat, but i can't. Can anyone help me please. 
My biggest fear is chemotherapy having already seen a few friends go through this, i really don't want it. 

  • Hello. I have just recently (the past 6 months) been through diagnosis,  chemo, surgery and now currently radiotherapy.  Your treatment plan will be made with you once they get an absolute diagnosis.  You will not be made to do anything you dont want, you will be able to ask questions.  You sound particularly worried about chemo. What is it that's worries you? In my experience, it is not an easy journey but it is very bearable. You will be given medications to help with nausea, and you will be tired. But you will be ok. That's assuming you need it. I suggest that you write down any questions you have now  and take them with you to next appointment.

  • Chemo has been a lifetime fear for me.

    I've also witnessed 4 people close hand go through it and it's barbaric. It's something I cannot take and am not prepared to go through. Being forced into this or nothing is my biggest concern right now. 

    So so stressed 

  • No one can force you into chemo.

    Chemo is not without risks and it is always a personal decision what treatments to have. Some doctors may push more or less strongly for certain treatments.

    Hopefully doctor will understand your concerns. If not, you can always ask to switch doctor.

    If this bothers you so much there is the option to make an Advanced Decision ruling out chemo. Then no one can give it to you without your consent.

    Listen carefully to what doctors have to say. Let them speak so they can see that you have heard what they are saying. But if what they recommend is not what you want then you have to tell them - have a list of treatments you feel you can accept ready. Tell them that the chemo is a red line for you if that's what it absolutely is. If you are worried you might clam up on the day, then have something in writing with you ready to hand over.

     

  • Btw did you ring any of the helplines?

    Have you looked on the breastcancernow website?

  • I can promise you that no medical or surgical professional will 'make' you do or take something you dont want. What they will do is explain why they suggest it and what the side effects are, and also what may happen if you dont. IT WILL ALWAYS BE YOUR DECISION.  Chemo has come along way over the years so it's nothing like it was 20 or even 10 years ago. But dont let your fears and anxieties control your treatment. Make an INFORMED decision. 

    Take a breath and think carefully about what exactly you are scared about. Your consultant can answer your questions.

    E.g. will it be painful? I had aches and pains but nothing simple painkillers didnt help. 

    Will I be sick? This is one of my phobias in general and I told my consultant this...he made sure I had lots of anti-sickness meds including a really expensive one.  

    Will I be tired? I was, yes and I just lay on the sofa and demanded lots of cups of tea from family. But I suggest you do get up and dressed even to lie on the side, dont stay in bed...that's for night time. I must add that the tiredness only lasted for a few days up to a week after each treatment, then I was out and about (bit difficult now I appreciate) but it's not one long endless tiredness.

    Will my hair fall out? Probably, but will almost certainly grow back.

    You will have your own questions,  but please ask them before you make your decisions. 

    Much love, xx