Hi,

Sorry to hear you are going through this, the waiting part is very difficult. I'm 36 and was diagnosed with breast cancer in April and am currently undergoing chemotherapy. It was discovered that I had a second cancerous lump in the same breast and spread in my lympth nodes. Despite this my CT scan had shown the cancer had not travelled further than this. I was certain at the time that spread to my lymph nodes would mean it had gone elsewhere but obviously that wasn't the case. It was very easy to think worst case scenario and then almost start feeling as if the worst had happened. I have a now 7 month old and thought allsorts of awful things abut the future. 

The only advice I can offer is perhaps speak to your breast nurse if you have been assigned one, they are full of knowledge and can answer any questions you may have. Also trying to do something distracting whilse waiting for your results as hard as it is can be helpful. I kept thinking that my results are going to be what they are going to be and no matter how much I worry it won't change anything other than stress me out more. 

In terms of questions to ask. It's always helpful to find out the staging and grade of the cancer if you want to know and what this means. It can be useful to know the hormone receptor status of the cancer and also what this means in terms of treatment. What treatement options do you have and how long they will take etc. I remembered been told i'd have chemotherapy but then didn't ask how many cycles, it's very easy to forget when you are been given lots of information. It's helpful if you are allowed to take someone with you who can rmemeber information and also ask questions you may forget. A pen and paper is also useful to take and you can read questions you have or take notes. 

Wishing you the best for your appointment on Thursday. 

Thank you for your post. How long are you undergoing chemotherapy for and how has it affected your ability to look after your baby? I'm worried about the sickness from the treatment. 

Thank you for your post. How long are you undergoing chemotherapy for and how has it affected your ability to look after your baby? I'm worried about the sickness from the treatment. 

Hi,

I am having 6 sesions of chemotherapy every 3 weeks. I've just had my third cycle. I actually go to stay with my parents for the week or so after my chemo so they can help out with my baby which has been very helpful. It will be different for everyone but I was told that due to my age the symptoms may not be so bad which was a bit reassuring. There's also things they can do with your medication if you do find you are struggling with the side effects of chemo. It's not fun but i've only really been poorly in between cycles for about 4/5 days. Then although i don't feel great I can function and have mild symptoms for a few days, then almost go back to normal and feel fine. I've found it's so helpful to focus on the nice things I can do when i'm feeling better especially with my baby. 

You may get different symptoms in between cycles if you have to have chemotherpay. I've found this to be the case so far and there's always somone to call at the hospital if you are struggling. I struggled with nausea and sickness after my last cycle so I've been given extra medication this time so hoping that will help, but I had almost no sickness and nausea the first time.