Early breast cancer
Comments
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Hi Liz, so sorry to hear you have joined this awful club, especially at such a young age. I lost my hair when I had chemo and I really struggled with it. I just thought I would mention that there is device called a cold cap which I understand can prevent or at least minimise hair loss. I'm not sure how effective it is or whether it's even possible to organize one at most chemo facilities. It was certainly never offered to me. But had I known about them before chemo I would have looked into the issue. Apparently it's very uncomfortable - like having your head encased in ice for the 2-3 hours of chemo I would imagine - but I would have given it a go if it had been available to me. Don't want to get your hopes up as they don't seem to be very widely used and perhaps they are very expensive. I really don't know. But it might be worth asking. Good luck. I hope your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. janet.
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Welcome to the network, sorry to hear about your diagnosis. Deanne was right, about day 14 after chemo my hair came out. A couple of days before that I got it cut very short because of the mess I was leaving around the house. Good luck with lymph surgery, take care,
Hazel xx
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How are you recovering? So close to the finish for you now. I hope that last one is kinder to you. A few more weeks and you will be able to put this behind you. It is a wonderful feeling to know that you don't have anymore chemo to do and when you start feeling better it keeps going in the right direction, upwards! Thinking of you. Deanne xxx0
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Yes you are young to be diagnosed,but it is definitely good that it is very early.Trying to be positive is the way to go,but you will have days(as Deanne said)that you find yourself feeling very emotional.You will cry for no reason,and this is just fine!Crying helps you to feel better:) I am a lot older than you,but I chose to have my head shaved 4 days before I started chemo.My hairdresser did it,and afterwards I just put on a gorgeous bamboo turban,and home I went! On day 14 after my first chemo,all my hair started to come out.My eyebrows went first,followed by every other hair on my body,over about 2 weeks.My scalp was sore to touch,and I was so glad that I had my head shaved prior to chemo.But everyone is different,and you have to do what feels right for you.All the best,and stay on here and let us know how you are going.Cheers xoxoxRobyn0
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Hi Liz, I am sorry you have joined this club as well. When I lost my hair, I bought a hair ring and lots of different hats. When going out to casual places, I often wore little peak caps, on cooler days I had slouch hats or beenie and then on other occasion I wore a cute little hats. I had lots of different colours and designs. Some friends also bought me some hats as a gift. I felt that this was a happy way to cheer up dull moments, I also found wigs way too hot for me. The hair ring was a just above my shoulders cut into a "bob", people thought it was my real hair. I loved it.
LyndaT
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Hi Liz
Sorry to hear you've diagonised. However, it's a good sign of your age, I believe your body would be more capable and easy to recover like surgery, chemo treatment and so on.
I am 48 and was diagonised 12/11/2013, up till now I am waiting for the scheduled chemo 7Mar, so you may see it's almost 4 months in between (maybe I gone through public). I am prepared to lose my hair.
I've learnt from this Web and doctors and BC nurse, do it step by step, we can't think too much at one time. And now you were just diagonised, you might need longer time to digest and think. Please well prepare the upcoming surgery first, in terms of physically and mentally.
I could only say it seems wasn't that bad feeling. I thought I'll very weak after surgery, I drove on the 3rd day (the nurse said at least 2 weeks), I read a lot of information and keep myself as normal (just change some of the eating habit), meeting friends, cooking, enjoying walking to the beach, watching movie, etc.
I hope you well and go through as easy as like me. (Sorry my Chemo haven't start yet, maybe mine optimist mood too early) Anyway, I enjoy lots of people support and keep positive....
{{Big Hug}}
Xoxo
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Hi Liz
Sorry to hear you've diagonised. However, it's a good sign of your age, I believe your body would be more capable and easy to recover like surgery, chemo treatment and so on.
I am 48 and was diagonised 12/11/2013, up till now I am waiting for the scheduled chemo 7Mar, so you may see it's almost 4 months in between (maybe I gone through public). I am prepared to lose my hair.
I've learnt from this Web and doctors and BC nurse, do it step by step, we can't think too much at one time. And now you were just diagonised, you might need longer time to digest and think. Please well prepare the upcoming surgery first, in terms of physically and mentally.
I could only say it seems wasn't that bad feeling. I thought I'll very weak after surgery, I drove on the 3rd day (the nurse said at least 2 weeks), I read a lot of information and keep myself as normal (just change some of the eating habit), meeting friends, cooking, enjoying walking to the beach, watching movie, etc.
I hope you well and go through as easy as like me. (Sorry my Chemo haven't start yet, maybe mine optimist mood too early) Anyway, I enjoy lots of people support and keep positive....
{{Big Hug}}
Xoxo
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How are you doing Rosanna? Not long till your chemo now.You are going to do just fine.Remember to keep in touch on here and let us know how you are going.I will be thinking of you on the 7th .:). Robynxoxox0
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You will have quite a wait until March the 24th, and now is the time where it is easy to assume, and become fearful. I remember how hard that was to wait until it all began, and letting people know. I too found mine early - in size, and after my first op, they had to do a second for the lymph nodes had already had cancer travel to them. But here I am 8 months after treatment, and back at work. I will be 48 this year. I suggest you keep an open mind, when you read all the advice that is relevant to individual diagnosis, cancer types, experiences and side effects. I had next to non of what other had had, and assumed Id have a far worse time than it was. Its amazing how as time goes by, we let go of a bad experience, and just focus on good things. Its how we repair emotionally, and enjoy happiness I guess. I had chemotherapy, and there is only a certain type out of many, that makes you lose your hair, the Triple Negative Breast Cancer crew, often get that, as we can only have Chemo and Radiation for out type of Cancer. I found mine early too, lucky, because it was an aggressive type. I thought the worst at the start, and now I look back, I can see, it was only because I knew nothing about it. When you are young, fit, well, you have increased luck behind you. All the best, Bel xx
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You will have quite a wait until March the 24th, and now is the time where it is easy to assume, and become fearful. I remember how hard that was to wait until it all began, and letting people know. I too found mine early - in size, and after my first op, they had to do a second for the lymph nodes had already had cancer travel to them. But here I am 8 months after treatment, and back at work. I will be 48 this year. I suggest you keep an open mind, when you read all the advice that is relevant to individual diagnosis, cancer types, experiences and side effects. I had next to non of what other had had, and assumed Id have a far worse time than it was. Its amazing how as time goes by, we let go of a bad experience, and just focus on good things. Its how we repair emotionally, and enjoy happiness I guess. I had chemotherapy, and there is only a certain type out of many, that makes you lose your hair, the Triple Negative Breast Cancer crew, often get that, as we can only have Chemo and Radiation for out type of Cancer. I found mine early too, lucky, because it was an aggressive type. I thought the worst at the start, and now I look back, I can see, it was only because I knew nothing about it. When you are young, fit, well, you have increased luck behind you. All the best, Bel xx
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Welcome on board, whilst you don't want to be here and we are all sorry you are this is a great forum for help and support.
Dependant on the chemo you are having yes you will loose your hair and thats hard, I was horrified at loosing mine but theres not much we can do about it.
I had long heair and just before my 1 st chemo got it cut short and yes like clockwork on day 14 it was coming out in handfulls. My husband shaved it and I sat crying whilst he did it. Prior to this I bought loads of hats and scaves in readiness. I had a wig but really did not like it and only wore this once.
Now I am 9 months post chemo with a beautiful head of hair AND I have curls. I love the curls, I had straight hair my whole life.
OK and here we go with a share that I have never done before because its not my story to tell, my eldest daughter had breast cancer before me, she got this when she was 34. I know its a hard road for young woman, especially if you have not had your family yet or even decided if you want a family. there are so many more decisions that you need to make that aren't there for us older ladies.
I wish you well with your journey and will watch out for your posts.
Sending you hugs
Donna
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Hi Robyn
I am good, keep myself pretty and happy, just waiting for the date
I book Looks Good Feel Better next Monday ; just learn more and do something.
Thanks staying with me. Keep up.
Xoxo - Rosanna
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It's becoming more and more common that women so young are being diaganosed. I was 29, just a couple of weeks before my 30th. I didn't think it was possible and thought it was extremely rare for women in that age group. However through this site and my medical team I have learned it wasn't as rare as I thought. It's not ideal at any age just really surprising I suppose.
Hope you have someone who is able to attend your appointments with. I found this really helpful at first as I was so shocked that I didn't appear to take much in. My husband took a pen and note pad and wrote things down.
Chemo is no picknick but I managed better than I thought I would. I don't know how much of that is to do with being young and fit. The hair loss is always the biggest concern. When my breast care nurse told me I would loose my hair I was heartbroken as it was so long. After learning this I went for a Michelle Williams Pixie cut, which I didn't mind. It started to come out 14 days after my first chemo. I thought I would salvage every hair on my head but it got so messy, I was casting everywhere. My hairdresser ended up shaving it off and my surprise I felt relieved. I had a human hair wig but I always wore a beanie over it in winter and scarf in the summer.
There is also a young womens group on the site which I recommend you join. It helped me with different issues including things like fertility.
In the meantime keep yourself busy in the lead up to your consultation.
Take care,
Gillianx
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It's becoming more and more common that women so young are being diaganosed. I was 29, just a couple of weeks before my 30th. I didn't think it was possible and thought it was extremely rare for women in that age group. However through this site and my medical team I have learned it wasn't as rare as I thought. It's not ideal at any age just really surprising I suppose.
Hope you have someone who is able to attend your appointments with. I found this really helpful at first as I was so shocked that I didn't appear to take much in. My husband took a pen and note pad and wrote things down.
Chemo is no picknick but I managed better than I thought I would. I don't know how much of that is to do with being young and fit. The hair loss is always the biggest concern. When my breast care nurse told me I would loose my hair I was heartbroken as it was so long. After learning this I went for a Michelle Williams Pixie cut, which I didn't mind. It started to come out 14 days after my first chemo. I thought I would salvage every hair on my head but it got so messy, I was casting everywhere. My hairdresser ended up shaving it off and my surprise I felt relieved. I had a human hair wig but I always wore a beanie over it in winter and scarf in the summer.
There is also a young womens group on the site which I recommend you join. It helped me with different issues including things like fertility.
In the meantime keep yourself busy in the lead up to your consultation.
Take care,
Gillianx
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