Hi everyone, So this is my first ever blog post on this forum. I can hardly believe I'm even here! At 37 years old, and no history of BC in our family, my diagnosis three weeks ago was really a massive shock. Since then, I've undergone a bilateral mastectomy & full axilla clearance. I'm due to start chemo in about 3 weeks time which is freaking me out. If anyone has any tips on how best to prepare for chemo, I'd be very grateful. Everyone keeps telling me I'm strong but I feel anything but. We are surrounded by the love and support of beautiful family & friends but still I feel utterly alone. I'm sore, I'm scared and I'm grieving for the loss of the old me. Kate x

Hi Kate As Deanne said, definitely look at things I wish I had known blog. Be prepared that your first chemo day will probably be an anti climax as not much will happen. Side effects usually happen a few days after. Talk to the staff and tell them how you feel. Good luck with it all. Karen xox

Hi Kate, like Deanne has said, above and look after yourself. I'm 51 years young, healthy, and NO breast cancer in any of the families. But it happened to me to. One day I was living my normal life, and Wham I was diagnosed with bc. Just one step at a time. I'm going to look up the sure Deanne has suggested, as I'm still very new at this stage in my life too. If you need some one to talk to there is always some here. I'm also a good listener. Sending you many good vibes and warm wishes. Juli xxx

How quickly our lives can change! I'm so sorry that you find yourself in this situation. At 47 and also with no family history I too was shocked with a diagnosis of BC. That was over 18 months ago and I have had a mastectomy, partial axillary clearance, 18 weeks chemo and 25 sessions of radiotherapy. Life is different but very good again. You do get through this one step at a time. Like most of us I was absolutely devestated at the thought of chemo but with no choice you just do what you have to. There is a really good blog on here called 'Things you wish you had know'. If you put this into the search bar you should find it. Many women have contributed to this blog about chemo and BC in general and you will find lots of great advice. Another lady on here gave me the best advice, prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Everyone reacts differently to chemo but if you have things on hand to help with the most common side effects then you can avoid a lot of problems. The main things I recommend are to drink plenty of fluids to flush the chemo through, gentle exercise when you can, rest, listen to your body (don't push yourself) and most of all LET OTHERS HELP. This is really a time to put yourself first. You will probably not feel good some of the time but you will probably be surprised at the amount of ok time. Wishing you all the best, take care. Deanne xxx

Hi Kate, Diagnosis was a massive shock for me too, I still don't think I'm over it to be honest. Surgery followed by 6 months of chemo has just finished for me, and I'm about to start radiation in a week or so. I don't really know if there is anything that will ever prepare you for chemo - and the reality is that everyone handles it differently - unfortunately my experience was horrendous, but I survived it! My only advice is very similar to what the other ladies have said aready - just take everything one day at a time, listen to your body, lots of water and rest and let your loved ones take care of you - they wil inevitably all be feeling super helpless and even if it is just doing little things for you, it will make them feel a bit better - which is important too, even though this is mainly about you and your journey. And make sure you can have an open dialogue with your chemo nurses - let them know how you're feeling - lots of communication. And one last thing - use the support on this network, it's awesome to know that there are people out there that understand and know exactly what you're going through and how you're feeling. All the best with your first chemo - I'm sure you'll smash it! :) Gen

Oh, and walk every day, even if it is only 10 minutes and you have to sit down every 100 meters. Get someone to make it their job to walk with you, and to be company for your walks.

BC Newbie | BCNA Online Network

39 Replies

Lukady
Member
11 years ago
I'm 12days post surgery and have appointment with onco next week regarding chemo and/or radiation ...was diagnosed as grade 3 BC and BC nurse advised chemo likely .. I had accepted radiation but was not prepared for chemo so like you am terrified - again it's the fear of the unknown - what's going to happen? I use my journal in the journal kit often and have even downloaded a meditation app (have never done this before ...).. Trying also to remove the stressful things in my life that don't need to be there and get myself focused on ME for the next few months .. I have never considered myself a self centred person but it's amazing what you do when you have to ... My daughter and I call our ride our "baby step challenge" keep strong and remember you never know how strong you are until strong is the only choice you have xxxxx
Deanne
Member
11 years ago
So sorry that you have been diagnosed with BC at such a young age. I was diagnosed at 47 and experienced a very similar thing with my periods during the first 3 rounds of FEC chemo. I kept informing my onc but she was not overly concerned but a bit surprised that chemo did not stop them sooner. I finally had 2 lots of bleeding very close together just before my 4th chemo which was a different chemo drug, Docetaxel (similar to taxol). That was then the end of it for me and I was in chemo induced menopause. Being 47 at the time, it is most likely that I will stay in menopause but it can be different for younger women. I think it is always a good idea to check out anything that you are worried about with your oncologist as this process is hard enough without worrying about something that might be ok. Hope that your doctor can talk your concerns over with you soon. Take care. Deanne xxx
Reeta_K
Member
11 years ago
Hi Shat,

Thanks for replying. I will give my onc a call tomorrow .I hope the bleeding stops for you.

Reeta
shat
Member
11 years ago
Hi Reeta,

I have had daily medium bleeding since 2nd round of THC chemo in Sept-what a drag. I was prescribed progesterone which slowed it but it is still constant. I saw a gyno recently who said it is the chemo attacking your healthy cells ie uterine lining coupled with the low platelets. Apparently it is fairly common in premenstrual women. there is a device which can help with bleeding if it gets worse but as I am on my last round of chemo so hoping it will stop (but not permaenently!!) by itself without more invasive procedures.

I have follow-up appt in 3 months time to see if I am menopausal and they may then treat me with hormones to prevent further bone density loss related to early menopause. I think it's a good thing that I got referred to a gyno for this reason.

I dont think people are aware of the myriad of health concerns that we have to face. I am feeling so sad about it all at the moment. I hope you are ok.

Tanya
Reeta_K
Member
11 years ago
Hi Leigh,

OMG .. really sorry for you to be diagnosed on ur birthday.

Thanks for replying so promptly. I was also very very scared in the begining. Its a scary journey and it takes u to dark places when u re not doing anything. I think I ve lost myself on this cancer highway. Don't know when will i be able to get back to a little bit like me.

I am sure we can support each other. I was so scared to post anything on this network found myself very lonely. I had no one to talk about my experiences. always heard from others that so and so has survived so many years. That made me feel better.

Just going out to do some groceries. will catch up soon.

Cheers Reeta
Liggyw
Member
11 years ago
Hi Reeta It's different for everyone. Like you, I was diagnosed on 1 oct (my birthday which sucks :) ) and I had my 3rd AC two weeks ago. I was warned by my doctor that my periods would stop which was one thing I was happy for. Unfortunately for me this hasn't happened. Speak to your oncologist if you are worried. Again like you, I have two small children. We are so similar it's scarey ;) but we can support each other and the other ladies in this site have been amazingly supportive. Going luck and drop me a line anytime. Leigh
Reeta_K
Member
11 years ago
Hi Everyone,

This is my first ever post onthis network.I was diagnosed on 1st of oct 2014 (breast cancer awareness month). I am also 37 year old with a young child. The journey is really an emotional roller coaster ride. I had my lumpectomy in oct and had 3 rounds of AC chemo.

I had my periods after 2nd treatment and now again after 22days i m hving my periods. just wondering if anyone had such experience.

Cheers Reeta
Reeta_K
Member
11 years ago
Hi Everyone,

This is my first ever post onthis network.I was diagnosed on 1st of oct 2014 (breast cancer awareness month). I am also 37 year old with a young child. The journey is really an emotional roller coaster ride. I had my lumpectomy in oct and had 3 rounds of AC chemo.

I had my periods after 2nd treatment and now again after 22days i m hving my periods. just wondering if anyone had such experience.

Cheers Reeta
Liggyw
Member
11 years ago
Like all the other ladies have said, this forum is excellent for advice, info but most of all giving each of us the boost we need. I had my third chemo on Friday with one more to go before I then start another 12 weeks of weekly and a year of herceptin, followed by radiation and then hormones. So like you I'm having it all. The best thing I have learnt from this site is - it's do-able. You celebrate every little milestone eg; one down three to go. The first treatment is the worst and not because of feeling ill, more anxious about what to expect. I came good a week after and went back to work and celebrated being normal for the next 2 weeks before the next one. You will get through this and you have a lot of support from family, friends but most of all this site. Good luck.
Gillian2069
Member
11 years ago
Hi Kate,

I'm in a somewhat similar situation - 10 days post-op with an oncology appointment lined up.

I had an insight today about what resilience will mean for me. I see that it is a rocky road ahead and I'll be knocked down often. I seem to get unsteady and sad after every appointment. But then I lift again.

I can't help getting knocked down, but I can help to pick myself up each time, in little ways. I suspect there's going to be a bit of shopping therapy in the coming months!

One night I couldn't sleep and my mind was going over events and possible futures. I found myself thinking/planning a nice funeral - gorgeous flowers, lots of music, but enough! I got out of bed and went to read a book.

Wishing you well on this journey. I hope you find the support and love that will help you pick yourself up as often as you need to.

Gillian