BC Newbie

It sounds as though diagnosis is a horrible shock for most. I'd been living under the false idea that I was immune to it. I'm trying not to get too ahead of myself and take each day as it comes, but I'm someone that loves to plan ahead too and as such I've spent far too much time googling scary stuff when I should have come straight here to this bcna forum! The women on here are the best sources of info ever. Thanks for reaching out - it has really helped. Kate

Thanks so much. I did check out that blogpost you and Deanne suggested. It was perfect - exactly what I needed -a comprehensive list. (I'm a fan of a good list!!)

Your comment has filled me with hope! I can't fathom the idea of chemo being not too bad, but I'm definitely hoping for an experience like yours! Thanks so much for reaching out. It really helps hearing from others who have already gone through what I am about to. Kate x

Thank you for taking the time to reply. The messages I received have been so helpful already. I looked up that blog post you recommended and it is brilliant. I've made a big pre-chemo preparation list. Our local chemist is going to love me! Congrats for getting through the chemo and radiotherapy. All the best from here on. What's next in your treatment plan? Kate

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.

 

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.

 

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

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, 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

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