Newly Diagnosed and trying to cope
Hi my name is Suzie and I found a lump 1 week prior to christmas whilst checking my breasts in the shower. My lump is under my right breast just above the breast bone. I had one biopsy done with the r...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Suzie82
It’s a hell of a shock. There’s a lot to get your head around and your head is reeling. Best to take it bit by bit, one thing at a time. No node involvement is a good start. Surgery will clarify a lot too. Everyone gets scared about chemo - it can be hard to take but some people get through it more easily than others, no reason I know of, just more bad luck for those who have a hard time. But I was pretty good, worked throughout and never felt ill. Plan for the worst and hope for the best! I didn’t have radiation (mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy) but most say it is much easier than chemo.
Do you have a breast care nurse? They can help a lot with a raft of questions like where you can access a wig library (often good to try before you buy!). A really short haircut can make falling hair a bit easier and a lot less messy. I am sure others will be able to advise about financial support and assistance that may be available. Do you have a friend who can accompany you to appointments, at least at first? It can be really helpful to have another pair of ears and someone to take notes. I am sure your son will do all he can to help but this is hard for him too. He needs to know that this is treatable and be reminded of your good prognosis. I had a 76% chance of recovery, so far (8 years), so good! It’s doable. There will be tough days, but it helps to keep putting one foot in front of another. You can cover a remarkable amount of ground that way! Best wishes.
It’s a hell of a shock. There’s a lot to get your head around and your head is reeling. Best to take it bit by bit, one thing at a time. No node involvement is a good start. Surgery will clarify a lot too. Everyone gets scared about chemo - it can be hard to take but some people get through it more easily than others, no reason I know of, just more bad luck for those who have a hard time. But I was pretty good, worked throughout and never felt ill. Plan for the worst and hope for the best! I didn’t have radiation (mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy) but most say it is much easier than chemo.
Do you have a breast care nurse? They can help a lot with a raft of questions like where you can access a wig library (often good to try before you buy!). A really short haircut can make falling hair a bit easier and a lot less messy. I am sure others will be able to advise about financial support and assistance that may be available. Do you have a friend who can accompany you to appointments, at least at first? It can be really helpful to have another pair of ears and someone to take notes. I am sure your son will do all he can to help but this is hard for him too. He needs to know that this is treatable and be reminded of your good prognosis. I had a 76% chance of recovery, so far (8 years), so good! It’s doable. There will be tough days, but it helps to keep putting one foot in front of another. You can cover a remarkable amount of ground that way! Best wishes.