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
Cath62 said:Hi @Suzie82,
Great advice from all the ladies here. You are not alone here.
It is a big shock for sure. I had a grade 3 cancer cells. It means that they grew quickly so it's termed aggressive but it is not a death sentence. My cancer was 2cm in the right breast. I had a lumpectomy and chemo, radium and now I take tamoxifen. I was diagnosed 30 April and had 4 months of chemo and 19 days of radium. I had nothing in my lymph.
It is such a ride emotionally and such a shock. Glad you had your friend with you. Support is important.
A couple of tips from me:
* exercise is great if you can. It really helps on a number of levels. It helped me get through chemo and radium and it helps with the stress and fatigue of it all
* drink plenty water
* take care of your skin. Chemo is so drying
* mouth washes with salty water after every meal during chemo and use dental floss to help no mouth ulcers
* prepare a few meals to freeze for when you are not up to cooking
*ask for help from friends with housework and meals, driving you etc
* learn to mediate or practice mindfulness. It all helps.
* stay in touch with everyone here. We are all at various stages of treatment or beyond and this is a great place for support.
Hi Cath62
Thank you for your message. Yes the ladies who all have kindly resoonded including yourself ave given me some great inspiration and advice and I am truly greatful to you all. Thank you for the information about the grade 3 terminology I haven't read much on it yet but mine is grade 3 also. I have read a little on tamoxifen. My dr said I unfortunately from memory can't have any hormone treatments due to mine not being that kind. You are lucky to have nothing in your lymph nodes. So far my tests say I don't either which is good. Thank you for your tips and advice I will take them on board and yes I am learning that this is a great place for support thank you xo