Newly Diagnosed

Catnev,
We are stronger than we know.... We adapt and make the best of the situation we are in. Give yourself sometime to adjust and you can get through this. My 6 months went really quickly and when it was done I felt proud of myself for showing strength,  courage and determination. At the beginning I know I felt sad, angry and lost but a year and half on I am going good. I wish you the very best.
Rita xo

Catnev Im sorry to hear of your journey this far!!! Awful!!! it is hard, no two ways about it, its overwhelming and shocking. Nothing you do prepares you for it all, sounds like the anxiety attack was you on overload, and completely understandable. Have you thought of getting some counseling specifically for this?? I'd touch base with your Breast Care Nurse, they'd be able to recommend someone. Loved ones are great, but they dont understand the depths of it all. You can also come here, we are all a very supportive group and full of information and experiences that can help. You can even just vent!!!! because we get it!!! I did 4.5 months of Chemo and am 1yr post now. I was very ill through the whole thing. I learnt to do a day only at a time, not look at the big picture. Exercise is ok, as long as you dont push yourself, as your body needs time to heal. Think about the things that bring you joy, the little things, try and get distracted it will help. I also did a rehab course through the Epworth and it had a team of specialists, was brilliant! Theres alot of support out there, and sounds like what you need right now! Hugs Melinda xo 

Hi

I am a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient as of mid november.  I had a left mastectomy and lymph nodes removed the day after my 60th birthday :( in december.   Aggressive Stage 2 1/2.  I was so positive that I could handle it, and life would continue as normal after treatment.   My first mistake.  My first chemo was last wednesday, which went good, but 4 hours later I was on the lounge and beside myself.  I remember saying I don't think I can do this.  This happened so quickly.  Found out later that I was having an anxiety attack.  I have never had one before and it was terrifying.  After trip to ED and to doctors was put on Lorazipam, which has been a godsend, as had the first night sleep in nearly 5 days.  Am now on the good side of chemo, having counselling asked everyone and anyone for help at the time, but how do I control this anxiety/panic that keeps building up without having to resort to drugs.  I am trying meditation, exercise, deep breathing, peppermint tea.  My husband was been fantastic but he cant stay home all day to make sure I am ok.  During the day if i have something to do it is ok, but the nights just seem so long.  I have a long journey ahead of me, a journey I cant get off of til the end.  I appreciated any advice. 

I had the cold cap twice.  My chemo is weekly for 12 weeks  (No 7 on Friday) and I think if I had been having the chemo every 3 weeks I would have succeeded with the cap.  It is very uncomfortable when first put on and feels like brain freeze (eating very cold ice cream).  After about 5-10 mins the feeling goes away and you are just uncomfortable as the cold cap is very tight.  Make sure you wear warm clothes and have plenty of the warm blankets.  One of the draw backs I found was the extra time, half an hour before treatment and one hour after treatment is finished.  Give it a go and good luck. I also got a wig but being 67 and grey decided to get a brown wig.  I love looking a bit different. 

Hi Kat09, welcome, you will find so much support here. I'm sorry you have had to join. I think I understand a little of how you feel, it is so surreal and I still can't believe it. My story is a little similar to yours. I was diagnosed on 4/10/16 with invasive ductal carcinoma at 42yo. My tumour was 9cm. Due to the large size, I am also having chemo before surgery. I also had a port put in and it was a little tender for a few weeks but now I don't even know it's there. I am 2/3 through my chemo already and my tumour is now estimated to be 3.5cm. I didn't use cold caps so have lost my hair but I went to get a wig while I still had hair so they matched my usual style and colour, so I still look like me, which was important for my two young children. Best wishes on this journey. Big hugs to you. Kate 

Hi, I haven't used the cold caps when i had chemo but my friend used it recently and she did lose some but not all her hair. I had 16 rounds of chemo and honestly losing my hair was ok. But the cold cap is worth a try. When I was in hospital for my lumpectomy the lady in the bed next to me had the chemo first then surgery. The chemo reduced it by half then when we got results of our surgeries hers was great.... my lump had nearly doubled in size not good....
All the best 
Rita xo

Hi Kat and welcome to the network, commiserations on joining us :(. You certainly sound as though you have had a very thorough education in cancer treatment via your mums experience and what an example of a survivor she is!!! Fantastic to hear that she is doing so well. You sound as though you are handling the chemo incredibly well and whilst the next 10-15 months hold uncertainty they also hold the biggest certainty in that you are going to be cancer free when you finish! Your positive attitude and being able to find the silver lining in situations is going to be an immense help in dealing with the various treatments and I'm sure that your mum will be there helping you through as much as she can. Know that we too are here for you and that it doesn't matter if you are having a fantastic day or a crap one if you need to come here to chat,vent, de-stress or yahoo we will all be here to support you in any way we can. I would suggest however that this year around October/November you sit down a write a lovely letter to the big man in red asking for a better Christmas present than you were given last year! Please come back on and let us know how you are going with your treatment, cold cap, etc. Sending you a big hug and wishing you all the best. Xx Cath

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Women-Boho-Bohemian-Black-Red-flower-Cross-Bandana-Hair-band-Headband-Wrap-Scarf-/252396558975?hash=item3ac401da7f:g:mkgAAOSwQSZXPtMG

I shedded a lot of hair but managed to keep my fringe, sides and a lot of back hair, but founded I needed something to cover my bald spots, found similar trendy boho bandanas at a local shop $3 each and wore them a lot whilst out and about and also swimming as they weren't hot to wear, hopefully you won't need them but they were a god send for me.  Also found Moroccan argan oil brilliant for dull, lifeless hair and itchy scalp really good....keep smiling di

Thanks Dak2, I bet you're excited about your hair regrrowth and also getting to the end of your Chemo!.I appreciate you letting me know how things went for you. It's strange even getting used to the not washing your hair as regularly or styling it the way you're used to. Although it does have benefits as I do get ready in the mornings alot more quickly now :wink: