Hi my name is Jane I am 35 and I was diagnosed with breast cancer 4 weeks ago. I had a masectomy on my right breast 2 days later and am starting chemo in a couple of weeks. I am petrified about starting chemo, I have a 2, 6 and 10 year old and was a very fit and active person. I am so scared about how we are all going to cope and what it's going to do to me. I am still really sore from the surgery, I had a bleed so needed a second surgery the following night which is why I'm not healing as well as my surgeon would have liked and I have a pretty bad case of cording. I know I sound all doom and gloom but I do have good days, trying to focus on the positives but struggling. I am feeling very overwhelmed with what I have to organize before chemo and also having problems dealing with the reactions of family and friends. They are all very supportive and understanding but for some reason I am finding them hard to deal with. I am so scared about seeing them all once chemo starts and the looks of pity and sympathy. I am planning a reconstruction ASAP but my doctors and nurses seem reluctant to talk about it yet but it is very important to me. I need to have a plan to work towards. Trying to stay strong, signing off xxx Jane

Welcome to this wonderful site, although I am very sorry you are joining us. You will find all the support in the world here, from the pink sisters who have all been there, and know first hand what you are going through. It has been a full on 4 weeks for you and the feelings of disbelief and shock at diagnosis probably still haven't faded at all. Big cyber hug to you.. Family and friends often haven't a clue what to say to help - half the time we don't either! - feeling the love sometimes has to be enough. Between us here, we have probably experienced every form of chemo, and there are lots of stories and advice on all of them - just use the Search Box. Some of us had an easier run with chemo than others, but we all came through it and you will, too. When you are ready, post what program you are on, and I am sure you will receive many responses from us all. It is overwhelming at first, so keep a notebook handy to list everything you need, want, experience - your life will be taken over by appointments. Just take one day at a time. Don't look too far ahead. Small steps. If you have a Look Good Feel Better near you, it is really worth going - a lot of fun, and we need fun wherever possible! Stay in touch. Will be thinking of you. Michelle xx

As Michelle just said,you will find all the support here that you will need,when it comes to advice and help throughout your treatment.I was scared witless in the beginning,but I got through it,and so will you.I was one of the ladies that found chemo not that bad,so don't assume it is going to be terrible.Just take it ONE DAY AT A TIME,This is so important,as usually what you imagine is going to happen,DOESNT!! Try not to worry too much about other peoples reactions.I think that pity is natural,and take all offers of help that are offered to you,especially as you have young children.There are many ladies on here with children,and I am sure that some will come on here and offer there advice to you.If a reconstruction is important to you,make sure that your doctor understands this.It is your body,and you have to be happy with what you decide.As Michelle said,keep a diary or journal,because there will be so many things to remember!Stay on here,and ask any questions that you have.On this blog , no question is a silly question.Sending you a big hug.xoxRobyn

I'm 31 and have 3 boys 10 6 and nearly 2 I've started my chemo and I was scared but so far so good I've had no issues besides 2 ulcers I haven't been sick I'm on my 3rd cycle of ac then into my hormone treatment for 12 weeks then radiation I found taking a friend to my chemo was good I attended the look good feel better workshop lived it

I'm so sorry that you are facing all this and just wanted to let you know that this network is a place you can come to when you are needing advice, understanding and support. Chemo is daunting but is often not as bad as we think. I had FEC x 3 and Docetaxel x 3 starting around this time last year. The chemo nurses are very aware of how scarey it all is and take special care that first time. I found a lot of my nerves settled with their calm approach. I too was fit and active before diagnosis. I was told that exercise could help minimize side effects so I kept this in mind and walked most days. It did help me to feel better and recover from each chemo session. You will probably find that you feel surprisingly good at times and be able to enjoy quality time with your family. But there will be times when you don't have much energy and this is when you need to let others help. There is a terrific group on here that is great to join for info and support about reconstruction. If you click on find a group you should find it 'Breast reconstruction' online group. You can request membership and then have access to a wonderful amount of info and photo stories of people's reconstruction experiences. You can do lots of research about what might be best for you once you get through treatment. I hope that we can help you through your treatment and recovery. Just take it day by day and like all of us, you will get there and be able to enjoy a long healthy life with your family. Take care. Deanne xxx

Scared | BCNA Online Network

11 Replies

Michelle_R
Member
12 years ago
Welcome to this wonderful site, although I am very sorry you are joining us. You will find all the support in the world here, from the pink sisters who have all been there, and know first hand what you are going through.

It has been a full on 4 weeks for you and the feelings of disbelief and shock at diagnosis probably still haven't faded at all. Big cyber hug to you.. Family and friends often haven't a clue what to say to help - half the time we don't either! - feeling the love sometimes has to be enough.

Between us here, we have probably experienced every form of chemo, and there are lots of stories and advice on all of them - just use the Search Box. Some of us had an easier run with chemo than others, but we all came through it and you will, too. When you are ready, post what program you are on, and I am sure you will receive many responses from us all. It is overwhelming at first, so keep a notebook handy to list everything you need, want, experience - your life will be taken over by appointments. Just take one day at a time. Don't look too far ahead. Small steps. If you have a Look Good Feel Better near you, it is really worth going - a lot of fun, and we need fun wherever possible! Stay in touch. Will be thinking of you. Michelle xx
Michelle_R
Member
12 years ago
Welcome to this wonderful site, although I am very sorry you are joining us. You will find all the support in the world here, from the pink sisters who have all been there, and know first hand what you are going through.

It has been a full on 4 weeks for you and the feelings of disbelief and shock at diagnosis probably still haven't faded at all. Big cyber hug to you.. Family and friends often haven't a clue what to say to help - half the time we don't either! - feeling the love sometimes has to be enough.

Between us here, we have probably experienced every form of chemo, and there are lots of stories and advice on all of them - just use the Search Box. Some of us had an easier run with chemo than others, but we all came through it and you will, too. When you are ready, post what program you are on, and I am sure you will receive many responses from us all. It is overwhelming at first, so keep a notebook handy to list everything you need, want, experience - your life will be taken over by appointments. Just take one day at a time. Don't look too far ahead. Small steps. If you have a Look Good Feel Better near you, it is really worth going - a lot of fun, and we need fun wherever possible! Stay in touch. Will be thinking of you. Michelle xx

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Scared

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