Hi,I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Thursday the 8th November. My eldest child finishes school this year and we were meant to be heading off to Europe on the 28th November for the trip of a lifetime which had been in the planning for 2 years and now I face the biggest challenge of my life and I'm absolutely terrified. My anxiety levels are through the roof and I can't sleep. I feel totally consumed by this cancer diagnosis. I saw my GP yesterday who is trying to get me into see my surgeon ASAP but I have to wait until Monday until I'll know some more. How do I get through the weekend and the weeks ahead?

Hi @CathyMac,im typing this while I lay on the couch recovering from my lumpectomy and node removal yesterday. I am only 50 and was quite surprised to discover I had breast cancer on 24/10/18. The worst weeks are the ones when you don’t know what you’re dealing with and what the future holds, but it gets easier. I’m still waiting for pathology results and this will determine my path. While it’s probably not for everyone, I’ve found that being open and sharing my diagnosis with my work colleagues, friends and family to be the best decision I’ve made to date. The outpouring of support and kindness has lifted my spirits and made me feel very cherished. I’ve also had people tell me about their cancer and discussed their treatments which has helped me a lot. I wish you well, stay positive and take it a day at a time. Tracey.

You can do this Cathy, you’ve got this you are a strong person with a loving family surrounding you.This is the start of becoming healthy.Excercise, throw yourself into some housework or gardening to take your mind of things.Meditation is really good, listen to some relaxation music and concentrate on your breath.Spoil yourself and get a relaxation massage.❤️Sending big hugs your way xx

As others have said @CathyMac try focusing on the fact that you are taking control and acting - getting that cancer out of your body. At the hospital where I had my surgery, they had small balconies off each room with the doors firmly locked. I can remember joking (or trying) to my surgeon that it was really so we couldn't escape while we were waiting to be taken down to surgery. I was positive but very anxious - it's normal and if you can be given something for the anxiety, take it. When the anaesthetist was putting the drugs in one arm ready for surgery, my surgeon was holding the other to reassure me (apparently, it's normal practice for him).You will get through this.

You were lucky @Sister to have such a wonderful surgeon. In the 3 surgeries I had this year I never saw my surgeon once in the theatre. I saw everyone else though and they were awesome. Maybe he was having a quick coffee before he started. ( I can't believe how many people are actually in the theatre. ) I still remember for the first surgery though the surgeon registrar who was helping rubbed my arm and looked right at me and said everything will be fine and they would look after me. I never saw him again until after my last surgery the following day as he had pulled the short straw in the weekend to check on patients and I told him I had remembered him and what effect his kindness had on me that first time. ( they usually only hear the complaints) Isn't it funny small gestures make a huge difference when we are at our most vulnerable.@CathyMac You will get through this. I can honestly say my mastectomy surgery was not as bad as I thought it would be as I had little pain albeit with the help of some great drugs LOl. But totally doable. ( I didn't have reconstruction ) Al the best and big Hugs. <3

Thank you lovelies❤️ for all your reassuring words. I'm terrified but determined. It's been the year from hell for me and the trip was my light at the end of the tunnel but it now seems I was not challenged enough. I just want this cancer out of my body and I hate every day that I know it's still part of me.

Terrified of what lies ahead! | BCNA Online Network

138 Replies

Sister
Member
7 years ago
It does often seem to be the way. All the best @CathyMac
SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
Sorry to hear that news Cathy, I am sure you will pick yourself up and dust yourself off tomorrow .... If needed I have a large infinite supply of Big Girl panties for anyone on here needing them... myself included at times.
arpie
Member
7 years ago
Bugger @CathyMac .... All the best with the next meetings .... thinking of you xx
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
So sorry @CathyMac. It's almost always the way. Mine was double the size from the mammogram. You probably haven't thought about reconstruction, but make sure you speak to your surgeon about it so you know your options. Hang in there. Big hug. K xox
Mjheke
Member
7 years ago
Thinking of you @CathyMac
big hugs 🤗
Michelle xx
CathyMac
Member
7 years ago
Today I had a ring from my surgeon who had the results of my MRI. The tumour is bigger than indicated on the mammogram, so she's thinking a mastectomy now. I'd reconciled the partial mastectomy and now I'm struggling to come to terms with a change in the plan, exacerbated by the fact that today I should have been flying out for the holiday of a lifetime. I'm hoping tomorrow I'll be able to pick myself up again and see the silver linings.
Tracey2800
Member
7 years ago
@Sister, not that any time is good, but this time of year poses all sorts of challenges with specialists going on break, Christmas Day preparations and general business! It feels like I’m racing against the clock to try and fit everything in.
Sister
Member
7 years ago
Welcome @Tracey2800. I don't know what it is about Christmas but there seems to be a lot of new members. I was one of the newbies last Christmas!
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
It's true. I've never felt so loved as during the past year. So many people wanting to do so much for me. From the other side of the world as well - parcels with books and a constant stream of emails. It's been delicious. <3
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@Tracey2800 @CathyMac I've never felt so loved as when I was going through chemotherapy. Extraordinary experience.

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Terrified of what lies ahead!

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