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

kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@Wonk @CathyMac I want to say "my pleasure" but that's not quite right! It's all about helping those who come after us, as we were helped by those who went before us. I've leant on @Zoffiel @kezmusc @SoldierCrab @onemargie @Afraser @Romla @Primek and SO many others. And still do. Love to everyone. K xox <3
Sarnicad
Member
7 years ago
@CathyMac @wonk great news for both of you hopefully now with a plan in place you will be able to settle a bit and breathe a bit
Sister
Member
7 years ago
So glad it's good news @CathyMac and @Wonk

And that you're clear to see your boy graduate @CathyMac - it's such a big deal to be able to be part of these events.
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@CathyMac <3 <3
CathyMac
Member
7 years ago
Crash away @Wonk we are on this journey together. As Wonk has mentioned above huge thanks to all you ladies who have been here for us. Your advice and wise words have been amazing. The nervous system is feeling much calmer tonight. Big love to all of you❤️❤️
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@Wonk Bless you ! xox
Wonk
Member
7 years ago
Thanks @tigerbeth, @Flaneuse, @kezmusc, @kitkatb and @kmakm. You are the ladies who were here from day one and I wouldn’t have got through the dark, early days without you xxx
Sorry to crash your thread @CathyMac !! I’ll be thinking of you on the 6th xxx
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@Wonk @CathyMac Such good news you gels. So weird to click an awesome button about cancer news eh?! How are your nervous systems now, starting to settle a bit? I hope you're feeling a bit better now the waiting period is over. Onwards and upwards. Big hugs, and a high five for no nodes! K xox
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
Great news @wonk and @CathyMac the waiting part is over and you guys now have a treatment plan with your team. No node involvement is awesome. Wishing you both the best with your treatments. xox
kezmusc
Member
7 years ago
No nodes is excellent news @Wonk,

My original biopsy came back negative as well. Luckily the team and I both knew better, Very happy for you.
xxx

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Terrified of what lies ahead!

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