First times for everything
Hi fellow ladies
So this is my first post, I'll try to keep it brief because no one likes a whinger.
Like most women (and men) on this site, I recently faced my own breast cancer diagnosis. I'm ...
Forum Discussion
Hi Tiffany,
I am also crying, having just read your message... my heart goes out to you and your husband. One piece of advice I have received from so many people is be kind to yourself, and I would add be kind to your wonderful husband aswell... In some ways it is more difficult for hubbies as you embark on a journey while he feels he is standing on the outside. You will receive some amazing support and kindness from places you least expect, it is not always the same experience for our other halves.
Rememberance Day 2014 was significant for me aswell Tiffany, it was the last chemotherapy treatment that I received for my breast cancer diagnosed early April 2014. I was 37 with two small children and like you no family history. Like you I had a left mastectomy and lymph nodes removed prior to chemo. After chemo I had 5 weeks of radiotherapy. My final radiotherapy was Christmas Eve and I just limped over the line.... The whole thing was really tough, but I made it, and YOU WILL MAKE IT TOO!
Chemo for me was horrible. I started on Doxyrubicin and Cyclophosphamide and was so sick and tired that I would be in bed for a whole week afterwards, sometimes longer. After completing 4 cycles of this I started on weekly Taxol which was nowhere near as hard on my body, but was still difficult. Radiotherapy was exhausting because it was every day for 5 weeks. Whilst undergoing my treatments I felt like it would never end. But it did, and you will get there...
I shaved my hair off and raised money for the NBCA prior to my hair falling out. You get used to having no hair after a while. But everyone's experience is different so you will deal with it in your own way. And you will deal with it all. I have realised that women possess an incredible strength and determination that we don't realise we have. Sometimes the biggest battle will just be getting out of bed, or having a shower, but celebrate these small achievements.
Being brave is feeling scared, but doing it anyway. You have so much to live for, the rest of your life ahead of you...
Katie xxoo