Forum Discussion

LJH's avatar
LJH
Member
10 years ago

My Story

Hi everyone,

Thought it was time to share my story. I'm 47 and I was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2015 and had partial mastectomy and axillary clearance. Although the cancer was small it had already spread to my lymph nodes. Just 7 months prior to my diagnosis my 18 year old son was diagnosed with stage 3 rectal cancer. How on earth was i going to get through my cancer when all of my strength and energy went onto caring for my son! He actually taught me to be strong and positive and we had each other to lean on. My chemo was stopped after 4 sessions (3 FEC and 1 reduced dose docetaxol). I ended up in hospital for 7 days and was neutropenic (0.2) and also required a blood transfusion. On the 4th dose of chemo i ended up in hospital again and nearly lost my life. My chemo was stopped! I finished 30 sessions of radiotherapy Jan 6th and have been taking Tamoxifen for 3 weeks now and I'm on them for 5 years. I am seeing a cardiologist too as i now have heart block and palpitations from the chemo. Yes this sounds like a horror story i know and everyone reacts differently to treatment but i chose to fight, to be positive and give it my all. I know its early days but i have a smile on my face most days whether it be real or fake and try to be the strongest i can be. My hair started growing after 3 weeks of my last chemo together with my eyebrows and lashes...thats got to be something to smile about right there! 

Anyways i just felt that i had to share my journey and wish all the ladies and men out there all the very best. 

Louise X

8 Replies

  • LJH's avatar
    LJH
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thank you so much Anne-Marie i really appreciate the support. X

  • LJH's avatar
    LJH
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Tracey thank you so much for your kind words. I hope you are doing well X 

  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Louise,

    Thank you for sharing your story with the Online Network. It's nice to read that both of you are doing well. The members and the online team at BCNA are here for both of you.

    I hope you have a lovely weekend.

    Ann-Marie x

     

  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Louise, thank you for sharing your story with us. It really helps to know that you have survived the horrors of treatment and come out the other side with a smile. Gives hope to all those still in the thick of it. I hope you and your precious son enjoy all the good and beautiful things this new life has to offer, Tracey??

  • LJH's avatar
    LJH
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi well i can't say its been easy and I've had melt downs for sure and yes it is hard sometimes to stay positive but at the moment we are both doing ok. Many thanks for your wishes X

  • LJH's avatar
    LJH
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Brenda yes we tend to want to wrap them in cotton wool hey! My son has been such an inspiration and I'm so proud of how he has and is coping. Thank you for your wishes X 

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Louise thank you for sharing, it is hard sometimes to stay positive. I hope you and your son are both well at the moment. Take carexx

  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    10 years ago

    Wow Louise, bc is hard enough to cope but we all hope our kids are ok at the same time. Glad you are coping ok and pray that your son is ok as well. xxx