Newbie, 27, no kids, HER2+ Breast Cancer

Hi Em, 

Firstly I just want to say I'm so sorry. I know I can't take any of the pain, fear or feelings of isolation away but if it helps you to know that there are other women out there like you, then I'm one of them. 

I was diagnosed with Stage 3C HER2+++ ER/PR (-) breast cancer in November 2014 at 29 years.

I recognise the same feelings that you describe - saying the right things to make others more comfortable, protecting your loved ones & remaining 'positive' - it's all so exhausting. Do you have a trusted friend or family member where you can feel safe to just let go? My girlfriends were mostly great but none of them were willing to hear the hard stuff, I think it's too hard for them to process my fears, so in the end I had to find that support from a professional. I can fully recommend you see a professional psychologist during this difficult time - even just to have a good sob in a safe place where you don't have to worry about protecting others!

I was lucky that my cycle landed at the right time after surgery, so my husband & I decided to harvest some embryos before chemo started but I was also given the Zoladex injections during chemo which I've heard can be pretty protective. You'll be happy to hear that I got my very first period today, 6 months after my last Zoladex injection (I don't know if I'm fertile but it feels great to be out of menopause!) It's amazing how quickly the time will fly...

I have my last Herceptin next week & I don't know how I feel about it - relieved yet terrified of what the future might hold. We've just got to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

I wish I had more advice but the best thing I can say is try to be kind to yourself, mentally & physically. Breathe, write in a diary, listen to music & try not to think too far ahead (ha, wishful thinking).

Sending you some comfort tonight, you can do this but it's okay not to be okay every now & then...

Take care,

Tiff x