Forum Discussion

RoseRosse2717's avatar
9 years ago

Newly Diagnozed

I have been diagnosed with early stages of breast cancer. I am also type 2 diabetic. My family have been so very supportive but for their sake  and my sake, I need to be stronger than I am. . I am having a lot of "down" days feeling sorry for myself.. I am still shocked ,as it was so unexpected news.Went for my routine two yearly mammogram,, was called back and after another mammogram, ultra sound plus a biopsy was told I have breast cancer. Please can you let me know how you dealt with this diagnosis. This week I will be attending the session about chemotherapy, make up, wigs etc. before starting chemo first week of April. I am also having the port-a-cath under the skin, a device used instead of every time the nurse has to find a vein due to the fact that I have small veins, This is done before the chemo starts.Any help regarding starting chemo, having hair shaved etc will be a great help to me, as I am really getting apprehensive about all this.Thanks.

 

25 Replies

  • HI Robyn, 

                     I appreciate so much the fact that even though you don't do posting any more ,you answered my post, much appreciated. It is really amazing the fact that I just asked a query and members jumped in to help my anxiety and reassuring me that as times goes by, things will be easier to handle. So I am thinking from the posts I read so far,, that even though chemo and radiation is done there is still a chance of mastectomy. I wanted to ask this question to my oncologist but was scared of the answer to be honest. Robyn again thanks for taking the time to answer a "newbie", I am a worrywart by nature, always have been,  so this devastating news really is making me more anxious and not realizing that as the posts I read say, it will come easier to handle and in fact makes us stronger after going through this battle with cancer.  .Have a nice day . The posting I got today form you, Jenny and Rowdy really helped me.

     

  • HI Jenny, 

    Thanks so much for your reply and encouragement. I really needed to read  a post from a person who passed from the journey I am embarking on "battling breast cancer.". It really seems so overwhelming to me but as you said I have to take it day by day. The members here are remarkable people who are there year to offer a shoulder to cry on to people who are starting the process, so thank Jenny, much appreciated and yes I will ask for help. Have a nice day.

  • Hi there lovely lady, welcome to the network we are always here for you.

    I will never forget the day I was diagnosed I was devistated, it will take time to sink in but you will cope I PROMISE. In the mean time the most important thing is to be kind to yourself, it is a long process so try hard not to get too overwhelmed. Use all the help you are offered to help you.  I too shaved my hair the day I had my first chemo it is much easier, put yourself in control.

    Everyones treatment is different and for me chemo was the hardest time for me.  See how you go with the side affects, here on the network your pink sisters will help with little remedies ?,you will find you get very regimented with treatments and docs and oncologists appointments.

    Early days try to take it a day at a time, your nurses will help you with any questions you have, please don't be afraid to speak up if your not sure about something. I have just about finished my radiation 2 more treatments to go but still have to have herceptin infusions till December as I was her2 pos.

    Keep your spirits up and keep in touch we care and understand what your going through.

    Cheers Jen ?? ?? ?? xx 

  • Good morning and welcome to the site. Give yourself a break it is hard hearing you have cancer. I was diagnosed 2 years ago after having my routine 2 yearly mammogram I had 2 surgeries and then they decided I needed a mastectomy and chemo. I'm now clear but I still have days when I can't believe I went through it all. 

    Chemo is not pleasant but everyone is so different. I started to lose my hair before second round so had it all cut off after second round. It was difficult but I was surprised how quickly I got used to no hair  For me I had other issues going on. Try and get yourself into a look good feel good session (your breast care nurse should be able to help).

    Take time to breathe and one day at a time. This site is good to stay in contact with others going through their trip. I found I didn't feel so alone here, sending you a hug xx I'm off to work

  • Hello and welcome to the online network:) I am 2 and a half years past my final chemo,and getting on with my life:) I don't comment on posts much any more,but when I read yours,I could just feel your anxiety so I hope that I can help you:) I think that most of us are shocked when we get that initial diagnosis.I know that I was scared witless!!! I had NEVER been in a hospital in my life,and to hear the word mastectomy shocked me to my core!!! You will find,that after the first few weeks you begin to accept your diagnosis,and when that happens,you start to do whatever you need to,to get on with it!!! You are a lot stronger than you know at this point,so don't think that you won't cope with things,because YOU WILL!! I found the mastectomy to be relatively pain free,and I only really needed a few panadol to get through the first few days.Make sure you do any exercises you are given,to prevent stiffness and problems later on.As for chemo,maybe I was lucky,but I didn't find it as bad as what I was fearing.I had my head shaved the week before chemo started.( my oncologist actually suggested this)and it was the best thing! I grew to love having no hair! Until it happens,you don't really understand how it feels,but not having to wash and style hair,or shave legs and armpits,is a real bonus!!!lolNone of us want to get BC,but when we do,try to accept it,be happy with the attention and love that will come your way,and remember,that BC is VERY treatable! Nearly all ladies go on to lead healthy ,long lives.I have never felt better than what I do now.Stay in touch on here,because this forum will become like a second family while you go through treatment.Try not to worry,because you are going to manage just fine:) Cheers Robyn xox