nedd to talk

Hi Natalie, welcome to your new "extended family" ... please call in and chat whenever you feel the need.

Unfortunately I can't help you with advice re your chemo experience.  My cancer was contained in the breast and had not gone to the lymph glands. I had a mastectomy and all of the glands removed, so I don't have to go down the chemo/radiotherapy road ... I am on Arimidex for 5 years.

A couple of things though .... from my experience.

Do you have your "My Journey" pack and/or the "Hopes and Hurdles pack..  The books etc that are in these packs will help you with anything you need to know.  You really need to absorb this information yourself without having it "preached" at you. 

I don't mean that remark unkindly towards your husband, he may not fully understand the information either.  It is quite likely he is as frightened and uncertain as you are and his lashing out is a defence mechanism against  his feelings of not being able to help you. 

There is also a dvd in the pack which is aimed at partners and explains things in easy to understand dialogue.... hopefully with the aim of helping husbands/partners/fathers/brothers to understand what their loved one is going through.

How many children do you have and what are their ages?  Where are you living - there may be some support groups near at hand that you can connect with.  Let me know and I will try to find something close by.

In the meantime try to stay calm - yes I know that easier said than done - and not stress yourself too much.

We are all here for you and as I said there will be someone along shortly who is more knowledgable about your situation than I am.

Take care .....

Cheers .... Shirl xxx