Yet another new girl

Hi Holly,

Welcome to the network. It's the support group that has been my lifeline.  You've been through a lot. And Yes there are so many different breast cancers that everyone's treatment is slightly different depending on the pathology. 

Contact the Look good Feel better to attend a workshop.  I had a fun day sitting with a bald head being pampered with makeup, and tried various wigs. I found various ways to tie scarves from youtube. There's also a young women's support group online here and also through cancer council.  I joined a yoga group during my chemo at the Chris O'Brien lifehouse, most of us are BC women of all ages.  It's been invigorating, relaxing and a great way to meet other women (we have lunch afterwards). I'm sure most hospitals now have yoga.

What you're experiencing is entirely normal with the emotions. The amount of times I've cried in doctors' surgeries and gone through tissue boxes at home.  You haven't done anything wrong (I thought that too!) It doesn't help when doctors can't give you a cause. We don't feel sick but the treatment makes us sick. 

I've found the menopause symptoms to be depressing, no sleep doesn't help and I've started taking remifemin (recommended by my oncologist)Exercise is the key too, even just a walk.

Take one thing at a time,

Sending you a big hug,

Karen xx

Hey holly. 

Sounds like you have lots to deal with. Take it one step at a time dont look too far ahead as it can be overwhelming.

You will always have friends here that understand from experience. Everyone reacts differently to treatment so dont beat yourself up over what may happen. I planned for the absolute worse possible  scenario and found that chemo wasnt anywhere near as bad as i expected. A lot of the side effects can be treated so make sure you let your oncologist know what you are feeling. Its important to stay positive with baby steps you will surprise yourself how you will breeze through it all.

Sending positive vibes your way and dont hesitate to ask questions here as there are ladies always happy to help. ??????

Maryrose 

I am so so sorry you have to go through this - it sucks so much

you have come to the right place for support - we all get it 

Your feelings sound completely normal but access a psychologist if you need to, they can help

What a lot of losses you have had to deal with this year :(

hugs !!!!

Hi Holly welcome to the site, so glad that you have found this site there is alot of support here. I'm pretty sure there is a young womens group here that you might like to connect with.Treatment varies for everyone it is a tough trip, ask for help from where ever you can get it. No need to apoligise the amount of times I have got on to vent and the ladies have come out and chatted, it helps.

Take care and one day at a time xx

Hi Holly, and welcome to the network. Sounds like you've already been through so much. I hope that you have someone close to support you, be it family or friends. Try and link up with a local breast you support group, it's good to meet with people who know what you're going through. My breast care nurse linked me with my group. Have you been to a Look Good, Feel Better workshop ? They give you cosmetics, and show you how to use them, they also demonstrate nice hats and head wear, along with linking you with a local wig bank. My only advice is to remember how strong you really are, look what you've coped with already. You are remarkable girl, put that lippy on every day, hold your head up and be proud of yourself. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ??????

Thank you Chriss

I know what you mean, I only broke down once so far when I went for genetic testing last week! They are testing me anyway even without family history as my type was so aggressive for my age. I have only had a lumpectomy/partial at this stage but am currently waiting on more biopsy and genetic test results that may mean I will need to do bilateral mastectomy. Scary phase right now! I didn't want mastectomy straight off as I haven't had any children yet and went through IVF round before I started chemo to try keep that option open. 

You are so strong Chriss, what a huge decision, but very wise with a young family as you say. Good on you :)

Hi Holly1981 and welcome.... Newbie here too and yes no family history here either.  I guess we are the "lucky" ones.  Yes I was the strong one in family and keeping it all together, with a hubby and 3 teenage kids you have too, but now I have put my hands up and said ok now you guys have to take care of me..... I'm very strong in the sense I have not broken down yet except when told I have BC, now I'm ready to start the fight and get on with what I have to do.

Can I ask did you have a lumpectomy or a mastectomy first?  I had lumpectomy, now chemo and then made decision for mastectomy.

Be positive and stay strong no matter how hard it is.

Chriss