topic Re: Breast Cancer so scared in I've just been diagnosed

Breast Cancer so scared

TrishV — Fri, 10 May 2024 09:28:49 GMT

I was diagnosed today. Scans booked for Monday and biopsy Tuesday. Surgeon wants to do chemo first as tumour large, to shrink, then surgery, then chemo. I have no idea what to expect,

I am terrified, lonely, sad all the feelings to be expected. My GP prescribed anxiety tablets today to help me sleep.

I found this online chat and thought I would say hi 👋. My mind races and it's lonely when my partner is asleep.

Thanks for listening to my story so far.

I'm in Melbourne 3201 and any support, chat would be welcome 🙏

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Lilly1 — Mon, 13 May 2024 06:34:34 GMT

I'm also scared with my recent diagnosis but stay strong 💪 we will fight it together. I am waiting to hear when to see a plastic surgeon as mine is in the groin . I personally feel not very comfortable emotionally as it is the the parts that make us feel like a woman. Like you and your cancer. But let's make a deal try to find 1 thing to smile at every day. Example a nice buttery crumpet for breakfast. ☺

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

TrishV — Mon, 13 May 2024 08:57:34 GMT

@Lilly1

Hi there, nice to chat, thank you for your message, made me smile to have someone to talk to (there you go that's my one thing to smile about today).

Had my scans today, had a panic attack as I have never been in a hospital, nurses were amazing and we decided to pop a face washer on my eyes so I couldn't see the machines, worked thank goodness.

How has your day been 🌼 🌸

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Lilly1 — Mon, 13 May 2024 09:28:07 GMT

I was at skin specialist today and had 1 cancer removed... funny story when I got home and checked to see if it was bleeding through the dressing I found that she cut out the wrong thing. She removed an ingrown hair above the cancer spot. 😂 I have to think of the funny side of it. She was really sorry and plastic surgeon will fix it when he does the others. Good thing I'm to old for 👙 I'm 50 years young. Keep smiling

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

TrishV — Mon, 13 May 2024 09:38:05 GMT

Oh no! What a disaster 😃
I'm 55, they say 50 is the new 40. Lol
Where are you from? I'm in Melbourne Carrum Downs..

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Lilly1 — Mon, 13 May 2024 09:46:44 GMT

Tasmania on a farm 30 min from Launceston

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Lilly1 — Mon, 13 May 2024 10:02:23 GMT

My nan had breast cancer she recovered minus her jugs. But lived a full life another 25 years. Cancer free. What ever your journey will be you will always have people to vent with. Good luck tomorrow . Looking forward to hear from you with what made you ☺ at the end of tomorrow.

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

TrishV — Mon, 13 May 2024 10:37:55 GMT

You too 😃 Have a nice night.

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

AmyCate — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 18:02:51 GMT

Hi Trish, I’m wondering how you are going now? Am assuming you have started chemotherapy because it looks a bit like your timeline is similar to mine.
I was diagnosed about a month ago with breast cancer too, management is chemo and immunotherapy first for 6 months, then I’ll have surgery and probably radiotherapy after that.
When I read your post just now I was hoping that you’ve managed to find some peace in amongst this chaotic time.
I have had two sessions of chemo and am finding it very very hard to stay in the moment and not panic when I think too far ahead. The prospect of feeling like this for 6 months + does not make me feel good at all.
i hope you’ve been feeling a bit more settled than when you first posted.
cheers, Amy

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

YelenaVSH — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:54:05 GMT

Good morning All:-)

Thank you so much for sharing your stories. I have been 'tentatively' diagnosed with breast cancer in my left breast yesterday, pending biopsy results. The doctor who performed biopsy looked quite sure that this is cancer. All the emotions on my part are here. Preparing myself for long and challenging journey of fighting for life.

Having all of you in this chat is such a blessing:-) I feel like my life is now split between 'before' and 'after' being diagnosed. Everything will be different, but we can support each other all the way:-):-)

In a few days I should know that 'stage' and 'type' I've got, and after that it's a 'step-by-step' approach...

Have a good day everyone, try to stay positive as much as you can.

Remember - we are in this together, no-one is alone😊

Sending you my love and best wishes💝

Yelena

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Ashley_ccnsw — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:28:37 GMT

Hi Trish and Yelena,

Thank you for reaching out and getting support here with our community. It can be such a challenging, scary and difficult journey through all of this.

If there is anything we can do with our Counselling service, Telephone support groups or Cancer Connect service, please reach out if you need support.

All the best

Ashley

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Cindi54 — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 05:50:36 GMT

hI @YelenaVSH ,

I'm so sorry this has happened to you, I know it's such a shock, as I had breast cancer last year, I wanted to let you know that it may not be as bad as you imagine.

Mine was in both breasts and I had lumpectomies done but the margin in one was no good, so I had a double mastectomy, and they removed some lymph nodes, which were free of cancer.

I actually recovered quite quickly and didn't need chemo or radiation luckily. But I do need to take hormone blockers for a few years, but that's not too bad.

Unfortunately this year I have a completely different cancer, unrelated to the breast cancer, so don't you worry about that.

Please try not to panic as it may turn out not too bad. If the lymph nodes are clear you probably wont need chemo.

Although I have a friend who had lymph nodes involved so she went through chemo and is very healthy and cancer free now 😊

So wait to hear all results before panicking too much, I know one of the hardest thing is the waiting, but try to trust in your medical team, and the outcome may be much better than you fear.

You're not alone, sending you a big hug,

Cindi

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

YelenaVSH — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:39:03 GMT

Good evening Cindy,

Thank you so much for your quick reply and very kind words🙂. It is important for all of us to remember that no-one is alone on this journey. I am so sorry to hear about another cancer that you are currently dealing with, and I admire your strength and positive disposition - the tone of your message is so warm and reassuring💗! I can learn from you😊.

I hope your treatment for this one will be successful and as quick as possible. The best of luck, I will be thinking of you, and please let me know how you go💕.

Lots of love,

Yelena

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

YelenaVSH — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:40:53 GMT

Thank you, Ashley🙂 I am sure I will be reaching out for support as things evolve!

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Cindi54 — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 01:35:28 GMT

Hi @YelenaVSH ,

I'm here for you, reach out when you want, I know it's scary, but you're not alone.

Cindi xx

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Goodnews — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 17:21:45 GMT

Prayers are with you especially having cancer in the groin can be devastating.. I mean for a woman.. however getting second opinion during the treatment journey.. or even when freshly diagnosed is not a bad idea.. During my own case i did Oncosecond.com at every visit to the doctor so that i can get second opinions and be sure i am getting best treatments.. especially second opinions from abroad..

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Cindi54 — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:48:11 GMT

Hi @YelenaVSH ,

How are you going?

I wondered if there's any update on your diagnosis?

I know sometimes it all goes SO SLOWLY which is so frustrating, but I hope you may know a little more by now?

Thinking of you,

Cindi 😘

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

YelenaVSH — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 07:00:07 GMT

Good afternoon @Cindi54 ,

Thank you so much for thinking of me, I am also thinking of you and everyone else who is going through these challenging times. While everyone's story is unique, what we all have in common is an opportunity to learn from this experience, become stronger and wiser, and start appreciating life, every day of it, from a new perspective.

After going through multiple tests (and still more are ahead), I have been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. The treatment plan is chemo + HER2 therapy for 5-6 months followed by surgery followed by more chemo + HER2 and possibly radiation therapy. The whole cycle may take up to 12 months. I will start chemo on Monday. Planning to shave my head next week as well. This is a hard bit, as I am quite attached to my hair and had it big and curly my whole life😍. My oncologist said that there is about one in ten chance that hair does not grow back. I just have to somehow deal with it😒.

On a bigger scheme of things, I am yet to find out how bad chemo and other treatment components will be for me. Keep saying to myself: "One step at a time and be strong and positive for your loved ones". This is the best I can do for them. They are devastated.

Hope you are doing well, Cindi. Would be good to get an update from you, whatever you are willing to share.

Lots of love,

Yelena

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Cindi54 — Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:30:57 GMT

Hi @YelenaVSH ,

Oh I'm so sorry, you seem strong though to consider shaving your hair, that's a big step.

I had a friend last year on another forum ( BCNA online forum) the breast cancer forum Australia, and she did the same as you, shaving her hair, but she's through a tough chemo now and free of cancer and hair growing back fast, so maybe you'd like to also reach out there, so many women with breast cancer, so much support.

You'll get through it, just try to think of the chemo as the "good poison", and trust in your team.

Sending hugs,

Cindi xx

Re: Breast Cancer so scared

Emma1 — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:47:44 GMT

I was diagnosed this week and I'm scared too I have family and friends supporting me but it's not the same as someone who is or has gone through the same thing

Stay positive, stay strong you are not alone