Breast Cancer so scared

[Ashley_ccnsw]

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

[Cindi54]

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

[YelenaVSH]

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

[YelenaVSH]

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

[Cindi54]

Hi @YelenaVSH ,

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

Cindi xx

[Goodnews]

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..

[Cindi54]

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 😘

[YelenaVSH]

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

[Cindi54]

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