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Original poster

Mutual support thread for breast cancer patients. All welcome including non-cancer patients who want to chip in!

558 replies

anorak · 14/03/2008 21:25

There seem to be quite a few of us now so I thought we might like a place where we can congregate to laugh, cry, share, compare notes and give each other a bit of support.

OP posts:
huffpuff · 29/04/2008 21:45

Hi all please may i join? I was diagnosed with breast cancer today and was directed to this thread by Anorak. I am 33, 2 children, married and am probably looking at having a mastectomy.

Am feeling a bit scared tonight.....

MrsOnTheMove · 29/04/2008 21:53

Huffpuff, So sorry to hear your news. You will be feeling a range of emotions I'm sure. Take a step at a time..

I was same age as you when I was diagnosed, married with 2 DD's. I've had the mastectomy and reconstruction, chemo and am 2 and half years down the line.

You'll get through it - there are lots of people here to support you.

sending you love

Vev · 30/04/2008 07:22

Huffpuff - sorry to hear your news - you'll get the support you need here. There's nothing worse than being given a nasty diagnosis. Stay positive and go with your emotions. It's normal to be scared. Good luck for next week.

pigleto · 30/04/2008 09:14

Oh Huffpuff, how dreadful. I was in your boots two months ago. It is pretty devastating.

I have found it very comforting to have people with more experience to ask about things.

Whatever you do; don't google!

MargaretMountford · 30/04/2008 10:32

huffpuff - thinking of you - am sure this thread will be a great help and comfort xxxx

Original poster
anorak · 30/04/2008 15:12

How is everyone today? How are you huffpuff?

OP posts:
huffpuff · 30/04/2008 15:35

hey all - managed to get some sleep last night which amazed me! Kind of sinking in today that i have cancer I know i will get lots of support from you guys and vice versa. Thanks XX

huffpuff · 30/04/2008 15:36

oh and btw - am trying REALLY hard to be positive!!

Original poster
anorak · 30/04/2008 15:40

Well done on the being positive! I do my best with that but we all have our moments. Don't feel you can't have a moan or a cry now and then - you need to express yourself. I have found this to be quite a lonely inner journey - whatever you say to others they can't really understand what it's like for you. You have every right to feel upset about things sometimes. But when you can stay positive it will help you.

OP posts:
BlaDeBla · 30/04/2008 21:18

What a horrible shock, huffpuff. I was 39 when the docs first found a lump, and 41 when I was diagnosed.

Thanks for the info about building up lymph stuff. My poor arm has taken a fair old bit of bashing and is covered in plasters. I don't dare measure it, and I don't have to go back for a check-up till August. It's not much fun being in 2 places at once. Anorak, I'm in Norfolk these days,not in Estonia as planned!

huffpuff · 30/04/2008 21:38

Anorak - you make alot of sense, thank you. I havent really cried about it yet, only when other people have cried as i've told them. I know the time will come. My breast care nurse told me i have to let myself cry and express how i feel in order to get through this. Thanks for all your lovely messages XX

TheMadHouse · 30/04/2008 21:40

Huffpuff I just wanted to add my thoughts to the others. The ladies here are wonderfully supportive and are a real inspiration. Good luck

TheMadHouse · 30/04/2008 21:40

Huffpuff I just wanted to add my thoughts to the others. The ladies here are wonderfully supportive and are a real inspiration. Good luck

huffpuff · 30/04/2008 21:46

thanks - i've just read the whole of this thread and its really inspired me and made me feel loads better so thanks!!

huffpuff · 01/05/2008 12:07

how are you all today? The sun is shining and its nice and warm!!! Got a blinding headache though

lalaa · 01/05/2008 13:01

Hello huffpuff

Yes, all well here. Am working in my summerhouse in my garden (small shed with window and door in reality!).

I've got a bit of backache but that's pretty normal for me. Otherwise, I'm looking forward to the long weekend - I'm going to a Spa with a mate and seeing my SIL and her son. Should be great.

PersephoneSnape · 01/05/2008 13:17

hello everyone - hope you're all feeling as well as can be expected. a little positive update on me - suspect 'dense mass' was an old milk-producing bit (my grasp of medical terminology leaves me wanting) so I'm ok I did get horrible maudlin in a 'who will love my children' type way and watching my eight year old in the park made me a bit damp-eyed, but i'm fine. still having mammos once a year and i will still, of course, look in here from time to time.

huffpuff, wishing you all the best - i know how scary it can be when you just think you may have cancer, let alone a confirmed diagnosis.

TheMadHouse · 01/05/2008 13:25

PersephoneSnape I am so glad that the lump was not the dreaded C and that you are OK.

I have the date to discuss my double mastectomy and reconstruction with the plastiocs team it is the 15 May, so two weeks time.

I will then be able to make a fully informed decision of the best type of surgery for me.

Original poster
anorak · 01/05/2008 14:25

So glad to hear your news Persephone

BlaDeBla don't wait for your scheduled appointment if you think you have lymphedema - I'm waiting for treatment and it's a real pain, I can't wait to get started so that I can start doing normal things again. Cuts and bruises can sometimes be the thing that starts it off so doget it checked.

TheMadHouse I hope it all goes well for you - in my opinion the surgery was the least difficult part of it - and if you are having a reconstruction at the same time then you will wake up with the same number of boobs you went in with, excellent! And no chemotherapy to worry about. You will be fine.

OP posts:
TheMadHouse · 01/05/2008 16:29

Thanks Anorak, I am feeling a lot less sorry for myself at the moment. I know that it is the chemo etc that is terrible and that I am really lucky compaired to some. I just think it will be a major op - 18 hours

lalaa · 01/05/2008 17:38

TheMadHouse
I had a WLE, so have no real idea about long surgery. However, if you haven't had surgery before (as I hadn't), it really helped me when someone explained that basically you will fall asleep then it will feel like a minute later and you'll be awake. And that's how it really was. And then just keep on top of your pain meds - don't wait for it to start hurting before you ask for them - keep topped up! Tramadol was my pain reliever of choice - brilliant.

pigleto · 01/05/2008 19:54

I have been reading a lymphodema leaflet from the states which demands that you spend 45 mins twice a day with your bad arm above the level of your heart to let the lymph drain. I don't have time for that kind of thing - I have a toddler.

I had my hair cut today to try to make it thinner for the cool cap. I look really odd. I haven't had short hair since I was eleven. I am going into leeds tomorrow to get my wig fitted which is going to be another odd experience.

Huffpuff, I hope you are coping.

Original poster
anorak · 01/05/2008 20:05

Yes pigleto. I do things like sit at bus stops with my arm resting on my head or in the pub the other night had my arm round my husband's shoulders. People stare DH thought I was getting frisky.

The preparation thing with wigs etc is a bizarre thing - but you will be glad you did it. I have a wig and a couple of hats and some scarves so I can change what I'm wearing. I often go round the house bare-headed and have a hat lying around to quickly don if there is a knock at the door.

OP posts:
BlaDeBla · 01/05/2008 21:00

I'll keep my arms in the air even more then! . I get very stiff shoulders and I'm told by a yoga teacher friend of mine that it helps to do that exercise of reaching your hands from above and below behind your back. I do it quite a lot.

I'm covered in plasters and have industrial quantities of plaster and various antiseptic stuff.

How is your energy, anorak?

MrsOnTheMove · 01/05/2008 21:28

The Madhouse

I can back up what Lalaa said my op was 12 hours - I remember being put to sleep, then immediately woken up!! I think it is a harder day for loved ones.. cannot imagine how the time must have dragged for them!

Chemo isn't pleasant, but it doesn't last forever (I counted down each dose)

Hopefully you will be given plenty of information to help you in your decision. Best wishes x

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