Breast cancer : Hi, I'm not too sure how... - My Cancer Community

My Cancer Community

1,699 members311 posts

Breast cancer

Lindsayjane profile image
13 Replies

Hi, I'm not too sure how this works but I have just been diagnosed with grade 2 Breast cancer on Tuesday. I have to go in for an MRI Breast scan on Thursday and then the surgeon will make a de idiom but has said that on what he knows at the moment it can be treated with surgery and a five week daily course if radiotherapy but he wants the MRI results first to see if it's spread.

This has come as a huge shock and I am lucky to have a supportive family but I am scared and confused and shell shocked by it all.

I know this is life changing news and I am trying to help myself in anyway I can with duet changes and lifestyle changes but I'm not sure where to start.

I would very much like to connect with others and I know the power of sharing and support from other events in my life, so I hope I can become part of this sharing group.

Thank you x

Written by
Lindsayjane profile image
Lindsayjane
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
13 Replies
HogwartsDK profile image
HogwartsDK

Hello Lindsayjane,

First of all hang in there this part of the journey I found the most difficult there are so many questions and the shock is so unsettling that I felt sometimes as if I was loosing my mind! Don't worry it will get to a stage where you will be able to manage this to get the information you need and this in turn will help enormously with dealing with the diagnosis.

I cannot speak to your diagnosis directly as I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in August but not only can I empathise with the personal emotional journey but my sister is just finished her treatment for Breast Cancer so can empathise indirectly with your diagnosis.

I too made changes to my diet and lifestyle and I am totally convinced that this has helped me enormously! I have green smoothies every day and try to do a brisk walk every day.

I have to say though that the biggest positive is that I have discovered an inner strength that I genuinely didn't know I had! I am very sorry that it took cancer to discover this but I am very glad that I did! My oncologist said to me that the most important thing when looking a journey like this is a positive attitude, getting your mind to work with you and not against you! It's not an easy task but it's so important so I would advise that you try your best to make it happen!

The main way I do it is to look around me and see all of the great things that I have in my life, my family, friends, my job (I am lucky to have one that I love) and work colleagues, and I have come to the conclusion that I have a fantastic life!!!!

Sorry for such a long post and this is only my experience for what it's worth! I have had 2 surgeries and am currently undergoing Chemo, have had one session and the 2nd of 6 is next week! I am not going to tell you that it's easy because it's not but it's doable and with your mind in the right place it's very doable! You will have down days and IMHO you have to give in to them, cry, shout, curse, scream, do whatever makes you feel better and allow yourself to do that just harness the energy to make yourself feel better and don't get lost in it!!!!

All the very best to you and I hope your journey isn't too onerous! This message board is great so keep popping in and out and you will get some great advice.

Positive thoughts going your way from me!!

D

Hi Lindsayjane,

I was diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer in Jan 2012, and had surgery and five weeks of daily radiotherapy. I was lucky that it had not spread to the lymph nodes. I agree with everything said by HogwartsDK in the previous reply, and would add a little about my own experience.

My surgery was positive, I was home the same day, and whilst it was a little uncomfortable for a while it was not difficult to cope. I had to abandon my handbag, and the seat belt was in just the wrong place, but otherwise this was OK.

I found the radiotherapy very difficult. The hospital staff were busy, the machinery and danger signs were scary, and I had to wait for a long time after my appointment time to be seen. With hindsight I should have used the waiting time constructively, maybe to listen to a guided meditation or to read something positive. The radiotherapy itself is not painful in any way, but you need to try to think of it as a positive energy healing you. I felt very scared and alone during these sessions, and wish I had been better prepared mentally.

The physical effects of the radiotherapy were also difficult to manage. As time went by, I became more and more tired. Towards the end of the treatment I was totally exhausted. Everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning were very tiring, I could not do anything for much more than 10-15 minutes, without needing to rest. If I sat down I fell asleep.

I would plan for this time now, assuming you feel well, batch cook healthy food and fill the freezer. If you can, pay someone to come and do your cleaning for a couple of months, then the responsibility will be lifted from your shoulders.

Towards the end of radiotherapy, and immediately afterwards you need to sleep. I tried to fight this tiredness, and force myself to do things and I kept having accidents. I eventually fell downstairs and broke my foot, and whilst I felt very sorry for myself, it was a blessing. My GP told me that I needed a period of recuperation to restore my energy physically and mentally. He said think of old hospital photos, patients sitting in bath chairs in the sunshine on hospital balconies and terraces. He said that this rest time had to be done at home nowadays, but was an essential part of the recovery process. As soon as I gave up fighting and started listening to my body, I started to get better. So I would get a stock of books, accept this temporary situation, and try to make this time enjoyable. I recommend the Penny Brohn shop, for helpful titles.

Finally once the physical effects start to disappear, talking helps. I found that other people with cancer were the most helpful, or professionals working with cancer patients. If there is a support centre or charity near you, go along and see what they can offer. You can be yourself with others who understand. Penny Brohn is fabulous if you can get there.

I don't know whether your experiences will be anything like mine, but take care of yourself, accept the changes each day brings, and know that they will pass. Dont rush back to work, take time to come to terms with what has happened.

God bless

in reply to

You are dear souls and deserve, so much, to survive this. I have had this disease for 20 years. It is a toughie. I have, for virtually 18 years, refused all forms of orthodox treatment, except initially, when I accepted chemo and radiotherapy. I feel that it is blatantly unfair on our bodies. ALKALINITY and OXYGEN in the blood are what are needed. Both kill or correct cancer cells. Our bodies need feeding the right, alkalising foods and drinks, not to be battered by drugs AND ACID CAUSING FOODS.

Bless you all for fighting this terrible disease. I am so used to it now that I continually research it and know quite a lot about how to treat the poor body, which often has been fed the wrong foods for too long. Mine for one.

Try to be vegan and take B12. Eat dark greens, nuts and a tiny bit of lentils. Plus water and Apple Cider Vinegar! But mostly Wheat Grass! It heals the poor body, wonderfully! It helps with heart disease, MS and numerous other problems. Within months you will probably feel hugely better.

Good luck and Blessings to you all. X

JoMoon profile image
JoMoon

Hello, I'm sorry to hear you are going through such trials and shock. I too was diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer in 2013 and was in shock and could not believe what was happening to me. I am very fortunate in having a best friend who channels Archangels and Ascended Masters and who channelled to me that there would be many blessings through this journey and that I could be fully healed holistically with no need for any medical treatment. This has all turned out to be completely true. I am not saying that this totally holistic healing approach is the right path for you. But for me I have been on a long healing journey that has helped me heal much from the past and ended up resolving and finding solutions to other difficult aspects of my life.

In addition I have discovered a wealth of amazing and very expert holistic practitioners who have helped me enormously to fully heal and eliminate the cancer. I know the cancer left me due to an alternative high tech scan called Asyra which gives a 7 page report on one's overall health as well as running a specific cancer programme - this type of scanning is used in hospitals in other countries but not accepted in the NHS here. The results of the scan on 3 occasions showed that there was no longer even cancer in my energy field.

I therefore know that the holistic practitioners I consulted with for months and for a couple of years really know what they are doing. I have written a list of most things I did on my website: jomoonvisions.com if you look under the post 'holistic care for cancer' - there are contact details. I hope perhaps that something here could be useful to you.

If you would like to ask me any further questions please do and I will be happy to help. I don't have any experience of the MRI scan you have been offered or of any medical treatment, but what I can offer is this information on holistic help.

I do hope that your healing journey goes well and that you find what you need through this.

With healing blessings from JO

in reply to JoMoon

I too, about 5 months ago began meditating and God spoke to me, telling me NOT to accept the chemo and radiotherapy. He said that he would show me all of the right foods to heal me! The Lord has done just that! I eat the dandelions and purple clover in the garden and live on Nuts and Wheat Grass Powder! My Blood Cancer Reading has dropped from 25 to 20 within 10 weeks. I feel wonderful!

I was given 6 months to live if I refused Chemo, last October. That was 10 weeks ago! The dear Lord has proven them all wrong.

You are wonderful to put up with this tough experience, but eat well and talk to our Dear Lord every day. He will help and support you, because He wants us all to live and to eat the natural foods He has given us. Not to take toxins.

jeanjames profile image
jeanjames

Yes it can come as a shock but be assured you are not alone. Take deep beathes try to keep positive. Allow yourself time to accept the diagnosis and it's okay to feel scared.

We are but normal human beings. After a while you will want to take some control,you are already doing so by looking at changes to your diet.

'Trust the process' and please stay in touch. Sending you calming thoughts.

Love

Jean

xxx

Sarah_pennybrohn profile image
Sarah_pennybrohn

Dear Lindsay - So sorry to hear your bad news. I hope your MRI results have been good and that have a clearer idea of what will happen next. It's lovely to see all the helpful and supportive posts that have already come in. I just want to let you know that there is lots of support and guidance available at Penny Brohn UK exactly on those areas you mention of diet and lifestyle. You might want to look at our Healthy Eating guidelines on our website, or you might want to come on one of our residential "Living Well with the Impact of Cancer" courses. You can contact our helpline by phone or by email - helpline@pennybrohn.org or 0845 123 2310 for support and information on the services we offer. All services are free of charge.

Wishing you well

Sarah

rebeccatd_4 profile image
rebeccatd_4

Hi Lindsayjane, Hi - I have just found myself in a very similar situation. I found a lump in my left breast Dec 22nd and after an initial appointment on Wed 6th January with a Breast Cancer specialist in which a 'sample' was taken I went back on Friday 8th for (what I thought would be a scan) a mamogram and biopsy.

They rushed me through as 'urgent' this week I was due to go on holiday to New Zealand. I sat there waiting writing stuff to do in my new diary and being diagnosed with breast cancer was most definitely not on my 2016 list.

After my mammogram I went to see the breast cancer specialist again and after sat outside waiting -when I went there was a Macmillian Nurse in the room also and I was told the bad news which had come as a total shock-I had been worried about the lump but not overly and everyone - friends, GP, initial examination gave me the feeling it was just going to be a cyst or would be negative. I was completely shocked as you were. The Breast cancer specialist said I would need to have an operation and then chemo.

I immediately thought of my hair or of losing it- might not be the most pressing concern but I have red hair and really like it and people always comment on my hair. This kind of thing happens to other people I thought. I'm supposed to be going to New Zealand.......clearly not any more.

I don't know much about my condition as yet as in what stage it is or what is really going to happen. Jan 20th I have a meeting with the specialist and they would have looked at the biopsy by then and will decide a care plan but have already been told i'll be having an operation and chemo.

Best of Luck to you. Hope we both have a good outcome!

x

in reply to rebeccatd_4

Dear Rebecca, Bless You. Please read my story. I have had Breast Cancer for 20 years. I am now 67 yrs. old.

Wheat Grass Powder, Barley Grass and all of the greens you now need. This time I opted for NO orthodox Chemo or Radio. They gave me 6 months last October, for refusing it.

The Lord and I am proving them wrong.

My diet is on my other replies. Please do read. It is saving my life. It is healing my body, for the first time in my mature life I feel super. The specialists can not understand it!

"Thank you" to our Wonderful Lord, for guiding me through this journey.

Good luck to you all, dear Souls. We were put on this Earth to be Happy and Loved.

4Michele11 profile image
4Michele11

Hi Lindsayjane

I certainly know how and what you are going through.

In November 2015 I was diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer. I had, had my first mammogram and from that they found cancer. I was so pleased that I went really even though part of me didnt want to go.

On being told I had breast cancer. I was on my own with only a macmillan nurse and the surgeon in the room. My whole world completely disappeared - WHY ME? I went back to work in a kind of daze not knowing what had just happened. I sent a text to my husband who was worrying about what the result was and decided we would both sit down and explain to our teenage daughter what was happening.

In December 2015 I went in for my lumpectomy and removal of lymph nodes. This was my first time in hospital let alone have an operation. The results came back and was told that my nodes were clear and that they had taken away the tumour. Unfortunately, I had to return last week to hospital and have another op to remove some more tissue. Now I am awaiting those results. They informed me that I would be having radiotherapy but as to where and when its a matter of time.

My job is I work in a school and the surgeon signed me off work. How guilty I feel for not going in even though I feel really positive and want to get on with life as much as I can. I have the urge to constantly stay in so that no one from school sees me.

I just want to say that you sound a very positive person and you will get through this. I really thought I wouldnt be able to cope, but with a loving, caring family and a great team at work that is giving me the support I need.

Regards and hope everything goes well.

xx

in reply to 4Michele11

Sorry everyone and Lindsay, I meant to say NOT to eat starchy foods. All starches turn to sugar which feeds the cancer cells. When on some chemotherapies, we are instructed to eat chicken livers etc. YUK. Very acidic, this will feed the cancer. Keep to NO fruit, eat dark green veggies only.

Watch the Cancer Marker reading each 3 months. Once it begins to drop, then this is good! It'll take a few weeks, but it should, with the wheat grass in the blood.

Lindsayjane. I was given 6 months to live if I refused chemo, last October. I did refuse chemo! I'd had it 20 years ago and it was so horrid that I am convinced it would have killed me this time.

Since then I have discovered Wheat Grass Powder and Juice. Both are brilliant. But the powder tastes nicer. I mix 4 heaped teaspoons with Barley Grass Powder. TWICE daily.

It is saving my life! I will continue with the vegan diet and take B12 and eat all non starchy foods. Except sweet fruits and veggies, i.e. beetroot, carrot etc.

The CEA (blood cancer markers) showed 25 last October and 10 weeks later are reading 20. I feel great now, after near death. Have dropped from size 20 plus to size 10 or less. Everyone is saying I look great! I am 67 yrs. old.

Mrs_Purple profile image
Mrs_Purple

Hi Lindsayjane.

I understand your shock. I was diagnosed with stage 3 bc last July and have since gone through 5 months of weekly chemotherapy, mastectomy with lymph node removal, and three weeks of daily radiotherapy. I'm now on hormone treatments as my specific cancer was a particularly aggressive hormone-based one and needs to be strongly dissuaded from returning.

I'm saying all of this not to scare you, but to let you know that it *can* be endured and got through...and that before you know it, all the invasive treatment will be in the past. One of the most useful things we were told right at the beginning of the journey was that everyone experiences cancer differently, so I didn't fight it. To survive, I became very serene and floated through the rough seas like a cork, whatever happened and whatever new bombshells were dropped.

It was certainly no calm crossing, and some of the side effects were vile, but I'm still here now and able to make plans for the future. One of the most important things for me throughout this has been keeping in contact with friends and family, and I've experienced some of the kindest, most selfless acts of care, often from unexpected sources.

It might often feel hard to stay positive, but that certainly helped me. Forums like this are invaluable on days when you just don't feel up to actually seeing anyone - and there will be days like that.

Keep putting one foot in front of the other x