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emmax
New User
Joined: 09 Jul 2009
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Thu Jul 09, 2009 2:47 pm Post subject: i can't deal with this |
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hi,
my name is Emma.
and i recently got told i have breast cancer, i'm currently undergoing a course of chemo to 'shrink it for surgery'
i think that's what they said?
the thing that i can't deal with is...
im 17 years old.
i always thought that was too young?
i keep breaking down in tears whenever i think about it
or feel pain.
should it be painful?
'cos it is, quite a lot of the time 
what are the affects of chemo?
i know it sounds.. trivial and unimportant and i may sound shallow but its something that bugs me,
with chemo, will i lose my hair?
i don't really know what might happen to me?
i dont know anyone thats gone through this
and i don't want to ask my mum - she's finding it hard to deal with.
and when the doctor was explaining everything, i zoned out and was just crying.
):
i just can't deal with it |
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DaisysGus
Regular
Joined: 18 May 2009
Posts: 15
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| Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 12:06 am Post subject: Re: i can't deal with this |
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| Stay strong and positive....those are the things that help the most. I know you are scared and it's a tough thing to have to deal with. You came to the right place for support, everyone here is wonderful. There's nothing wrong with crying and feeling the way you do, cancer is not easy to deal with. I understand where you mom is at with all this too, I honestly don't know how I would feel if my daughter was diagnosed...I would freak out too. Keep you chin up, and be proud of who you are, I know everyone here is pulling for you! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. |
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Vee Smith
Moderator
Joined: 12 Feb 2006
Posts: 1003
Location: UK
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| Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 4:43 am Post subject: Re: i can't deal with this |
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Hi, Emma.
Sadly, these days, more young people do seem to be presenting with cancer. The process of chemo to shrink the tumour before surgery is quite usual, and your concerns are quite normal. Surprisingly, you will find that you can cope - when it starts happening. It is sometimes more difficult to deal with your loved ones and their reactions that with your own treatment and condition.
The hair loss will depend on your chemo. If it is FEC, then yes, you may well lose your hair. But it grows back. It is VERY rarely more than a temporary loss. Before starting the chemo, go to your usual hairdresser, explain your concern and have your hair cut really short. The shock of loss is much reduced if the hair is not normal length. There is something called the "cold cap" which you can wear while having your chemo infusions. It almost freezes the scalp, theoretically preventing the chemicals from reaching the follicles and thereby reducing on hair loss. Personally I found it more painful than the treatment. Others have persisted and found it helpful. Your oncology/chemo team should be able to tell you about this. Also, see here: http://www.cancernet.co.uk/hairloss.htm
The side-effects of the chemo vary according to the individual. You can check them on sites such as: http://www.chemocare.com/bio/ OR http://community.breastcancer.org/
It is important to have someone with you who can take on board what is said when you see the medical team. If your mother is finding it difficult, is there anyone else who could come? also, keep a notebook - write any questions you may have in that, and write the answers to them underneath.
In the meantime, here is a site specifically for young people with cancer which may offer you support: http://i2y.com/
In the meantime, keep in touch and let us know how things go. If you can tell us the precise diagnosis it would help. Good lcuk - we are all rooting for you. |
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chazza
New User
Joined: 17 Sep 2009
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 6:46 pm Post subject: i cant cope |
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hi Emma, have just found your post, so sorry to hear your news. I am 37 & have been given a shady diagnosis which hasn't stopped my oncologist pushing for a mastectomy, which I am refusing. I have found a web site which I have found to be really helpful. It is beatingcancergently.com
I am now on the recommended protocol & my last MRI showed things to be stable. I am a big believer in supporting your body, even if you go down the conventional treatment route, this protocol will help strengthen your body & immune system & help you to recover quicker. I wish you all the very best in your recovery, please don't be scared. You are a strong & beautiful person no matter what & you can get through anything life can throw at you. Love, light & a thousand blessings xx  [/list] |
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