Struggling with breast cancer diagnosis and loneliness at 65

Does your local hospital or oncologist's office have BC support groups? This app is a great place to get support. You are not alone. We are all in this together. Sending you virtual hugs.

Call the hospital and ask if they have a nurse navigator. They will help

Has anyone had swelling feet and ankles from letrozole. It started Saturday

Donna. No. I am really aware of this. I've been lucky so far. Talk to your dr. Xoxo

Rosalind, I'm sorry. I also took care of my mother. Look in the mirror and smile at yourself. Love yourself and go forward. BECAUSE mom died of it I was more careful, caught it earlier and was ready for the battle. Im just starting a 2nd round of cancer, 8 years later. Surgery is done, return to Oncology tomorrow. Ive got this. I am strong. You've got this!

Good Evening Rosalind: so am I, except I am married. Just had my macetomy March 6 and am very happy with my decision.

Omg - can u find a support group or anyone who can help u - this is not ok to be on your own ! No family or friends nearby - u don’t have leprosy! Don’t be afraid to ask for help . It’s not help it just what us women have to do - to support each other at this time . Your doctor, nurse, must be able to suggest support in your area . Be strong. So hard for u :(

Talk to your doctor and your insurance to see if you qualify for home help care givers. Start there. I hope you get the home care person who will make a huge difference in your healing process. Try to stay positive. Meanwhile, put all your strength in getting better and healing. Eat healthy. There is also senior programs that do home meal deliveries. Not sure were you live, but if you dial 211 in California and be patient, they can connect you with resorces. Wishing you a speedy recovery. God bless.

I am here in Creve Coeur if you need friend I am here for you

Hi I'm 67 aug 2023 dx tnbc stage2 grad3. I chose DM. And declined Chemo. Had 30 Radiation txs..almost 2yrs survior.. I change my diet to a healthy one until I smoke a joint. Exercise at least 4-5 days a week with weights and walk on the treadmill.. So far so good.. I'm. Here to support you 💪

I had a mastectomy in 2021. I am alone too. If you want my phone number to talk on the phone, let me know. Robin

@Robin what type of breast cancer did you have..After DM did you have Chemo or Radiation?🙂

I did not have radiation or chemotherapy just anastrozole.

What does dx tnbc mean? They wanted to do a lumpectomy on the right side but I said no because it was not cancer. I had surgery on the left side only.

Triple negative breast cancer. Er,pr,her2 negative.

I am sorry you are dealing with this. I am a widow of 85 in a similar situation. Would be happy to talk more with you

Linda and Wendy, I read I should see a palliative oncologist in case one becomes necessary in the future. Have you seen one?

I have used palliative care after surgery. Very helpful. These folks understand our issues with pain.

I am also a widow I am 79. No support team either. On February twenty fourth I had a Mastectomy. My older daughter did fly to Florida from Kentucky. She stayed with me and slept in my room for the first night after my surgery. Then she left at 11:00 am as she is a teacher and was needed in school. After about three days in the hospital I was discharged. Then was admitted into a rehab and nursing facility.During my stay there no one bothered to change my dressing. I ended up being re admitted back in the hospital. My Surgeon had said that I was totally neglected and was very sick. I was taken on a stretcher directly from her office. My belongings were left at that horrible facility. The doctor said you are going directly to the hospital now! I was in the University of Miami for a week. Given IV therapy and other medication. This hospital was the very best for care. However I was totally alone . After being discharged I was admitted into a better rehab and Nursing facility. Where I did receive care. Was there for three weeks. Now at home every other day a wound care nurse visits me. I am tired and depressed from this situation. My advice is if you or anyone else needs to go to a rehab and Nursing facility make sure that you are admitted as an in patient for your surgery. Medicare will cover you.

@wendy did you have tnbc er,pr,her2 negative

Hi Peggy. I have er and pr +, her2 negative. Final path pending from mastectomy. I have a friend who was tnbc and brca gene who had double mastectomy and doing well 4-5 years later.

@wendy That is great news..Ja Do you know what stage she was?

Peggy P. Sorry don’t have those details. She did undergo chemo also at her diagnosis.

Going through cancer treatment while grieving and feeling isolated can feel overwhelming, but this community is here to offer support and understanding during this difficult journey. For a more personal conversation and to connect with clinical care experts who can provide additional guidance, please scroll down from the Home Screen of the app to find the Ask Outcomes4Me box to get in touch, and remember that the 988 crisis hotline is available 24/7 if you need someone to talk to right away.