Just diagnosed? Your breast cancer questions answered by Jane Murphy

Being diagnosed with breast cancer might leave you with so many questions. Why has this happened to me? How do I tell my children? What treatment will I have? Will I lose my hair? Where can I find support?

In this episode, Breast Cancer Now nurse Jane Murphy answers your questions about primary breast cancer. She explains what to expect after a diagnosis, tips for surgery, genetic testing, diet, exercise, telling people about your diagnosis, and dealing with work.

Jane also discusses how Breast Cancer Now can support you through this uncertain time. She shares what it's like to work on the helpline and ask our nurses services, provide reassurance and support to people for many years.

You can call the Breast Cancer Now helpline on 0808 800 6000.
Or ask our nurses a question on our website.
You can talk to someone like you.
Support and events for younger women.
Support for moving forward after treatment.

Support for parenting with cancer at Fruitfly Collective.
Listen to our episode with Caroline Leek about parenting with cancer.

Support for working with cancer at Working With Cancer.
Listen to our episode with Barbara Wilson about working with cancer.

Timestamps:
1:26 Why did I get breast cancer?
2:52 How do I tell people I have breast cancer?
4:48 How do I tell my children about my diagnosis?
6:40 What treatment will I have for breast cancer?
8:26 Am I going to die?
9:12 What does oestrogen positive (ER+) mean?
10:08 What does triple negative mean?
10:52 Do I need to stop taking HRT?
11:41 Can I still take supplements during chemotherapy?
12:24 Will I lose my hair with chemotherapy?
13:50 Will the cancer spread while I wait for surgery?
15:59 I want to have my breasts removed but my surgeon says I only need a lumpectomy.
17:40 How do I choose my breast reconstruction?
20:11 How can I talk to someone else who's been through this?
20:48 How will treatment affect my fertility?
22:05 How do I request genetic testing?
23:34 Should I be worried about my children getting breast cancer?
24:28 What it's like for Jane working at Breast Cancer Now.
27:29 Do I need to change my diet?
28:03 Can I still exercise?
29:00 Can I still drink alcohol?
29:46 Did I cause my breast cancer?
31:22 How do I deal with work?
32:47 What are the side effects of hormone therapy?
34:21 What support is there?