Best Of
Re: Here we go 🌸
@Jennie_Lou
I'm two years down the track. In the beginning I was overwhelmed, just overwhelmed.
I had 4 weeks between diagnosis and surgery. In that 4 weeks I had 3 return flights to Perth (I am very remote - in the Kimberley) because of a lack of coordination from the hospital with scans, tests and appointments.
I found other people's reactions very hard to handle, add in my anger at having my retirement plans of travel thrown into disarray, the fact that I had to leave my beloved home in the Kimberley for quite some time, along with the need to find financially affordable accomodation in Perth I was not a 'nice' person to be around.
And the constant 'how are you', along with townsfolk wanting to hug me (I am NOT a hugger) and the continual advice, useful or not, from people regarding treatment, was too much.
I had a 'bolt' hole, a place in the bush that I could go to, armed with a thermos and a snack where I could sit, watch the birds at the waterhole, yell, scream, sob, cry, pick up the pieces and then go home somewhat a little calmer and "put together".
My way of handling the whole shebang was to keep my own company. That was best for me.
This forum has been very supportive. The lovely people on here are non judgemental, encouraging, warm, friendly and helped me realise that there is no "right" way, it is what works for you.
My very warm Kimberely wishes to you.
Annie
I'm two years down the track. In the beginning I was overwhelmed, just overwhelmed.
I had 4 weeks between diagnosis and surgery. In that 4 weeks I had 3 return flights to Perth (I am very remote - in the Kimberley) because of a lack of coordination from the hospital with scans, tests and appointments.
I found other people's reactions very hard to handle, add in my anger at having my retirement plans of travel thrown into disarray, the fact that I had to leave my beloved home in the Kimberley for quite some time, along with the need to find financially affordable accomodation in Perth I was not a 'nice' person to be around.
And the constant 'how are you', along with townsfolk wanting to hug me (I am NOT a hugger) and the continual advice, useful or not, from people regarding treatment, was too much.
I had a 'bolt' hole, a place in the bush that I could go to, armed with a thermos and a snack where I could sit, watch the birds at the waterhole, yell, scream, sob, cry, pick up the pieces and then go home somewhat a little calmer and "put together".
My way of handling the whole shebang was to keep my own company. That was best for me.
This forum has been very supportive. The lovely people on here are non judgemental, encouraging, warm, friendly and helped me realise that there is no "right" way, it is what works for you.
My very warm Kimberely wishes to you.
Annie
Annie C
8
Re: Here we go 🌸
This. This is what’s been the worst. Im acting like superwoman & people are breaking down in front of me. It’s become too much. Exhausting 😪 I’m so glad I’ve found this forum 💞🌸Isn't it odd how a lot of us end up calming everyone else down?
Cancer Australia and Metastatic BC
Cancer Australia has just updated their statement on MBC. This is good news--they have some serious clout in the research world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8QU_Z_SaLY
https://canceraustralia.gov.au/publications-and-resources/cancer-australia-publications/metastatic-breast-cancer-summary
Zoffiel
5
Re: Newly diagnosed .. Glad I've found a safe place
I never know what to say when I read about a new person starting on this rollercoaster but I do know how I feel.
If you were standing right in front of me I'd give you a big hug and tell you I understand. The emotions are so intense and it is important to let them come out, that is why this forum is good because everyone "gets" it and doesn't say be positive, it's so hard to be up all the time. For me it's impossible.
Hopefully once you get your plan you will start to feel better. I know I was so busy in the first few weeks that the shock was delayed.
I am just feeling the effects now at the end of the line but I have found a counsellor and it is really helping me. We are all different, so do anything that you feel is right for you, regardless of what others say.
Be kind to yourself, it is a lot for anyone to deal with and try not to worry, easier said than done I know. xxx
If you were standing right in front of me I'd give you a big hug and tell you I understand. The emotions are so intense and it is important to let them come out, that is why this forum is good because everyone "gets" it and doesn't say be positive, it's so hard to be up all the time. For me it's impossible.
Hopefully once you get your plan you will start to feel better. I know I was so busy in the first few weeks that the shock was delayed.
I am just feeling the effects now at the end of the line but I have found a counsellor and it is really helping me. We are all different, so do anything that you feel is right for you, regardless of what others say.
Be kind to yourself, it is a lot for anyone to deal with and try not to worry, easier said than done I know. xxx
The music is disconcerting
Re: Oncotype Dx test
Just little update. I got the results from Oncotype in 2 weeks from sending and I'm the luckiest and happiest person in the world. Don't have to go chemo. <1% need for it. So I started 10 days ago Tamoxifen for 5 years. I wish everybody good luck and thanks for great support. Btw. I started listen to the Podcast called Upfront about breast cancer. It is great source of information. 
Blanka
7
Re: Kisquali and Xgeva
Hi Kiahdee
I thought I would write the response that I would have liked to have been able to read last year. I am now on my 16th cycle of Kisqali with Letrozole and regular Xgeva and it is going great . I have found it not a bit like chemo - tablets in the morning and the occasional injection. When I first started taking this combo I was a little tired But after about the 4th cycle that too stopped being an issue. My hair has thinned a little so I have cut it short. I can exercise, work and travel. I feel very privileged to be able to be on this drug combo so I hope you also have a good and strong response too. I am only having scans six monthly after my lesions in liver, lungs and bones shrunk after the first 6 cycles. I am getting on with living , Good luck 😉 cheers Ali
I thought I would write the response that I would have liked to have been able to read last year. I am now on my 16th cycle of Kisqali with Letrozole and regular Xgeva and it is going great . I have found it not a bit like chemo - tablets in the morning and the occasional injection. When I first started taking this combo I was a little tired But after about the 4th cycle that too stopped being an issue. My hair has thinned a little so I have cut it short. I can exercise, work and travel. I feel very privileged to be able to be on this drug combo so I hope you also have a good and strong response too. I am only having scans six monthly after my lesions in liver, lungs and bones shrunk after the first 6 cycles. I am getting on with living , Good luck 😉 cheers Ali
Ali55
8