Hi all

You certainly have had a lot to experience and I welcome you to a wonderful opportunity to reach out and share you thoughts.  On this website you have a support network, information, and ways to connect with locals who understand what you are feeling.  It will be up to you, to make contact as it suits you.  I really found speaking to volunteers, counsellors, and having cups of tea with other women near my own age, a huge benefit at the Cancer Council.

One day at a time and one breath at a time, we all find a hidden strength that is quite surprising.  For times when we dont have it, there is always a good ol cry into a tissue, I found that helped.......I hope you too will be kind to yourself, and give yourself recovery time.  Happier days ahead... Bel

You certainly have had a lot to experience and I welcome you to a wonderful opportunity to reach out and share you thoughts.  On this website you have a support network, information, and ways to connect with locals who understand what you are feeling.  It will be up to you, to make contact as it suits you.  I really found speaking to volunteers, counsellors, and having cups of tea with other women near my own age, a huge benefit at the Cancer Council.

One day at a time and one breath at a time, we all find a hidden strength that is quite surprising.  For times when we dont have it, there is always a good ol cry into a tissue, I found that helped.......I hope you too will be kind to yourself, and give yourself recovery time.  Happier days ahead... Bel

Hello there Meghan.  I just read your message about how you are feeling since your op.  You have been through a harrowing time and what I found is that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Just because we may have lost those bits that to us make us woman we are still the same person that we have always been both on the inside and on the outside.  We are no less a mum or a nan and I know my granddaughter sees me as exactly the same as I was 12 months ago.  Even though she know Nannies booby was sick and the medicine made me loose my hair!  I am still Nanny and that is what counts.  I know what you mean about struggling as now that my treatment is finished I am thinking...well what now?  I gave up my job to concentrate on my health and now feel a bit lost.  Take each day as it comes for the moment and certainly keep in touch. Yvonne

Hello there Meghan.  I just read your message about how you are feeling since your op.  You have been through a harrowing time and what I found is that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Just because we may have lost those bits that to us make us woman we are still the same person that we have always been both on the inside and on the outside.  We are no less a mum or a nan and I know my granddaughter sees me as exactly the same as I was 12 months ago.  Even though she know Nannies booby was sick and the medicine made me loose my hair!  I am still Nanny and that is what counts.  I know what you mean about struggling as now that my treatment is finished I am thinking...well what now?  I gave up my job to concentrate on my health and now feel a bit lost.  Take each day as it comes for the moment and certainly keep in touch. Yvonne

Hello there Meghan.  I just read your message about how you are feeling since your op.  You have been through a harrowing time and what I found is that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Just because we may have lost those bits that to us make us woman we are still the same person that we have always been both on the inside and on the outside.  We are no less a mum or a nan and I know my granddaughter sees me as exactly the same as I was 12 months ago.  Even though she know Nannies booby was sick and the medicine made me loose my hair!  I am still Nanny and that is what counts.  I know what you mean about struggling as now that my treatment is finished I am thinking...well what now?  I gave up my job to concentrate on my health and now feel a bit lost.  Take each day as it comes for the moment and certainly keep in touch. Yvonne

Hello there Meghan.  I just read your message about how you are feeling since your op.  You have been through a harrowing time and what I found is that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Just because we may have lost those bits that to us make us woman we are still the same person that we have always been both on the inside and on the outside.  We are no less a mum or a nan and I know my granddaughter sees me as exactly the same as I was 12 months ago.  Even though she know Nannies booby was sick and the medicine made me loose my hair!  I am still Nanny and that is what counts.  I know what you mean about struggling as now that my treatment is finished I am thinking...well what now?  I gave up my job to concentrate on my health and now feel a bit lost.  Take each day as it comes for the moment and certainly keep in touch. Yvonne

Hello there Meghan.  I just read your message about how you are feeling since your op.  You have been through a harrowing time and what I found is that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Just because we may have lost those bits that to us make us woman we are still the same person that we have always been both on the inside and on the outside.  We are no less a mum or a nan and I know my granddaughter sees me as exactly the same as I was 12 months ago.  Even though she know Nannies booby was sick and the medicine made me loose my hair!  I am still Nanny and that is what counts.  I know what you mean about struggling as now that my treatment is finished I am thinking...well what now?  I gave up my job to concentrate on my health and now feel a bit lost.  Take each day as it comes for the moment and certainly keep in touch. Yvonne

Hi Meghan

I'm sorry that you are feeling so down but remember that you have been through a huge ordeal for the last few years. You are just one week after surgery - that's always a hard time so be nice to yourself. I'm glad that you have some lovely family with you to keep your spirits up.

I had a BC removed last August and then as I found that I was BRCA2 positive had a double mastectomy and recon. I too now have to have a hysterectomy/ovaries out in the next few months and I don't want to have it as I am not keen to go into menopause yet. However it's funny how everyone has a different view on things....it doesn't bother me about not having those female bits inside that I never notice are there anyway. The external bits will still be there....(the fun bits) . I worry more about becoming the 'bearded lady' from lack of hormones and going crazy, having flushes etc etc.

xs

Hi Meghan

I'm sorry that you are feeling so down but remember that you have been through a huge ordeal for the last few years. You are just one week after surgery - that's always a hard time so be nice to yourself. I'm glad that you have some lovely family with you to keep your spirits up.

I had a BC removed last August and then as I found that I was BRCA2 positive had a double mastectomy and recon. I too now have to have a hysterectomy/ovaries out in the next few months and I don't want to have it as I am not keen to go into menopause yet. However it's funny how everyone has a different view on things....it doesn't bother me about not having those female bits inside that I never notice are there anyway. The external bits will still be there....(the fun bits) . I worry more about becoming the 'bearded lady' from lack of hormones and going crazy, having flushes etc etc.

xs

Hi Meghan,

My name is Claudia and I am the Media Officer here at BCNA. I just want to say a huge welcome from all the BCNA staff, we're so happy you've joined our online network - there are so many amazing women here who can offer first hand advice and experience to help you through your journey.

If you have not done so already and would like to be sent any of our resources (which you can fine at this link: https://www.bcna.org.au/news/resources) please don't hesitate to contact us on 1800 500 258.

Kind regards,

Claudia x