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Focusing on the Positives
Gorgeous Saturday here in Adelaide after a drizzly morning - had a visit from a friend and we sat in the garden where I verbally processed yesterday's news, focusing on the positives: 1) The lymph nodes are clear 2) Tumour contained in one lump which was removed last week 3) Additional surgery is PRECAUTIONARY due to a few…
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anxiety, depression, tears +++++++++++++++++++++
Hi out there in BC land! I have just passed my 1st anniversary of BC. Like a lot of women I find the anxiety and worries hard to deal with. I did go to a councillor but didn't find it very helpful. I find the best people to talk to and share are friends who also have BC. That's my experience anyway, some may find it…
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Mammogram
Hi All, It's coming up 5 weeks since I completed 14 months treatment. Today I went for my first mammogram since I was diagnosed in April 2014. I was anxious going to the appointment as I was scared that it was going to hurt as I have some lymphodeama. That breast was fine but it hurt like hell where my port is. After the…
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Fear of recurrence - why now?
I'm currently 2.5 years cancer free, but all of a sudden I am finding it hard to deal with my fear of recurrence. I have never felt like this before. Every twinge of pain or ache makes my mind race but aside from that I'm looking the best I ever have and have never been so healthy. I don't know who to talk about this fear…
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doctor visit
Afternoon I hope everyone is good. Today I went for my check up with my breast surgeon. It was fantastic to walk out of there with a smile on my face. We chatted about my treatment and had a laugh, it only feels like yesterday she was telling me I had bc. It is now about 18 months since diagnised, it has been one of the…
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Facing Fear of Recurrence
Just a few thoughts. Sometimes I think that fear of recurrence is the biggest challenge to face, after bc diagnosis and treatment. It affects us all differently, at different times. When it preoccupies my thoughts, I try to put it in perspective and calmly remind myself that I am a survivor - before my head spins out of…
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Reflections - then and now!
Spent a bit of reflection time today. Just sharing a few ideas that have made a big difference in my life, during recovery from bc treatment- and beyond! My bc treatment included removal of some lymph nodes so post surgery lymphodoema was a big concern for me. Fortunately I had early contact with a "tuned-in" physio who…
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Flushes.......
Well, I have obviously not been on line here since June. I posted regarding my night time flushes. Thank you to all who have offered their help.... I have given up caffeine....still enjoy my wine. I sleep on flannelette sheets. If i have a drink of cold water, this adds fuel and I sweat even more and I am so hot!!! It…
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Lymphedema
Hi Everyone I haven't posted for a while but would like some advice. I am hoping to travel to Europe next year and am a bit concerned about flying and lymphedema. I have always had to do exercises and stretches with my arm when travelling within Australia. Hopefully I can break up the travel to Europe but would like any…
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Stages of improvement - reflection
I have been terrible at checking in here! So much time has passed and so many changes... I ended up feeling REALLY down and out after finishing treatment (31st of October last year) and found myself crying all the time. I got a phone call that my oncologist had recommended me for a 'rehab' course at the Epworth on the day…
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Two days out - nothing inspirational
In less than 48 hours I should be going through my lumpectomy which will then lead on to that long wait before the post-op "consultation" with my surgeon and discussion as to what the immediate future holds in store for me. What I know it won't currently hold in store is that Government 6 month position I went for last…
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Need to connect
Hi new to the site in need of reassurance that what I'm experiencing is normal , I am on my last week of radiation, everyone is so happy for me, thinking that I am relieved to be finishing. Truth is I'm fearful of the thought of returning to my old life, I know I am not the same person I was, I can't bare to voice this to…
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Learning the Breathe again
After my "melt down" the other day, I update my other blog which can be found here with more thoughts on my progress through the seven gates. Today is a better day. Today I am learning to breathe again. I am learning that not every step forward is actually resulting in a step backwards and then a twist to the side, and if…
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Getting investigated for new diagnosis in the other breast and living with advanced disease
Hi everyone I've just had routine scans along with mammogram in the left remaining breast. Mammogram results suggest DCIS. I'm getting a referral to breast specialist. But what happens under these circumstances ? Will they leave the breast intact or remove it? I'm worried about it going to my lymph nodes and having to…
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What Next!
Here I am 1 year after finishing my treatment for early triple negetive Breast Cancer, I should be close to having my life back, but I'm not even close. Since finishing my treatment in September 2014 I've had to deal with other health issues for my tongue, arm, and especially my ear, and now severe indigestion problems.…