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Reflecting
I've spent the last few months reflecting on the past year....this week marks 12 months since my Mums funeral - followed 3 days later by my mastectomy; when I look back on this time it is more like a dream than my previous perfect life! I have felt the need to be alone...which is hard when you have kids and no family close…
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The next step!
I am now 5 weeks post surgery and beginning my first chemo treatment this coming Tuesday (7/10/14). Am approaching this process optimistically, but aware that it's going to be yet another challenging time. I read other people's blogs about how sick they've been but know that we just have to face it anyway - one day at a…
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Update since finishing treatment in June !!!
I saw my breast surgeon yesterday and my lymphoedema physio today and they are both happy with my progress. The surgeon has now booked me in for my next annual mammogram and ultrasound which will be in January 2015. The breast lymphoedema is under control but I now have to wear a compression bra for afew months too. Manual…
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Help with healthy food issues
The latest obstacle for myself (and my family) is one that I didn't think would ever be a problem. I have been determined to recover my health to the best of my ability after treatment for Stage 3 breast cancer last year (surgery, chemo, radio and now tamoxifen) and healthy food choices have been a big part of this. Like a…
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Better day than me?
This morning I woke up after a bad night with hot flushes and body aches and decided not to go to work. Struggling at the moment to push myself in the right direction, I want to go back to work and I need to work for my sanity but not feeling great. Doc suggesting I might need anti deppressants not sure what to do. I have…
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Catch up...
I've passed the two year remission ( September 7th ), and I had a cancer scare that was investigated at the Royal Womens hospital in August. Whilst I was In America , I started bleeding from the vagina, and given that I had a hysto 18 yrs ago due to cancer, I couldn't understand why I was bleeding. It wasn't much, but…
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Healthy eating and breast cancer – BCNA’s new booklet
Many women have expressed interest in learning more about healthy eating. In combination with regular physical activity, healthy eating can make a measurable difference to your energy levels, weight maintenance and assist in managing your stress levels. To help provide practical information and guidance around making…
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Snap your joy! Happy Friday everyone!
SoulPancake set up a giant camera on the street and . How will you express yourself today?
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Exercise and depression article
An article was published earlier this week in The New York Times titled 'Exercise may protect against depression'. We know that exercise is good for us and that for the most part we generally feel better for it. This article looks at exercise and how it may increase emotional resilience and may protect against depression.…
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Checking in!
Hi everyone, Apologies. I have been so very remiss. After a couple of years of 'checking out' of the "journey" (got so fed up with that word!) that was mine in 2010/2011, I have just received a notification of a post and returned to find so many messages waiting that I have not responded to. SORRY! Frankly, I think I…
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Weightloss for better survival chances
I asked my oncologist what I can do to give myself the best chance to be in the group who are statistically /ess likely teo get a recurrence of breast cancer, and not in the group who will. She told me there were 4 things that they found made a big difference. 1) Low or no alcohol consumption 2) Low-fat diet 3) Good…
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Impact on our families
Hi all , I thought BC was tough , but I can say my family and I had possibly the worst 2 weeks of my life. My 20 year old daughter ended up in the Psyciatric ward, my beautiful intelligent child who showered me when I came home from hospital the one who changed my dressings , the one who told everyone what's wrong mum is…
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Halfway through chemo
I'm halfway through chemo. I've done 4 rounds of AC. It was such a roller coaster. I had such highs but the lows were so so low. Now the highs are fewer and the lows last longer. I start taxol next with 12 weeks of it. I'm anxious about it after the trip with the AC. I know once I start it I'll be on the downhill run but…
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... and no-one could tell ....
Hi all, We had visitors yesterday. I wore my Berlei bra and soft form from BCNA. One visitor said "when do you have your operation, I thought it was before this?". (Note: everyone looked on in disgust that the touchy subject had been mentioned). Me: "Done! Four weeks ago". Visitor : "No. Weren't they going to remove your…
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BCNA launches new active and well initiative!
Morning everyone, My name is Steph, I have recently joined BCNA as the Active and Well Programs Officer and I’ve been very busy working on a new initiative. We’re thrilled to be launching Active and Well After Breast Cancer, an initiative designed to assist women to lead a healthier lifestyle after having breast cancer.…