The first 24 hours
Was told yesterday that I have breast cancer.
I have no idea the type, severity, outcomes or anything until Monday when I see a specialist. All the worse scenarios keep going through my head. Then I try and logic it out and figure statistics should be on my side. It's awful and I'm only 24 hours into my journey.
I want to get off this bus and get back on the healthy- happy- nothing wrong with me bus!
Comments
-
Hi, And welcome! It's a roller coaster all right. If you haven't already, order your "My Journey" kit through this site. The waiting is the worst. Just take it day by day, and as many people will say, don't go to Dr Google.
Take care
Lyn
0 -
Hi Old duck, and welcome to the network, you'll find lots of support and advice from all the members here. I have certainly learned heaps and felt very supported by others during the uncertain times. I hope that your appointment goes well for you on Monday. I have an appointment with a radiation oncologist on Monday yo find out about my radiotherapy treatment. Just take it 1 appointment at a time and you'll manage things more calmly. I always take a notepad with me with all my questions, in case I become overwhelmed. You can write down dr and nurse advice, so that you can refer to it later. Sending you a cuddle, Tracey B ??????
0 -
Thanks Lyn... Only 84 hours till I see the specialist and know a bit more about what's going on.... Not that I'm counting or anything that neurotic!
0 -
Hi
Welcome to the forum but so sorry you had to join us. The emotional upheaval you go through when told you have cancer is mind blowing. But just remember that breast cancer is now very treatable and in most cases, the survival rate is high. Treatment isn't pleasant but you will get through it. Take one day at a time and be prepared for treatment ideas to change between now and any surgery you may need. That quite often happens as they really don't know 100% what's going on until surgery. Take someone with you to appointments. Write down any questions you have and don't be afraid to ask them. Trust me, the doctors have heard it all before. Definitely get a my journey kit. If you don't want to go through it now, you will later. Just know, we all want to get off this bus too. It is just our lot to bare. You will get back on the happy and healthy bus, it's just going to take some time. Hang in there and good luck for Monday. Karen xox
0 -
Thanks TraceyB. I hope Monday goes well for you too.
0 -
Thanks Karen.
0 -
Hi welcome to the site the ladies have said it all, my advice is get yourself a diary because your life will be filled with appointments. Karen is right your trip could change along the way mine did, so take it 1 day at a time and use this site great supportxx
0 -
Thanks Rowdy. I guess it takes the mind a few days to go through the stages of anger, denial, resentment and now I think I've accepted the diagnosis so it's putting all my energies into the fight ahead. I'm hating the thought of telling people. I know they will be lovely and supportive it's just having to retell my story. Ok maybe I haven't really accepted it yet!
0 -
When I was first diagnosed I felt the same as you. What? Why? When? I had many people offer advise who had been through the same thing. However we are all slightly different and will all have slightly different treatments. I am having chemo first (only one other person I know had this first) then surgery then radiation. Someone suggested I get from the library a book by Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book. It is very informative. I would also get the 'my Journey Kit' from this site. Again good information. I wanted to know as much as I could, so that when I saw the specialist I knew what he was talking about. Because believe me it is a lot to take in! Make sure you take someone with you too.
this site has some amazing people who will help you through it all and don't be afraid to ask anything.
I've just had my second chemo yesterday. I have four more to go. I think I'm doing ok. Lots of support always helps.
best of luck to you. Let us know how you are getting on. ??
0 -
Hi Lindyloo, I too, am having chemo 1st, before surgey, then radiotherapy. Have just had my 3rd cycle of FEC. Next cycle Docetaxel. See what that brings. In the meantime, I also go for an ultrasound d & review with my surgeon to see how things are going. I'm going to have to look in to that book. Did you find it helpful?
Lyn
0 -
Good luck Lindyloo! The responses from strangers has been great. It makes you realise you are not alone. Thanks
0 -
Hi lindyloo, I too have had 4 cycles AC, I'm on my 5th cycle of Taxol with 7 more to go, lymph node removal in October followed by radiation treatment, all treatment should be finished by just before Xmas so looking forward to that, yes it is a roller coaster of a ride, best advise I received was take it day by day and stay positive, glynnis
0 -
Hi Lindyloo, I've just finished 3 rounds of FEC and 3 rounds of Docetaxel. You're not as nauseous on the Docetaxel, but there is a bit of boney pain that you'll need panadol. Keep your fingernails and toenails to protect them as well. I wore ice gloves during chemo and this saved my nails. Hope this helps, Trace ????
0 -
Yes, the book was very helpful. Tells you just about everything, right down to the different drugs and their side effects. I am on TAC. It has definitely reduced the tumour on the first treatment. I don't get much nausea but feel drained. On the last week when I was feeling my old self, hubby and I went for a walk. 4km along the river. I was totally drained by the end of it. I am at the moment on long service leave from work for a couple of months but don't feel I could return to work as I have to stand all the time and be chatty and upbeat (I'm a newborn baby photographer). How have other people coped with work?
0 -
Someone told me to paint my nails with glossy varnish. Holding up well so far!????
0
