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I had my mammogram on my birthday- 13th August, now less than a month later I've had surgery to remove the lump and the sentinel lymph node and have been told it hasn't spread to my lymph nodes but I need to have further surgery to remove more tissue. Everything has happened so quickly and it feels all very daunting, sometimes it's like this is all happening to someone else and I'm on the periphery just watching then I move and catch sight of myself in the mirror and realise this is me.
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Hi Donna
My situation sounds very similar to what you have described. I had two surgeries very close together but got the all clear of my lymph nodes. I had to have 20 sessions of radiotherapy & now taking Tamoxifen which I will be on for 5 yrs. Although it does seem overwhelming & daunting in the early stages, take faith in knowing that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Take someone with you so that they can also listen to what your medical team tells you as it's always good to have another set of ears. I was very happy with how the radiotherapy went & all the staff were fantastic/friendly.
Of all the cancers to have I'm grateful mine was breast cancer as the support has been wonderful.
Cyber hugs.
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Hi Donna, sorry you've had to join us but welcome to this network.It's very surreal at first and I can remember waking each morning thinking I'd had a bad dream. That was 12 yrs ago and then I got bc again 5 yrs ago and had to have treatment again BUT I am fine now.Just tackle each bit at a time otherwise it can feel overwhelming.Tonya x
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Hi Donna
Welcome to the site but sorry you've had to join us. I finished active treatment about 9 weeks ago after 14 months of treatment. It still feels surreal and if it has happened to someone else. It's such a whirlwind after being diagnosed, surgery and then treatment. I just found that I was focused on getting through day to day what I had to and never really had time to digest what was actually happening to me.
It is daunting, especially the unknown. Ask lots of questions, take someone to appointments with you, make a list of questions you have and take one day at a time. You will get through this and we will all be here to help along the way if you need us. Good luck and take care. Karen xox
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Hi Donna, Know exactly how you are feeling. 2nd Chemo treatment down, hair gone and I still sometimes feel like it isn't real.....a glimpse in the mirror revealing a bald head is a pretty quick reminder!!
I have found since my lumpectomy (June) to just take one day/appointment at a time and didn't think too far ahead or fill my thoughts with "what if's" until all test and results were back in. Not sure what you have ahead, but the first two months for me seemed to be packed with appointments to doctors or having tests done.
Here's hoping that after the next surgery you have very little left to do in the way of treatment.
Kari
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Hi Donna
In a similar situation had surgery 3 weeks ago and now begin Chemo next week. To begin with it seemed so unreal and daunting and hard to deal with. You need to take one day at a time, take someone with you to the appointments so they can also take in what is said as you do walk away in an absolute haze. Come to this site often as it has been my saving grace to get a better understanding on things as well as the supports on posts. Thinking of you
Fiona x
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Hi Donna,
I am one week post surgery with clear excisions and lymph node, similar to you except for the need to have further surgery. I wonder if it's our own minds coping mechanism to feel as we are on the outside looking in. I find I have similar feelings to you and it's those around me that are more concerned about what is happening and going to happen than me sometimes. I have some results still to come and then in a few weeks the radiotherapy starts. All the best with your next surgery, hope you have someone looking after you for those first few days and you soon recover from the second round of surgery.
Maria
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Thank you for the support, and finding this site has allowed me to say how I really feel as being positive all the time is hard work. I'm an optimistic person and constantly looking for the positive which goes well for a little while then this gremlin jumps in and says 'you've still got breast cancer'. Taking someone to all my appointments has helped considerably, my brain is in overdrive and having that second set of ears makes it easier to understand. At the moment my days are identified by my next appointment or test result but I know I'll get there.
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Hi Donna,
it is a good news. just do some exercise and listen what doctor said. do the doctor's team recommend some therapy?
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sorry Donna, I send message without signature.
I had two operation in 10 days between. But I have an allergy reaction on the second operation and 7 hours they try to recover me. it was hard time for my family because they didn't know what had happened. on the end it was patient blue which bring on an allergy. I had 6 weeks, 5 days a radio therapy and now I have to take hormone therapy. at the beginning was Femara tablets but they bring up allergy again and now I am taking Arimedex for next 5 years. I try to change my diet do some exercise but still I put more kilos than I need. you are the first person I have talk about it. I don't know way I chose you. I whish you all the best
Radmila
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They haven't yet, I have taken a few days away before my second surgery on Tuesday. As soon as I get home I will look at different therapies and talk to the doctor.
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Thanks Maria, it's good to speak with people who share a story,all my friends and partner has been so supportive , I hope they never get to feel the way I do.
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2 operations in 10 days is not easy for anyone but to have a reaction as well must be really difficult for you and your family. I have to start radiotherapy too after my second surgery and take Tamoxifen for 5 years, I don't know a lot about the side effects yet of hormone therapy although listening to your story, I guess I should do my research
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Hi Donna, Welcome to the network. It is such a surreal feeling especially in the early days. I was diagnosed in April. I ended p having to have a mastectomy, have just completed 4 cycles of chemo and about to start radiation at the end of September. I found this network to be so supportive and full of the right advice and someone was always there with a cyber hug. Taking someone with you especially in the early days is so important. There's always so much info to take in and your support person can remember to ask the questions you may forget. Do you have the 'my journey kit' (I found that a great help)
I found the early days to be the hardest, waiting for appts, waiting for pathology results etc...
Be kind to yourself in your recovery from surgery. Stay in touch,
Karen xx
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I have ordered the 'my journey kit' and hoping that this would be a great help. Taking each day/apt at a time and dealing with each step individually. It's an easier way to manage than looking at the big picture, smaller goals and baby steps is the way forward for me
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Hi Donna, and welcome to our network. It is very daunting when you get newly diagnosed, and a bit like being in a fog. Take your time to absorb what is happening, read all the provided books and information, and talk to your family and friends. Once you know the extent of your diagnosis, you'll be able to plan ahead. Please find our network a safe place to vent and ask for advice and support from our members. Take good care of yourself. Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ??????
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