I thought to be honest it was a cyst,,, then during the biopsy the head nurse said 'no take 2 more samples'Now i am up for a body scan to check and see if there are other spots on my lower back.....Trying to take it all in..there are 3 things that are great on me....boobs/curly long hair/personality.the last one is fading a bit . i own my own small hairdressing salon so i am worried about the business..no income.the doctors said chemo as well Argghhhhh what a mindfield my mum has ages 10 years....

So sorry yollydolly that you find yourself here. What an awful shock it is to get a diagnosis. Curly hair will come back. Your personality may go into hiding for a bit, but it too will return. As for your boob, there are many options to consider. Many women work during chemo so I will keep my fingers crossed that that works out for you as well. Come on here anytime you want to vent.Nadine

I'm sorry you have had to join this group. It's such a shock in the beginning. It's possible to have your reconstruction done or at least started at time of first surgery. You may need follow up adjustments but it doesn't mean you will no longer be curvy. Some women are able to work during chemo maybe not the 1st week but weeks 3 and 4. It just depends. I was able to access my life insurance under a trauma claim which really helped me. If no income you would be entitled to sickness benefits or at least newstart allowance, which is better than nothing. Yep...the hairloss is hard going, I rocked the scarf and hats but there are some good wigs and some fun wigs which should get you through.We are here to help with what we can. And yes its so hard on those that love us. Take care. Kath x

I'm so sorry you are here we are all here to support you.. The waiting for tests , scans etc are the worst i wish you the best xx

You sound amazing, much more than just boobs and curly hair. Running a small business takes lots of guts. You will look amazing during chemo, believe me bald is not all bad, it's a nice rest from constant hair tending. Wigs, scarves, hats, beanies, it's quite creative. Plus in the future you will be able to empathize and help all the women who come to your hairdressing salon with breast cancer. My hairdresser has been a good support for me over chemo, from giving me a number 3 for free, to advising me what to do as my hair grew back, and just checking in me from time to time. There is so much kindness out there. You will come out of this with a great personality, new hair, different boobs and a strength you didn't realize you had. It's a terrible shock I know. You will adjust. It will take some time. Wishing you the very best. Karen

I too have just been diagnosed and am self employed with a small business (dog groomer) which I have run for 17 years. Your good clients will be understanding, compassionate and will come back when you are up and running again. Many of mine are going to a friend while I cannot work but want to work around my down time. You might also be surprised how many have also had BC, some of mine have been really helpful with local suppliers of bras and prosthesis and have even shown me their chests so I know what to expect. The lack of income is frightening and if it is important, you might have to go to Centrelink about it. You might lose a few clients who don't come back, but that happens anyway. I am planning to work on my good days to keep myself busy, but only short hours and clients I know I can do easily. Take care of yourself foremost, healing, and dealing with everything that is to come is the most important thing now. Good luck with your surgery.

Lump found 1 month ago now removal of breast

24 Replies

Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Hi Yollydolly, hope your surgery went well on 15th and that you are gradually recovering. Wishing you all the best for your results. Take it easy while you are healing and be gentle with yourself. Sending a hug, Jane xx
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
That's not too bad ! Here's hoping chemo is Echuca. Aunt from Mathoura had to go to Shepparton and Melbourne. It was a few years ago so pleased for you that services have come closer. Bendigo is not far
Take care
yollydolly
Member
9 years ago
I will have to travel to bendigo (which is an hour away) ,and radio is in bendigo as well. But hopefully chemo is in Echuca !!
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
Hello Yollydolly
I noticed you mentioned Echuca. We have family living in Echuca and Moama. Will you have to travel away from Echuca for the surgery and the radio and or chemo?
Take care
Isaidso
Member
9 years ago
Hi Yollydolly, You will definitely get lovely support here. I've also found that you get answers to questions you hadn't even thought to ask!
It is good to have that surgery date locked in and as Jane said one step closer to being cancer free. Take care Terrie
Hopes_and_Dream
Member
9 years ago
Hi Yollydolly, great you have a date locked in and you can get moving. One step closer to being cancer free!!
Sounds like you have a wonderful support team - we are also here for you :smile:
I hope the next couple of weeks go quickly for you, keep in touch with your progress. Take care, Jane xx
Zoffiel
Member
9 years ago
Hey yolly
It's just hair. This from a woman who donated 140 grams of pristine undied locks to a charity that makes wigs for bald women. The irony was not lost. This is a shit of a disease.
melclarity
Member
9 years ago
Yollydolly, am so glad you have a plan in place and things are moving for you, I think that is half the battle. Let us know how you go. Hugs Melinda xo
RNSW
Member
9 years ago
Hi @yollydolly, just wanted to send you hugs and best wishes. Yes your personality takes a knock but you can do this take one step at a time and you will get through it xo
Butterfly_40
Member
9 years ago
Hi Yollydolly,
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We are all here looking for support and support each other to get through this roller coaster.

I was diagnosed with BC just over a month ago and had lumpectomy, but unfortunately I need mastectomy. I am waiting to see a plastic surgeon now.

Wishing you the best for the surgery and recovery!

Lots of love and hugs for you!