Just need to write it down.
Soooooooooooooooo I am here. I have never really been one for group discussions or looking for help with stuff. I am the one every one else comes to.
My world changed on the 1st March when I went to the GP with a swollen left breast and lumps. I swear I never felt them before. But now I doubt myself. And the what if started. I must of missed them.
Everything has moved so fast since then. I have had every scan possible Brain, Bone, whole body. That was on the 15th. Went back to the Surgeon that night and was told it wasn't any where else, Which was a great relief. But he asked if I knew I had Arthritis in my neck back and my feet of all places. I didn't . I haven't been to the Dr for years. Never had to. If I had a cold I took Coldral and Soldiered on.
I was booked into have a Mastectomy on the 18th. The Operation went well. I actually was quite calm about it all. Apparently there were 6 cancers in my breast how the heck did I not feel that. More self doubt. They took 10 nodes and only 2 had cancer. Which my Breast Nurse said was good.
Yesterday I was back to the hospital for fluid build up which may be an Infection. So again I was thinking did I notice it when I thought I did or was it there the day before and I missed or ignored it.
My Hubby has been great through all this. He has played soo many games of Patients on his tablet waiting around for me to go through all the tests etc its not funny.
So this is the start of my Journey. It has helped to write some of it down. There is soo much more going on in my head tho.
Maybe next time.
Thanks for listening.
Comments
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Sorry you have joined us but welcome nevertheless! I can sympathise with the soldiering on attitude. Many of us have been healthy and very active before diagnosis. Many of us are still healthy and active! And cancer is not so easily found as you might imagine - dense breasts, lumpy breasts, many things can conspire to disguise. Don't look back, look forward.
Fluid build up is not uncommon after surgery. Your body is producing fluid and nutrients to help you heal (think of the fluid in a blister). Unfortunately the bad bugs we all have in our systems think this is all their Christmases come at once! They settle into the nice warm wet fluid and you can get an infection. Keep an eye on it, you may need antibiotics, you may need fluid drained, if you have a breast care nurse talk to her about it. Come here any time. Best wishes.0 -
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Hi, my body scans also showed neck and back degenerating and nothing else,.
I am sure any women going thru a similar scan would have something show (after a certain age). I just think its normal that our bones start to show some wear and tear as years go.
I am so happy to hear your op went well as it gives me some comfort for when i have mine done, i must admit the thought of it scares me.
Keep well and take care..xoxoxo
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Sending you a big welcome and a huge cuddle, Trace xxx 1 -
@Janny54 Hey there!! Welcome!! sounds like quite a whirlwind already!! Im glad to hear scans were clear elsewhere what a relief! I had a Bone Density scan 6 months after finishing Chemo and it showed Osteoporosis in my neck and lower back...UMMMM LOL I had no clue!!!! always had pain there but apparently Chemo caused it. So Vit D after finishing Chemo and everyday now and 2 Prolia injections a year for bone health. Looking forward to being fully recovered from mastectomy/diep flap recon so I can start back with my Exercise Physiologist.
Step at a time and you'll be OK! Hugs Melinda xo 1 -
Welcome. I recall dreaming I had breast cancer and often wonder "did I feel something and ignore it?" But I didn't. ..it's just that self doubt and fear that creeps in overnight ...when you just can't sleep after diagnosis. Take each day as it comes. Great stuff that surgery is done. Now for the next step. Thanks for sharing. Kath x
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I more or less wrote a word doc diary during my treatment. Some of it I shared on here. Interesting reading a year past it now.0
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Hi
Well I have my treatment plan. 6 Months Chemo then Radiation. Lucky me.
My Chemo starts the 20th.
I have come to terms with it all I think. I am fine until some one starts talking to me about it then the tears start. I wish I could get over that. Makes me seem such a woose.
Thanks for listening.
xx
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Hi @Janny54, glad you have your treatment plan. I'm sure many of the ladies will be able to share their experiences and give you some tips. I just wanted to say you are not a wuss! I'm 8
months post mastectomy. It's incredible - I can now tell anyone about my cancer: friends, clients, strangers. But I completely struggle telling anyone associated with BCNA. I well up when speaking to anyone collecting donations, selling merchandise etc. Yesterday I dropped a box of chocolates into the girls in the Breastscreen van which is parked in our shopping centre. It took me 3 days to have the courage to do that!! and I just held it together.
We all heal emotionally in our own time, bit by bit. Sending you a hug and wishing you all he best with your treatment. Jane xx2 -
Hi Primek
I got a pathologhy report but I can't understand it. Lol I have probably been told but to be honest I can't remember. I know they took 10 nodes and only 2 were bad. Which everyone tells me is good.
The treatment I am having is AC every 3 weeks x 4 and Paclitaxel every week by 12.
Saw the chemo nurse yesterday and am feeling positive.0 -
Hey @Janny54, You most definitely are not a wuss!! I reckon that a side effect of BC is that our tear ducts go into over drive. I have never been much of a crier but since BC I've cried rivers - it's a stress release and we sure need it!! Be gentle with yourself and have that much needed cry. Sending you a big hug. Xx Cath1
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We end up getting good at understanding medical lingo during this treatment. Most likely you are not her2+
This link helps explain a bit about pathology if you want. Sometimes more knowledge isn't actually better. It might be something you might want to revisit later.
http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/ContentsofaPathologyReport.html
Your chemo (ACT) is common for most varieties of breast cancers. Why they use varying regime is based on your specialists good chemo knowledge. I tried to read up on why which ones are used but obviously not available for the layman.
Hope you go well and remember most side effects can be reduced with medication tweaking. Kath x0 -
Well had my first chemo yesterday. Wasn't such a bad experience. I was amazed how quick it was.
Only side effects so far is a Sinus type headach. Have got to take Dexmethsone for 2 days. And have Motilium 4 time's a day. Not sure how long I take them for.
Feeling good.
Regards to you all.
Xx
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