mum of 2 little ones .... Hales1978 asking for some support

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SoldierCrab
SoldierCrab Member Posts: 3,445
Hi there. I’ve just been diagnosed. I’m a Mum of two children aged 2 and 5. I’ve had surgery so far and about to start my chemo. Feeling very anxious about treatment and would love to hear from other who have been through it. Thanks
  Awesome  LOL
August 18Comment
  • primek
    primek
    Hi..this is on your wall so very few will see this. If you go to area where blogs are and press new discussion and post there you will get a warm welcome.
    August 18

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  • SoldierCrab
    SoldierCrab Member Posts: 3,445
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    Below are a couple of links to help you find your
    way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order
    a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. 



    It can be a whirlwind when we first get a
    diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. 



    Navigating the online community
    formerly the what and how thread.

    http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/navigating-the-online-community-formerly-the-what-and-how-thread

    Breast Care Nurses

    https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx 

    My Journey Kits and other
    resources. 

    https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

    BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258

    If you have any questions, concerns or require any further
    information or support please call 1800 500 258. BCNA’s helpline will now be open from
    9am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Fridays.  

     

    How to understand your pathology reports

    https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/understanding-your-pathology-report/breast-pathology/breast-cancer-pathology.html

  • SoldierCrab
    SoldierCrab Member Posts: 3,445
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  • primek
    primek Member Posts: 5,392
    edited August 2018
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    @Hales1978

    I don't have young children now but wish you a warm welcome and I'm sure other ladies will be in touch soon.

    I just wanted to give you a link called Mummys wish which is aimed to provide practical support for ladies with young children undergoing treatment.

     
    https://mummyswish.org.au/
    Kath x

  • lgray3911
    lgray3911 Member Posts: 207
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    Hi there @Hales1978 I am also a mother of 2 small boys who will turn 6 and 3 in October. I was diagnosed in February last year so am coming out the other side. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions at all. Am happy to help. The fear of the unknown is the worst! I was lucky and went well with treatment so hopefully it will be the same for you xx
  • Sister
    Sister Member Posts: 4,960
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    @Hales1978 Have you joined the Young Women's group?

    My kids aren't quite so young - 11, 12 & 15 when I was diagnosed in Dec 17 - but I know there's a whole lot of other worries with kids and with young ones, it takes a lot of energy.  Do you have someone to help you with the day-to-day?  You won't know how you're going to go with chemo until it starts.  Some women sail through it with minimal disruption to their lives, some really struggle, and most of us have some bad days and others that we can manage. 

    You haven't said what your chemo regimen will be - I was on AC 4 x 3 weekly and then Taxol 12 x weekly.  With AC, days 2 & 3 I basically had to sleep, days 4-6 were hard, then I felt progressively better but with really low energy levels.  Taxol was much easier but as it is weekly, there's not much time for recovery in between and the last few weeks were quite fatiguing.  And the first AC seems to be the hardest as your body gets a bit of a shock and you're still working out how it's affecting you.  Just make sure that you don't suffer any symptoms in silence.  If the medications they send you home with aren't cutting it, ring up straight away.  I made the mistake of going for days in misery with nausea and reflux - once I had the right medication, life was completely different.

    Just remember, many women are able to work right through chemo although I know that's not the same as managing 2 small children 24/7.  I would just suggest that you try to make sure that you have help on hand, at least until you know how it's going to affect you and what your "pattern" is going to be like (keep a basic diary - it helps when you have to report back to the oncologist and it will show you day by day how you've felt).

    I'm sure that others who have been in a similar position will provide more info as @lgray3911 has.