New Diagnosis Shock - metastatic breast cancer

Mez_BCNA

Moderator moved @SallyJ original post from the 'Activity' section to the discussion page:

AllyJay

Hi there Sally...I'm so sorry you've had to join our group...such shitty entry requirements for sure, but welcome. The waiting part is the worst, as you wait for all the scans and whatnot to be done and reported on. Once you've seen your oncologist and a Sally Specific Plan is drawn up, you'll probably feel a little more that things are happening. I'm sure others will hop onto the thread with their welcomes, suggestions and comments, but I thought I'd just say "Hi" in the meantime. Big hug...Ally.

Cath62

Hi @SallyJ, what a shock. It is so stressful at the beginning of all this but as @AllyJay said things will feel s bit better with a plan in place. It's never a great time to get this news but Christmas is particularly hard.

Do you have support? It helps to bring someone to appointments. I found that with the stress of it all sometimes I would not hear some things as I was still processing the last thing the medical person said. It helped me to have my husband attend my appointments with me. 

Write all your questions down and remember none of them are stupid. Just on that we here are all happy to help and talk about anything really.

Stay as healthy as you can. Good food and a little exercise if you are up to it during treatment. It really does help with all the fatigue that treatment gives.

Most of all put yourself first. If there is one time in your life to do this it is now. Forget everyone else. Take offers to cook, clean or whatever it is that you need. 

Sending you lots of love and a very big virtual hug 💐

SallyJ

Thank you so much for your kind words everyone really appreciated 
Luckily I have a partner it’s a shock to him as well, he’s such a darling we have been to the hospital every day this week and supporting me in his own way. 

I just never thought this would happen to me, I have friends & family who have had or have cancer. 

Sally 

lots of hugs and kisses 🌻 to all 
thank you again 

Julez1958

Hi @SallyJ
Whilst it’s never a good time to get such news it’s especially awful just before Xmas - I agree with the comment above , this is a time to put yourself first , it is a bit of a whirlwind following the finding of a lump or other symptom , tests , tests and more tests , then bam, surgery, chemo , radiotherapy ( not necessarily all , and not necessarily in that order).
Once you have a plan from your team you will feel a lot more settled .
This is an excellent organisation , the aim when it was set up was that no woman should have to deal with a diagnosis of breast cancer alone. The website has a lot of very useful stuff ( much safer than “ Dr Google”) and this forum is a great resource , because we have all been there one way or another we all “ get it” in a way others don’t, no matter how much they care.
Take care 🌺

Fufan

Welcome, @SallyJ: you will find a lot of support here. As they’ve said, put yourself first and accept any help offered.   I empathise: it is exactly a year since I got my diagnosis.  Try to enjoy your Christmas, I will be thinking of you.

arpie

So sorry to see you here @SallyJ - you are in the right place for support and information from those who've gone before you xx.  It is a huge shock to the system .... your brain will be going in all directions ..... take plenty of deep breaths, try and enjoy your Xmas with family & friends ..... difficult tho it may seem xx

We're here to help you along the way - as mentioned - there are NO silly questions, so ask away xx

As well as having your partner with you, consider recording all your early sessions with your team, as it can be difficult to remember everything that was discussed. ....

Check out this post for a lot of 'general' info on the forum & some links that may be of assistance to you - even some funny links as well .... which I hope may give you a giggle xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

take care & all the best with your upcoming appointments - and Merry Christmas xx

SallyJ

Thank you 

Arn_007

Hi @SallyJ

How are you holding up?  Is there a bit of a plan going forwards or still early days?

SallyJ

Thank you for asking
I am doing well the team around me is so caring and thoughtful 
I have positive friends and family.
Also treatment plan mapped out now we know what we’re looking at with HER2 + as well as ER + and I spoke with a surgeon last week 
It’s good having a plan 

Sally
take care everyone 
thinking of you all