Hello 👋

HelenlovesSnoopy

Hi,
I’m Helen and I recently had a bilateral mastectomy + lymph nodes on 1 side - soon headed for chemo. I put a bit more detail in the general discussion.
God has been very faithful - and though I don’t often hear His voice very distinctly, I did feel that He was telling me I’m going to be ok, and to continue on as I was, so that’s the plan along with trying to take things one step at a time. 

I hope everyone in this group is going well, Helen 😊

HelenlovesSnoopy

Hello @Blossom1961, @Stone90, @Steff777, I saw your names in an earlier discussion so thought I'd tag you in case you'd like to be in touch.  No worries if you're not really using the forum anymore though.

I'm only early/part way through my journey as you can see above.  The surgery was big but I've been told chemo is the part most women find the most difficult.

I was listening to the podcast on BCNA which I think is great, but when Charlotte talks about being alone in the scanner, I remembered how I didn't feel alone, because the Lord was there.  This whole process certainly hasn't been fun, but there also have been many wonderful moments like that, and I've been reassured in many ways.

I'm 54 (but an 'older' mum) and have three girls - twins 13 and eldest is 16.  We live in Perth.  One of the twins broke her arm at gymnastics, soon after my surgery, and my eldest is off to France over Christmas on a scholarship.  Life has been pretty crazy!

It's still school holidays here with lots of appointments happening, along with needing to buy button up tops etc and also prepare for chemo, so I might not reply quickly anyway, so no rush.  

Helen 

Steff777

Hi @HelenlovesSnoopy thanks for reaching out! I have just finished my main treatment recently.. chemo, then op, then radiation. Chemo is tough. Especially when they tell you the chemo they are giving you is known as ‘the red devil’! 🤣 God really showed me He was with me from the moment I was diagnosed too, it was quite amazing! I also enrolled in my first subject at Bible college the week after I started chemo so I could do something interesting and keep my brain active and focused on something other than chemo… the lectures and readings are online so even when I was really sick I could listen to them in bed. It has been great to do something other than just mastering in watching netflicks during that time. Things that were helpful for preparing for chemo for me were taking movicol from 2 days before each dose, avoiding spicy food, extra peppermint chewing gum (was only thing that got rid of the horrible chemo taste) … and discovering Jas Chemo Headware which is an online store with great selection of hats and very good prices and service. Also if I drank from a plastic glass it was undrinkable, but same water from a glass glass tasted fine. Thinking of you! 

HelenlovesSnoopy

Hi @Steff777! 💕

Congratulations on reaching the end of your main treatment! It’s so good also to hear how God was with you from the get-go. We are so blessed to have that. 

Thank you so much and all that advice is exactly the kind of thing I want to know!! I will take all that on board and already had the movicol ready to go after surgery 🙂

Also it’s funny you mentioned that about Bible College as I’ve been thinking of starting a Christian counselling course next year and also figured it would be good for me to have that distraction. But maybe I need something even sooner than that. I want to do Bible journaling and have been writing a novel but I must admit I’ve been mastering in puzzles (and - now this is embarrassing - my kids’ Mariokart) which is fine to relax but not all the time.

I’ll keep in touch, thanks again for replying,

Helen 😊

Blossom1961

@HelenlovesSnoopy and @Steff777 I am away at the moment and not in good reception. Hopefully this will send.

Going from my first diagnosis at 56yrs in 2018, through chemo, mastectomy and then Mets in 2022, followed by more chemo, I have had Gods assurance it was going to be okay. Yes, sometimes it has been and is tough, but the opportunities I have had along the way to minister to others with cancer has been amazing and makes this whole thing worthwhile. My cancer is controlled and currently inactive. 

As Christians we sometimes feel guilty putting ourselves first. Remember though, you can’t do as much if you don’t look after yourself. If someone is pulling you down or making you feel worse, cut them loose. It doesn’t have to be permanent, just keep that stress at bay.

Sending love and prayers.

xxx

HelenlovesSnoopy

Hi @Blossom1961

I hope wherever you are at the moment is someplace nice

Lovely to be in touch - it sounds like you've had a tough journey to date - a similar age to me when you started too.  

Thank you for the advice about people who pull us down - yes I will remember  "boundaries", a good point to note and relevant to my circle too.

Speak soon,

Helen xox

Steff777

@HelenlovesSnoopy and @Blossom1961 I was 56 when I was diagnosed too… a year ago next week! My treatment path was chemo then op then radiation. 

Steff777

@HelenlovesSnoopy I highly recommend starting the study if its on your bucket list… you can give it a go and withdraw if too much. I was able to get into online Summer School starting in November when my chemo started. You will be able to apply for their disability support provisions whilst you are undergoing treatment which can mean automatic extensions for assignments and the ability to withdraw at any time without penalty not just before census date. Thankfully I haven’t needed to use these but good to have access just in case. 

HelenlovesSnoopy

Wow, thanks @Steff777 I was wondering if there were special considerations for students with cancer so that is great and very motivating. 

It seems like we all have quite a lot  in common too. 

Speak soon 😊

Blossom1961

Hi Lovely ladies

I am back from teenager sitting and dog sitting. My clothes are all covered in dog slobber and snot but we actually had a nice time away. It was a break from the norm.

Doing a course is a great idea if you can. I tried it but the course I chose was too heavy for me at that time. Make sure it is something you can get your teeth into without too much brain exertion. I now work one or two days a week and have a french bulldog to amuse me whilst at home. In between appointments, tests and treatments, that is about my limit. 

Having at least one supportive non family member Christian is fantastic for your mental health. I had one who helped me get through angst moments and helped me feel normal. She was a friend from a different church. I was in a non supportive church which I have since moved on from. My current church is more supportive even though they are unaware of my cancer status. For Cancer specific support, this forum is brilliant. I hope that makes sense. I am a bit loopy after the dog filled weekend.

Take care and post any questions you like. 

Love Melody

HelenlovesSnoopy

Hi Melody 🎵 @Blossom1961 - what a lovely name you have, like Melody Green!

im glad you enjoyed your holiday, albeit getting slobbered on, and then there were the doggies to contend with too 😜

I do have a lovely Christian friend who understands very well. My church is generally supportive too - but it’s complicated. In the past I haven’t really fit in there (and I’ve since found out it may be to do with me, being only slightly/invisibly autistic). 

I’ve been working on that and trying to find ways to serve that I don’t struggle with. Then I told them about my diagnosis and I do know that a lot of people there have been praying for me. 

I’m actually hoping my situation will help me connect to people better. It has been changing my perspective, often for the better. But I think energy will be an ongoing struggle for me. So that might affect my study, even though I really want to do it, with my new perspective and all.

Friday I find out about the chemo, so I might have some questions then. 

Lovely to talk to you,
Helen 💕🌸

Blossom1961

Hi Helen

Thank you

Start with a small study and see how you go with that first. I also lack a lot of energy but am playing around with a few things to regain some of that. As I am on a lifetime free supply of cancer drugs it is sometimes a challenge.

Chemo is not fun but doable. Keep us updated so we know how to pray.

As a Christian, people often expect you to be cheerful all the time. If the cancer or treatment get me down, I just sit on the lounge and snuggle in to Jesus. I allow myself this as part of my ongoing recuperation.

Hugs to you both (also @Steff777)
Melody

Blossom1961

@HelenlovesSnoopy How did your appt go on Friday? Chemo or no?

HelenlovesSnoopy

Hello Melody @Blossom1961,

Thanks for asking! It is chemo yes, probably starting on Friday!  So I'm in preparation mode now, and get a phone call to confirm scheduling on Wednesday. I'm on a 'dense dose' meaning 2 week cycles, 8 doses.

To be honest the appointment itself was a bit disappointing because I was a little worn out after 1 hour wait (I know there's lots of waiting around but wasn't expecting it yesterday) and a long appointment, and because just quietly I found the registrar assigned to me difficult to communicate with.  I'm sure she's competent however (and we did see the consultant as well, only that part was fairly brief).  Compounding the problem is that I'm ever so slightly autistic, and when I'm tired I communicate less well.  I don't stop talking but can get sidetracked - I asked a pointless, hypothetical question, which the registrar took as me questioning the decision to have chemotherapy, which I was not.  This then wasted a lot of valuable time in the appointment.

Anyway, I talked to my hubby and concluded that in future I will ask relevant, specific questions only. I know it's not ideal that I have to be the one worrying about this, but I'm in the public system and incredibly grateful for the fantastic treatment I've had to date.  Additionally, I have two specialist nurses I can contact, and with regards to all the practical details, their knowledge is brilliant.

So I'm going ok in other words.  It's bothering me that I'm sleeping in (because sleep is disturbed) which makes it harder to get my morning prayer time before the family gets up.  I guess I will have to try and have that time during the school day.

I'm now wanting to get organised over the next four days (and keep a couple of appointments, go to one daughter's cello concert etc) but not wear myself out.

Speak soon, Helen 

Blossom1961

@HelenlovesSnoopy You are doing great! I didn't gell with the registrar either, for the whole time. Mine appeared to be trying to prove herself. Use those specialist nurses every time you want to. Note I said want, not need. We often don't think our concerns are relevant, but if it is a concern to you, it is important. Make sure you have some antacids handy. You may not need them, but I was up all night after my treatment with heartburn pain as no one told me I may need them. Also, if you find you are even starting to get constipated, take laxatives. Trying to control that during chemo was not pleasant. Also, start rinsing out you mouth with warm salt water from day one. Nearly everyone ends up with mouth sores if they don't. I know it sounds daunting, but if you follow those couple of preventatives, it makes it so much easier and very doable. I will continue to pray for you that you will have peace and confidence. You go girl!

HelenlovesSnoopy

Oh thank you very much @Blossom1961 for this wonderful practical advice which I love, and especially for the prayers and encouragement 💕🌸💕