Newly diagnosed - October 2024

Hi everyone! Diagnosed just 3 and a half weeks ago. Everything happened so fast. Just had a lumpectomy on Tuesday. 2 lymph nodes removed. I'm 58, mum had breast cancer in the past - she's ok. My tumour was estrogen positive and progesterone positive. HER2 negative. 2cm lump, contained. Radiation in 6 weeks and then endocrine therapy - hormone tablets. Recovering well. Emotions up and down. Doing the exercises given by the nurses. Too much going on in my life right now - brother-in-law has terminal brain cancer and my kids' aunty now has terminal cancer. Not sure how to cope right now with the other family members and myself too. It's like a bad dream you can't wake up from. I have to concentrate on my own health, stay calm and accept what is. Life is challenging isn't it? Nice to be here to connect with other women. 

Comments

  • MelV83
    MelV83 Member Posts: 32
    Wow- I’m so sorry to see you here with us, but at the same time so glad you have reached out! There is so much great information available here, and wonderful support from the other members here. Glad you are recovering well from your lumpectomy x
  • Tri
    Tri Member Posts: 233
    Hi @Erika888 what a lot you’re having to take in. Remembering to give yourself time to recover and receive treatment is indeed important, sending you positive vibes and energy. 🌸🌻
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 8,203
    Oh gosh, @Erika888 ... You have SO much going on as well as your own surgery xx  I am so sorry to hear of your family members' cancer battle too :(   I hope you have good support at home as you recover. xx

    Try & take one day at a time & concentrate on your own recovery & treatment first - tho I know you'll be wanting to support your sister's family as well as the aunty's family .... It is time to concentrate on your OWN health first - then, you can help & support them afterwards xx 

    Too late for this week, but give our helpline a buzz on Mon (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) and have a chat - just chatting with them may be able to help you formulate a plan, once you are 'OK' yourself xx

    Jump onto this thread for lots of info on the forum 'in general' ....  including tick sheets on your own physical & mental health, in your recovery xx
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

    In the mean time, whack up ANY questions that you have - and we'll do our best to answer them honestly, as we've 'been there, done that' xx. Where abouts 'are you'? (General area/town) .... other members may be able to point you towards support/services that may be in your area ;) 

    Take care, don't overdo things until your Surgeon clears you for it (housework, etc) as it can cause a set back xx


  • Erika888
    Erika888 Member Posts: 8
    Thank you everyone for your messages. I have a great partner - although he has been suffering because of my diagnosis but we give each other comfort, kindness, he's doing the best he can for me - shopping, housework, taking dogs for a walk. It sure made me realise how much I do around the house! Haha. Just been taking it easy although I get a bit restless and walk around the house a bit and then read a book or meditate and watch some crap on TV. I generally feel better after surgery and don't feel like my body is fighting something when I had the tumour. It's not there! 
  • Erika888
    Erika888 Member Posts: 8
    @arpie thank you for your message. That means a lot - especially about the other family members. It's like a bad dream I can't wake up from at the moment. But I will definitely take care of myself and take it easy. Seeing the surgeon again on Tuesday for follow-up and hopefully get the tape off my breast! Squashed nipple is not a good look lol.
  • Erika888
    Erika888 Member Posts: 8
    @Tri thank you for your message. Much appreciate your kind words. So lovely and it's great to connect with you.