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  • Lorraine
    Lorraine Member Posts: 51 ✭
    edited March 2015
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    Hi Mary

    Welcome to the network.  I am so pleased that you have decided to reach out and get in touch with women who have experienced breast cancer.  Please ask questions and do not be afraid to express how you feel.  The journey is fraught with a roller-coaster of feelings all of which are a normal response to a difficult situation. 

    Expressing how you feel is in itself an emotionally healing process.  I am happy to be here for you.

    Take care of yourself.

    Lorraine

  • hazza
    hazza Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2015
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    My wife had her surgery early this month, the operation went ok they seem to have removed all the cancer in the breast tissue so that part is good but out of 27 lymph nodes removed 2/3 have been affected by cancer. Chemo is due to start on the 9th Dec for just under six months then its on to radiotherapy. Anna is handling it reasonbly well although it does not take much to send her into a depressed state, all we can at moment is keep calm and help her through this trying time

  • Jo.L.
    Jo.L. Member Posts: 89 ✭
    edited March 2015
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    Hi Merilla

    I too felt overwhelmed when I was diagnosed in 2003 with a grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. It was Christmas and a horrible time to spend with a new diagnosis when every one else was happy. I was lucky to have a friend who had been through treatment and she was fabulous. Even as a nurse(midwife) it was a foreign world with surgery, chemo and radio treatments. we each handle things in our own way and there is no right or wrong way. Some days are great and others horrid (like life really!) More good days than bad. Hope you have your My Journey Kit organised. This site is a fabulous place to chat and meet others. Take Care Jo

  • Jo.L.
    Jo.L. Member Posts: 89 ✭
    edited March 2015
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    Hi Hazza & Anna

    I started to reply and then lost the post so if it appears again I apologize. It is not unusual to have many highs and lows during all phases of treatment. there is lots of help so make sure you get it ( both of you!) depending on which state you are in 131120 has a cancer nurse on the end of the phone Mon - Fri a great referral line and loads of help for both of you.1300224636 is the Beyond Blue help line. Depression is a horrible thing and affects many people especially after a life threatening illness diagnosis. If there is a breast care nurse where you are having treatment they too may be a good resource. And here is a great place to vent and ask for help and info. I had a diagnosis christmas 2002-3 and remember everyone else was happy and I was NOT!!  My GP was my therapist and I had regular appointements with him during treatment.I am glad you are there for Hazza for Anna. My hubby was a great support although a silent type. The kids were little but also did well during everything. Take care and ask for help. We all need it at sometime :) Jo

  • Tanya
    Tanya Member Posts: 380
    edited March 2015
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    Hi Hazza

    I was only just reading your first post earlier tonight and wondered how Anna got on.

    My surgeon suggested I speak to a physcologist when I was diagnosed and I quickly shrugged that off.  I thought that was something that only crazy people did or those that couldnt get out of bed.

    I did eventually see her and she gave me heaps of help and was very different from what i expected.  She even taught me some breathing exercises which I still use today and also tricks to calm my mind and bring it back to the now (useful for when we have those dark thoughts), so I found it great and if I could afford the time and money would still like to see mine again .  maybe you could suggest someone like this, or some meditation.  It is a difficult time for you both.

    Good luck with chemo and radiation.

    Thanks for popping in to tell us how Anna is getting on.

    Tanya

  • eviealison
    eviealison Member Posts: 33 ✭
    edited March 2015
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    Hi Debbie, 

    You must be so excited having finished chemo - despite the side effects it's a good feeling! Congratulations! Hope you have a lovely Christmas & best wishes for the radiation. 

    x evie

  • eviealison
    eviealison Member Posts: 33 ✭
    edited March 2015
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    Hi Tracey, 

    It's great to hear that you're moving on to radiation soon. Every little step brings you closer to the finish of treatment. :) Hope you have a lovely Christmas. 

    x evie

  • tracey d
    tracey d Member Posts: 8
    edited March 2015
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    Hazza and Anna all the very best to you both,  Anna i too had 29 lymph nodes removed only 1 was affected by cancer but even though it is very frightning you will get through this, i know it is early for you but trust me it will be over before you know it, i have had to have 16 rounds of chemo over a period of 6 months and now im at the last of my treatment on thursday, i have had a few up's and downs druing this time but  being positive really helps. i wish you both all the very best and hope you have a lovely Xmas. 

    All the very best for  Xmas everyone kind regards Tracey

  • GoldCoast Kath
    GoldCoast Kath Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2015
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    Hi,

    This is my first time on line, have been trying to find support from others going through same.

    Its 6 months since diagnosis finished chemo, just started radiation and wondering why I'm finding it such a struggle now.  Seemed to cope better early on, but its been such a long road. Why am I finding it so hard now?

  • Di_BCNA
    Di_BCNA Member Posts: 896 ✭
    edited March 2015
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    Hi GoldCoast Kath, and welcome to the network.  :)   Sorry you're having a hard time but I'm glad you found your way here.  Take a look at the Help page if you haven't already as it will give you some tips on how to find your way around.  You might also like to make a post in your own blog, which will then show up on the All posts page (this post is a bit old, so others might not find you here.)

    The other thing you can try is typing the subjects you're interested in into the 'search' field (top of the page, just above the main navigation bar). In the results page, just look at the right side and you'll see whether each one is a web page or a blog post -- that way you can find others posting on the same topics as you.

    Hope that helps -- just shout if you need a hand with anything.

  • debbie63
    debbie63 Member Posts: 50
    edited March 2015
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    Goldcoast Kath - I was diagnosed a week before you; been through two ops, chemo and in January will start radiation. My body has been through alot too, just have to keep going and stay occupied and socialise with your friends. It will keep you sane. But of course there will be down days.   Deb

  • debbie63
    debbie63 Member Posts: 50
    edited March 2015
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    I am very happy. Thanks . You have a great Christmas too.   Deb

  • Tanya
    Tanya Member Posts: 380
    edited March 2015
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    Hi Kath

    Firstly let me wish you a Happy New year and hope that 2011 sends you health, love and happiness.

    Secondly, sorry you are feeling like this, but i think how you are feeling is normal, well it is how I felt.  I seemed to go through the motions while going through surgery and chemo and then when chemo finishes everyone assumes you are "better" and life should return to how it was before....WRONG!!.  I actually spoke to a physcologist (spelling??) and told her that I was not copeing with my "new" life after all the drama of the past. 

    Give yourself time to adjust and ask for help.  I got some day care for my two year old and some home help for the household chores and just gave myself some time and here I am three years down the track and I am still adjusting to my new life.  I think when you are diagnosed there is so much going on and life is busy with appointments etc, then when it slows down you have time for all the emotions of the past 6 months or so to catch up and sink in,

    Good luck with radiation.

    Tanya xx

  • GoldCoast Kath
    GoldCoast Kath Member Posts: 11
    edited March 2015
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    Thanks Tanya,

     Sometimes you just have to hear that what you're feeling is ok and normal, from others that have been there.   Am hoping to return to work in Feb, radiation ends at end of January, but am a bit apprehensive about it, don't feel as confident as I was pre diagnosis.

    ANyhow happy new year to you, and thanks again, Kath x

  • Christine_L
    Christine_L Member Posts: 12 ✭
    edited March 2015
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    I follow with interest everyone's posts about treatments received and coping with it. No one really mentions lifestyle changes one can make during and after treatment for cancer and as a preventative measure. There are so many lifestyle issues that can contribute to a cancer diagnosis, but fortunately many changes (all proven scientifically) one can make to make one feel better about life in general and to contribute to one's recovery. For me the UK web site www.canceractive.com has provided the most useful and balanced tips to support and implement this - I am implementing aspects  of their Activ8 Programme (with support of my wonderful GP) and have found it very supportive . It is not easy changing one's lifestyle - and there are many days I fail to not eat absolutely healthily (or not drink a 2nd glass of bubbly over Xmas!!) or forget to do my yoga/meditation - but surely one of the positive aspects of a cancer diagnosis is that it pulls us up quick and sharp to make us question our lives and how we are living it.

    This has been a New Year's thought to you about something that is working for me. Everyone tackles this challenge in a different way, but we can also learn from others, take from it what works for us and support one another in the process.

    May 2011 be the healthiest and happiest year of your lives!

    Blessings

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