Territory unknown

MG
MG Member Posts: 6
edited November 2012 in Day to day
Hi my name is Michelle, I am a 39yo Australian female with a 4 yo little boy. I have never written a blog and never really ever reached out for support - I am in unknown territory! Having recently been diagnosed with a tumour in my spine following breast cancer in 2010, I am also now in the unknown territory of stage IV. Being someone so used to being in control, this space is somewhat annoying....well ok, I probably have other descriptors but that works for now. Aside from drinking multiple cups of sencha tea and eating more cruciferous vegetables than I care to think about, the lack of control is for me the hardest part. The complete randomness is something that really is impossible to describe. Anyway I have never been one to settle for second and always taken a challenge head on, so I am here to take the good days with the bad and remove any notion of the 5 year number that is somehow etched into my brain. I would love to hear from anyone who wants to share their story.....& I can finally tell my psychologist have written a blog! x

Comments

  • leonie havnen
    leonie havnen Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2015

    Hello Michelle, what a great blog make sure you keep it up!  Well my story goes like this, diagnosed a year ago with stage 3 aggressive ductul breast cancer.  Underwent 12.5 hours surgery for a double mastectomy and reconstrruction.  Commenced chemotherapy early January, undergone two sessions when I contracted Golden Staph Infection and was rushed back into hospital in the nick of time before my kidneys collapsed.  Several dialysis sessions, blood transfusions and two surgeries to cut away infection, I was finally released after 3 weeks.  By end of March I was ready to get my fitness and strength back so I joined Drummoyne Vision Personal Training and now have a marvellous young trainer named Alex.  Alex was instrumental in helping me get my fitness and strength back, he designed a training program for me taking into consideration my illness and lack of fitness and strength.  To date I have now competed in 5 fun runs and 2 triatholons, my most recent Sunday just gone.  Being diagnosed with breast cancer has helped me to really focus on what is important and one of these things is to be strong, fit and healthy.

    Hey if there are any women out there who would like to become part of a triathlon team, you can either swim, cycle or run a triathlon leg.  Let me know as it would be great to be part of team of women who are committed to being strong, fit and healthy.

    Leonie

  • MG
    MG Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2015
    Hi Leonie, firstly thank you for responding! As much as I have rejected the idea of network/support groups this has really helped. I noticed you mentioned Drummoyne. I have a house in Drummoyne but am currently living in Hong Kong. I would have welcomed an introduction to Alex! Were you a runner prior to being diagnosed? What a fabulous return to fitness - well done you. With your success I am dusting of my runners and going to start walking as a first step.
  • leonie havnen
    leonie havnen Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2015

    Hi Michelle

    Wow living in Hong Kong how are you going with regards to your treatment etc over there?  I love living in Drummoyne been here now for the past 5 years now and intend staying for at least another 5.

    I have always been quite sporty so getting into a gym and fitness routine wasn't too hard, but I must admit I really was so shocked at how weak I was, now I am bench pressing 30kilos and running an easy 20kms per week.   I also do yoga - hatha.

    cheers

    Leonie

  • mandyp
    mandyp Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2015

    Hi Michelle, I know just how you feel. I'm 37 with 2 children, 6 and 11. I had stage 3 breast cancer in 2010, I was almost at the magic "2 year" mark when I was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. I have 6 mets in my liver, 1 on my rib and 1 on my spine. My mets are responding well to treatment, all my tumours are shrinking, so there is hope :) Don't lose heart and stay strong, allow yourself to cry when you need to and enjoy your good days.And yes, I agree, try not to think about the stats, everyone is individual and each cancer is different. You are not alone. xoxo

    Good luck. 

    Mandy.

  • MG
    MG Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2015
    Hi Mandy, thank you for responding. I write back with such mixed emotions. Firstly, I think the description is relief, to know I am not on my own and there are people facing similar challenges. On the other hand a huge degree of sadness that this ridiculous thing called 'cancer' having no rhyme or reason can effect so many people. I finally admitted today when a colleague said to me 'you must be so tired of being strong/brave' that it was tough and I actually fell apart. I am tired of the front and today I did need to allow a little space for sadness. Still, I then put my big girl brave fighting pants back on and got back to living! Life does feel like a yoyo and I am learning to say that is ok.....if not a little boring in its repetition! We can and will fight this x
  • MG
    MG Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2015
    Hi Leonie
    I must say my treatment over here has been second to none. I have a world leading expert at the head of 'my' team and a genuinely caring group of specialists literally seeing me very month. Treatment is 100% covered by my health cover so i have been extremely lucky. It actually has been part of the Decision to stay as opposed to moving home. Although I miss my girlfriends, the fresh air and blue skies.....just means a few more trips to Thailand & Vietnam instead!

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