Hi there
I was diagnosed with high grade Ductal Carcinoma in situ 4 weeks ago today and am booked for my partial mastectomy in one week. I am 44yrs old a sole parent to three children and I work fulltime as a nurse. I had a mammogram because I promote breast awareness and importance of preventative health screening daily in my work. And I believe in practice what you preach.
As I live in the outback, I am travelling to Adelaide for my surgery and leaving my children behind here with my mum, while Dad accompanies me.
For the most part I am positive and I feel calm and ok. But I feel anxious not knowing what happens after the surgery next week. Initially the breast screen nurse said 6 wks of radiotherapy which will have to occur in Adelaide. But when I met the surgeon 4 wks ago he said I probably wouldn't need it. However I have had to be referred to his associate in order for surgery to occur as soon as possible so I am hoping that he agrees with the first plan.
Anyway, I am finding working and trying to keep everything normal is quite tiring and yet I climb into bed and I can't sleep - which with now 7 sleeps to go is getting more difficult.
looking forward to sharing my journey with others who are travelling their own similar journey.
Manda
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I'm from Adelaide and are 35, I was diagnosed in March, I've had a left mastectomy, just finished 6 month chemo yesterday. I start radiotherapy middle of Oct then have 10 years on Tamoxifen. I have 2 young children.
Good luck once the surgery is done you will hopefully find everything will settle down and you'll be able to relax and get to sleep better. I've found relaxing music helped me. Some nights I would need a bit more help with a sleeping table (which I didn't like taking) but sometimes you need a little more help.
Vanessa xx
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I'm from Adelaide and are 35, I was diagnosed in March, I've had a left mastectomy, just finished 6 month chemo yesterday. I start radiotherapy middle of Oct then have 10 years on Tamoxifen. I have 2 young children.
Good luck once the surgery is done you will hopefully find everything will settle down and you'll be able to relax and get to sleep better. I've found relaxing music helped me. Some nights I would need a bit more help with a sleeping table (which I didn't like taking) but sometimes you need a little more help.
Vanessa xx
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Hi Manda
Hope you have recovered from your surgery.
I am also from regional SA, although probably not as far from Adelaide as you. So have an idea of how you are feeling.
I found reading helped me to relax, the trashier the better.
Have a think about joining a support group the are great for ttalking things out and giving you the suppor you might need dduring your treatment and after.0 -
Hi Manda
I like you had a high grade DCIS but because there was so much I had no choice but a left masectomy...I tried for a implant recon at the same time but it ruptured through my pec muscle and I got an infection....back in for a second operation to remove the expander and now recovering but issues with seroma fluid build up,,,I understand your inability to sleep and this is when my mind races with a thousand unresolved questions
How did your op go and like you I need to be conncted with ladies going through BC to share and find empowerment
Elizebeth xx0 -
Just joined this group today after my diagnosis this week. I live in Hobart so am feeling so lucky to be living near hospitals. I really hope your surgery went well for you. Like you I am having a hard time sleeping but hope that has settled for you as the weeks roll by. Anyway, hope you are ok as you sound like a beautiful woman and I wish you all the best on your journey!! Xxxxx
Lisa0 -
What beautiful women you all are....
After my inital diagnosed of DCIS...the pathology came back invasive DC...and was recommended radiotherapy and I headed to Peter Mac last week to meet the Radio Oncologist....they were surprised hadn't seen a medical oncologist and arranged for me to see one.
So my treatment changed... I start chemotherapy next week...TC 3 weekly 4 cycles here on Broken Hill, Then 30 Rad sessions at Peter Mac and them tamoxifen for 10 years.
I am happy with this..although a little scared as well. But I am learning that that is the nature of this journey.
Thank you for all ofnyour responses and I wish you all the best in the journey as well.
Amanda0 -
What beautiful women you all are....
After my inital diagnosed of DCIS...the pathology came back invasive DC...and was recommended radiotherapy and I headed to Peter Mac last week to meet the Radio Oncologist....they were surprised hadn't seen a medical oncologist and arranged for me to see one.
So my treatment changed... I start chemotherapy next week...TC 3 weekly 4 cycles here on Broken Hill, Then 30 Rad sessions at Peter Mac and them tamoxifen for 10 years.
I am happy with this..although a little scared as well. But I am learning that that is the nature of this journey.
Thank you for all ofnyour responses and I wish you all the best in the journey as well.
Amanda0 -
That sounds awful. I am so sorry you need to go down the chemo path. I am not looking forward to finding out if I will need chemo or not next week. I guess it is just another hoop that I may need to go through if I need to. Plus it may give me a chance to try out life with lovely long hair in maybe a different colour (hey, you have to laugh about these things) and would also mean I wouldn't have to pay anymore for Brazilian waxing!!
Stay strong Amanda and you will get through this. Big hugs to you and know you have a force field of women who send you light and love!!!
Xx
Lisa0 -
Yes Lisa
The positives I have told my 7yr old daughter - who is devastated
My eyebrows will be the thinnest they have ever been
I always wanted to try out fake lashes
I hate shaving my legs - and now I won't have to worry about it
I will save money on shampoo, razors and hairspray
Bad hair days on potentially rainy days will not mean uncontrollable hair
And I am thinking long and straight hair - just need to decide colour - going for that session on Tuesday
You too - chin up! Feel the love. And find the positives in every step of this journey.
Amanda xx
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