Last month off
Well here we are back to October, Breast Cancer Month. A year ago, in a month, I was told I had breast cancer. I was scared and stressed, and found that now I look back there was plenty of information, support and guidance. I just did what I was advised and fully participated in what support was out there.
I handled every step, and read all of the My Journey Kit. I spoke to Counsellors for the first time in my life, and made new friends.
I became closer to family and my husband, and lost my hair. I also lost 6 kgs and had time to smell the roses. I learnt how to paint, read great books, and watched lots of movies.
Have been in to see my boss, and will be returning to work as a Pharmacy Assistant in November.
Last year I had Cancer for Christmas, and now - a new beginning!
Love to all of the wonderful women who made me feel cared about and supported on the BCNA, you were my friends and there every step. XX Bel
Comments
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When I was first diagnosed in May this year, I turned to BCNA for information and support. Your posts were amongst those I first read when searching this site. Your openness and positive attitude influenced my approach to this challenge of BC.
When my world had turned upside down and everything seemed out of control, you helped me to see that the one thing I did have control over was how I chose to think about it all. You had overcome the isolation of your situation by reaching out to all the support available. You had found new friends and embraced the positives of this difficult situation that we all find ourselves in.
We all deal with BC the best way we can, considering individual circumstances but you helped to show me that by reaching out you can make the journey easier. Sharing the load helps and helping others along the way benefits everyone involved. Thank-you for helping to make my experience a better one. All the best for your return to work. I hope you have a healthy, happy time ahead of you as you move on from your treatment and recovery time.
Deanne xxxxx0 -
Hi Bel
I am celebrating my two year diagnosis anniversary mid October... Last October I had finished treatment and was having my last surgery ( ovaries and tube removal ) ready to return to work in early november.
I found October very hard to be diagnosis month. I remember walking around the shops in disbelief at my diagnosis and everywhere I looked there were posters, pink balloons etc for breast cancer awareness month. I just wanted to scream. I was still trying to get my head around the scariness of " with early treatment there's a good chance of survival" and it was like a bad dream having it in my face.
Two years on I'm back at the job I love, i am now a foster carer,I'm alot more selfish ( doing things for me ) and intolerant of silly people and their insensitive comments, I have travelled to Thailand again, I have appeared on the front page of a national magazine, I have a very special pink sister Mich in my life, I am planning to visit her in nov and together I will cross of my dream of swimming with dolphins in the wild from my ever growing bucket list and I am saving my $$ and planning a trip to Disneyland in hong kong next year, something I have wanted to do since I was a young child.
I am living my life, I am happy and I AM ALIVE and for that I am thankful everyday
Happy breast cancer awareness month
Mel xxx
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Thanks for your wonderful posts Deanne and Mel. I was also diagnosed in October last year and found it a bit of a struggle with all the breast cancer awareness month advertising material that was around but I had this terrific specialist who encouraged me just to ignore it, for the time being, whilst I was going through my surgeries and associated treatments. Mel, your comment about ignoring the silly and insensitive people has become so important to me as in my case the offending people are actually family. Counselling is helping me rise above it all! I have the first of my yearly tests coming up in early December and whilst I am starting to feel a little anxious I am just getting on with life and making sure I expose myself only to the people that I know love and support me and steering clear of those that don't. I have met some lovely ladies through the online network and we get together here in Perth every couple of months or so. It's been such a godsend.
God bless you both!
Vicki oXo0 -
Hopefully when I come to Perth late November for 10 days to visit my gorgeous friend Mich I will get the chance to meet all of the gorgeous Perth ladies if I can ask Mich to arrange a catch up
My two year anniversary is nearly here and whilst sometimes it seems so long ago I was starting the roller coaster ride I get annoyed that there are still so many reminders including the bone pain from arimidex, the memory changes and the silly comments that keep on coming
Vicki I'm so glad you are comfortable in having counselling. I saw the physchologist attached to the cancer care centre once and the relief I felt was amazing. She told me I didn't need to see her agsin unless i wanted to as shexwas confident i was coping but i would see her again if I felt I needed her help as its a big job taking this all on yourself.
Look after yourself
Mel xxx
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Hello my beautiful Bella.
I remember when you first posted on BCNA. You were so nervous and frightened about how you and hubby were going to cope. You felt so alone. You were so grateful for your mum and dad coming to visit and to help in the early stages but you also worried about them because of their age.
I guess I have watched you and your beautiful smile blossom. You have become so much stronger and so much more confident. You have definitely had some tough times that you have had to rise above, of which you have.
You have come so far on this journey and I would say definitely for the better. Your poor hubby has had some tough times along the way so I hope he is doing okay now.
I am sure your Boss will find a different women when you return to your job.
Luv ya my Bella. Wishing you nothing but the very best of everything today, tomorrow and always. Mich xooxoxoxox
PS: How about an updated pic of you with your hair back :-)
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Hi Bel,
Thank you for:
- sharing your experiences following your diagnosis
- sharing the challenges you faced being in a new town with little face-to-face support
- talking through the tough days and the days that you could see that glimmer of sunshine
- sharing your creative side
And as Deanne said, thank you for your openness and positive attitude which I am sure has influenced so many womens approach following a diagnosis.
I'm very greatful to have meet you in Launceston and back then even in the midst of your treatment - you were still all smiles!
So.....Thank you!
x Daina
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Hi gorgeous, oh I remember you yes as Mitch says nervous frightened, I thought this girl is going to find it hard ,but what a tower of strong strength you have become, and you are giving great stuff back, well done bel your positivity shines through. Love and hugs adean0
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What a crazy time it has been. I was diagnosed in November 2012 so I was always just behind you in treatment. I have loved your humour, there were times I actually was laughing out loud and I thank-you for that.
I remember in my early days I railed against losing control of my life, I was all at sea and you sent me some lovely private messages.
Of course we are some of the lucky ones, we can go back to our jobs, reclaim our lives and move forward with a sense of purpose.
Our lives will never be the same because we have made some lovely new friends with a common thread running through our lives.
Sending you hugs
Donna
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