Hello
Hello, my name is Emma and I have just been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last couple of weeks. I am married with three young girls and to say I was shocked and surprised was an understatement.
The first week passed in an absolute blur, but I had to act normal because the kids didn't know yet. The hardest thing was telling them that mum is sick and things are going to be a bit different for a while.
I am scheduled for surgery on Tues 19th Nov (my middle daughters birthday). I am having a lumpectomy and sentinal node biopsy, then more waiting to find out what treatment will be best for me.
I live in a small country town and everyone who knows has been so supportive, I have brilliant friends and family here. I am having trouble accepting help (pride!!) but have been told I have to and to just take it.
Anyway that's me and my story so far.
Bye
Emma
Comments
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So glad you have found us - someone will always be here for you when you need support. We understand the total shock and disbelief you are feeling - and I am sending you a big hug.
It is only a few days till your surgery, and after that things will move very quickly. We call it the roller coaster because you can't get off, and you will go from one appointment to another. Keep copies of everything, and take someone to your appointments with you, as stress makes it hard to remember all you are told. Take notes of questions you want to ask and information you need to know. When your surgery is over you can have a double celebration with your daughter - your op & her birthday!
This is the worst time - waiting for surgery, waiting for results, waiting for a schedule - but when it moves it will move fast. Try to put some meals in your freezer, and do accept help whenever it is offered. It sounds like you have wonderful support. Keep in touch, Michelle xxx
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Hi Emma, You will always have support on this network and it sound like you have good people around you at home. I had my lumpectomy and sentinel node about 1 month ago and i am starting treatment next tuesday (19th). One piece of advice that was given to me when i was first diagnosed, was to take "One day at a time". Whenever i got to thinking too far ahead, i tried to come back to that advice. There seems to be a lot of waiting for results, waiting for appointments etc. All the best Emma, take care and remember one day at a time.
Cheers Hazel xx
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Thanks so much Michelle.
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Hi Hazel, yes I too got the 'one day at a time' advice and it works. You will be starting your treatment when I go under the knife. All the best and thanks so much for your support. Emma.
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Hi Emma
Like you I live in a wonderful country town where people will bring out cakes & dinner etc and as lovely as this has been, I know how you feel! Ive always been extremely independant & fely slightly embarrassed about people helping me out...but as one friend explained, it is as much for themselves that they are helping out as it is for us...& I am learning to accept graciously!
I too have young children & feel they should know what's going on with me...they have asked so many questions and I feel they are pretty knowledgeable on the subject now...in fact my 9 yr old son said yesterday that 6 weeks ago he didn't even know what BC was!
It is a scary time for you and hard work keeping yourself positive let alone your lovely children too! But once your op is over you can move forward to treatment & count down to the finish line!
I,ve gone through my first chemo (3 left) after mastectomy....another friend of mine ( BC survivor of 20 years) told me to draw an outline of myself, then get my kids to colour in a section after each chemo to show how far we are through....I thought this was a fab idea & we have an outline of "me" with quarter rainbow colours! My 11 year old daughter & I are sharing a journal to record our thoughts! Just some ideas which you might want to try too....
Good luck with your surgery & enjoy all your cakes, home baking etc from those who care & love you!
Oh.....and get used to your family commenting on how lovely the meals are....when they rarely comment on how much they love our cooking! Ha ha
Jenny x
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Hi Emma
Like you I live in a wonderful country town where people will bring out cakes & dinner etc and as lovely as this has been, I know how you feel! Ive always been extremely independant & fely slightly embarrassed about people helping me out...but as one friend explained, it is as much for themselves that they are helping out as it is for us...& I am learning to accept graciously!
I too have young children & feel they should know what's going on with me...they have asked so many questions and I feel they are pretty knowledgeable on the subject now...in fact my 9 yr old son said yesterday that 6 weeks ago he didn't even know what BC was!
It is a scary time for you and hard work keeping yourself positive let alone your lovely children too! But once your op is over you can move forward to treatment & count down to the finish line!
I,ve gone through my first chemo (3 left) after mastectomy....another friend of mine ( BC survivor of 20 years) told me to draw an outline of myself, then get my kids to colour in a section after each chemo to show how far we are through....I thought this was a fab idea & we have an outline of "me" with quarter rainbow colours! My 11 year old daughter & I are sharing a journal to record our thoughts! Just some ideas which you might want to try too....
Good luck with your surgery & enjoy all your cakes, home baking etc from those who care & love you!
Oh.....and get used to your family commenting on how lovely the meals are....when they rarely comment on how much they love our cooking! Ha ha
Jenny x
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Welcome to this wonderful site. You have certainly come to the right place. The love and support by all our Pink Sisters is just amazing.
The first few weeks are always chaotic and blurred and the waiting for results can be awful. The advice "one day at a time" has been my mantra since my journey began. It's also a song that my father recorded many years ago so I take heart in listening to it.
Once you know your "plan of action" you'll be able to settle into a routine and things will not be so like a whirlwind. You'll no doubt be on a roller coaster like to rest of us but you will cope. You'll find inner strength and realised that this is all doable.
Just hop on here when you need to and you'll have loads of us holding your hand.
Love and hugs
Janey xxx0 -
Welcome to this wonderful site. You have certainly come to the right place. The love and support by all our Pink Sisters is just amazing.
The first few weeks are always chaotic and blurred and the waiting for results can be awful. The advice "one day at a time" has been my mantra since my journey began. It's also a song that my father recorded many years ago so I take heart in listening to it.
Once you know your "plan of action" you'll be able to settle into a routine and things will not be so like a whirlwind. You'll no doubt be on a roller coaster like to rest of us but you will cope. You'll find inner strength and realised that this is all doable.
Just hop on here when you need to and you'll have loads of us holding your hand.
Love and hugs
Janey xxx0 -
Thanks Jenny. I have had a few people saying "should you tell the kids everything?" and I have always said YES, what if they overhear a conversation (small town again!!) and I haven't told them the truth. They have adapted very well and I am getting loads more cuddles, which I love. I don't think I would ever knock back food, because I love it, especially when I haven't had to cook it. Always tastes better, don't you think.
Bye
Emma
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Hi Janey thanks for your reply. I am really looking forward to getting the surgery over and done with, getting the results and my treatment sorted so I know what's going on. I said to my hubby that I feel like I'm in no-mans land at the moment and I have got no idea what direction my life is going to take.
Bye
Emma
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