Hi all

MeghanB
MeghanB Member Posts: 10
edited April 2014 in Community news and events

Hi all, I just thought I would introduce myself :)

My name is Meghan & I am 47.  I was diagnosed on 1/6/2011. I underwent 6 rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy & 25 rounds of radiation.

Also 1 week ago I had a radical hystorectomy including ovary removal.

I find it very difficult if not impossible to start living again. I am hoping to make small steps toward this soon :)

Anyway, that is all I have to say for now :) Blessings to all 

 

Comments

  • MeghanB
    MeghanB Member Posts: 10
    edited March 2015

    Hi Robyn, my BC was hormone receptive & I was on Tamoxifen for over 15 months. I put on over 30 kilos :( It was a case of - maybe the cancer will come back or I will get diabetes and/or heart disease. I was offered Zoladex but after reading about it I also refused that :) My GP & I fought hard to have the hysterectomy done & my Onc was against it. In fact he laughed at me when I suggested it. Luckily my gyno was more receptive & immediately agreed.

    I guess for me now the hardest thing is **What do I have left that identifies me as a woman** 

    I live with my daughter, son in law & 2 small grandchildren, who make me smile like there is no tomorrow.

    I will pop in regularly & thank you for the welcome, Megs

  • dmed
    dmed Member Posts: 158
    edited March 2015
    Just thought would say hi and also let you know about a support group that meets monthly in Hobart. It's the third tues of the month in North Hobart . It has helped me with having others to talk to as well as the breast cancer nurse is always there as well. Also have a group that catch up once a month for a coffee and a chat. Being on here has been so good for me and find that being able to reach out to others amazing. Welcome ,take care Deb
  • dmed
    dmed Member Posts: 158
    edited March 2015
    Just thought would say hi and also let you know about a support group that meets monthly in Hobart. It's the third tues of the month in North Hobart . It has helped me with having others to talk to as well as the breast cancer nurse is always there as well. Also have a group that catch up once a month for a coffee and a chat. Being on here has been so good for me and find that being able to reach out to others amazing. Welcome ,take care Deb
  • the Foxs lady
    the Foxs lady Member Posts: 119
    edited March 2015

    I am so glad that you have joined the group.

    This will give you an opportunity to speak.........and be heard....not by everyone because they have busy lives, but almost certainly by someone.........

    Give yourself a chance to put down on paper the little voices in your head that give you concerns. 

    My experience is that even my family don't want to know all of how I am feeling....they want to get on with their lives and they just want to know that the cancer is gone.

    Out there in the forum, you will find someone who has been somewhere near where you are ....and if not, then there will be someone who takes the time to extend a message to you in an endeavour to not leave you on your own.

    This is where this forum works. 

  • the Foxs lady
    the Foxs lady Member Posts: 119
    edited March 2015

    I am so glad that you have joined the group.

    This will give you an opportunity to speak.........and be heard....not by everyone because they have busy lives, but almost certainly by someone.........

    Give yourself a chance to put down on paper the little voices in your head that give you concerns. 

    My experience is that even my family don't want to know all of how I am feeling....they want to get on with their lives and they just want to know that the cancer is gone.

    Out there in the forum, you will find someone who has been somewhere near where you are ....and if not, then there will be someone who takes the time to extend a message to you in an endeavour to not leave you on your own.

    This is where this forum works. 

  • Claudia_BCNA
    Claudia_BCNA Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2015

    Hi Meghan,

    My name is Claudia and I am the Media Officer here at BCNA. I just want to say a huge welcome from all the BCNA staff, we're so happy you've joined our online network - there are so many amazing women here who can offer first hand advice and experience to help you through your journey.

    If you have not done so already and would like to be sent any of our resources (which you can fine at this link: https://www.bcna.org.au/news/resources) please don't hesitate to contact us on 1800 500 258.

    Kind regards,

    Claudia x

     

  • Susie E
    Susie E Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2015

    Hi Meghan

    I'm sorry that you are feeling so down but remember that you have been through a huge ordeal for the last few years. You are just one week after surgery - that's always a hard time so be nice to yourself. I'm glad that you have some lovely family with you to keep your spirits up.

    I had a BC removed last August and then as I found that I was BRCA2 positive had a double mastectomy and recon. I too now have to have a hysterectomy/ovaries out in the next few months and I don't want to have it as I am not keen to go into menopause yet. However it's funny how everyone has a different view on things....it doesn't bother me about not having those female bits inside that I never notice are there anyway. The external bits will still be there....(the fun bits) . I worry more about becoming the 'bearded lady' from lack of hormones and going crazy, having flushes etc etc.

    xs

     

  • Susie E
    Susie E Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2015

    Hi Meghan

    I'm sorry that you are feeling so down but remember that you have been through a huge ordeal for the last few years. You are just one week after surgery - that's always a hard time so be nice to yourself. I'm glad that you have some lovely family with you to keep your spirits up.

    I had a BC removed last August and then as I found that I was BRCA2 positive had a double mastectomy and recon. I too now have to have a hysterectomy/ovaries out in the next few months and I don't want to have it as I am not keen to go into menopause yet. However it's funny how everyone has a different view on things....it doesn't bother me about not having those female bits inside that I never notice are there anyway. The external bits will still be there....(the fun bits) . I worry more about becoming the 'bearded lady' from lack of hormones and going crazy, having flushes etc etc.

    xs

     

  • YvonneM
    YvonneM Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2015

    Hello there Meghan.  I just read your message about how you are feeling since your op.  You have been through a harrowing time and what I found is that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Just because we may have lost those bits that to us make us woman we are still the same person that we have always been both on the inside and on the outside.  We are no less a mum or a nan and I know my granddaughter sees me as exactly the same as I was 12 months ago.  Even though she know Nannies booby was sick and the medicine made me loose my hair!  I am still Nanny and that is what counts.  I know what you mean about struggling as now that my treatment is finished I am thinking...well what now?  I gave up my job to concentrate on my health and now feel a bit lost.  Take each day as it comes for the moment and certainly keep in touch. Yvonne

  • YvonneM
    YvonneM Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2015

    Hello there Meghan.  I just read your message about how you are feeling since your op.  You have been through a harrowing time and what I found is that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Just because we may have lost those bits that to us make us woman we are still the same person that we have always been both on the inside and on the outside.  We are no less a mum or a nan and I know my granddaughter sees me as exactly the same as I was 12 months ago.  Even though she know Nannies booby was sick and the medicine made me loose my hair!  I am still Nanny and that is what counts.  I know what you mean about struggling as now that my treatment is finished I am thinking...well what now?  I gave up my job to concentrate on my health and now feel a bit lost.  Take each day as it comes for the moment and certainly keep in touch. Yvonne

  • YvonneM
    YvonneM Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2015

    Hello there Meghan.  I just read your message about how you are feeling since your op.  You have been through a harrowing time and what I found is that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Just because we may have lost those bits that to us make us woman we are still the same person that we have always been both on the inside and on the outside.  We are no less a mum or a nan and I know my granddaughter sees me as exactly the same as I was 12 months ago.  Even though she know Nannies booby was sick and the medicine made me loose my hair!  I am still Nanny and that is what counts.  I know what you mean about struggling as now that my treatment is finished I am thinking...well what now?  I gave up my job to concentrate on my health and now feel a bit lost.  Take each day as it comes for the moment and certainly keep in touch. Yvonne

  • YvonneM
    YvonneM Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2015

    Hello there Meghan.  I just read your message about how you are feeling since your op.  You have been through a harrowing time and what I found is that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Just because we may have lost those bits that to us make us woman we are still the same person that we have always been both on the inside and on the outside.  We are no less a mum or a nan and I know my granddaughter sees me as exactly the same as I was 12 months ago.  Even though she know Nannies booby was sick and the medicine made me loose my hair!  I am still Nanny and that is what counts.  I know what you mean about struggling as now that my treatment is finished I am thinking...well what now?  I gave up my job to concentrate on my health and now feel a bit lost.  Take each day as it comes for the moment and certainly keep in touch. Yvonne

  • YvonneM
    YvonneM Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2015

    Hello there Meghan.  I just read your message about how you are feeling since your op.  You have been through a harrowing time and what I found is that we need to be kind to ourselves.  Just because we may have lost those bits that to us make us woman we are still the same person that we have always been both on the inside and on the outside.  We are no less a mum or a nan and I know my granddaughter sees me as exactly the same as I was 12 months ago.  Even though she know Nannies booby was sick and the medicine made me loose my hair!  I am still Nanny and that is what counts.  I know what you mean about struggling as now that my treatment is finished I am thinking...well what now?  I gave up my job to concentrate on my health and now feel a bit lost.  Take each day as it comes for the moment and certainly keep in touch. Yvonne

  • NaturalBel
    NaturalBel Member Posts: 542
    edited March 2015

    You certainly have had a lot to experience and I welcome you to a wonderful opportunity to reach out and share you thoughts.  On this website you have a support network, information, and ways to connect with locals who understand what you are feeling.  It will be up to you, to make contact as it suits you.  I really found speaking to volunteers, counsellors, and having cups of tea with other women near my own age, a huge benefit at the Cancer Council.

    One day at a time and one breath at a time, we all find a hidden strength that is quite surprising.  For times when we dont have it, there is always a good ol cry into a tissue, I found that helped.......I hope you too will be kind to yourself, and give yourself recovery time.  Happier days ahead... Bel

  • NaturalBel
    NaturalBel Member Posts: 542
    edited March 2015

    You certainly have had a lot to experience and I welcome you to a wonderful opportunity to reach out and share you thoughts.  On this website you have a support network, information, and ways to connect with locals who understand what you are feeling.  It will be up to you, to make contact as it suits you.  I really found speaking to volunteers, counsellors, and having cups of tea with other women near my own age, a huge benefit at the Cancer Council.

    One day at a time and one breath at a time, we all find a hidden strength that is quite surprising.  For times when we dont have it, there is always a good ol cry into a tissue, I found that helped.......I hope you too will be kind to yourself, and give yourself recovery time.  Happier days ahead... Bel