7 year diagnosis anniversary is today ..... how time flies!

arpie
arpie Member Posts: 8,220
7 years ago today, I learned that I had Invasive Lobular Cancer after a clear NSW Breast Screen just 6+ months before.  My GP had found the 'lumps' back in Oct & it took until 'now' to get the results! ... (I'd had a 2nd 'failed' Mammogram and ultrasound in the mean time that didn't find the tumours ... and on the suggestion of the pathology report, finally arranged for the biopsy between Xmas and New Year.) 

I was out yak fishing when my GP's office rang to arrange an appointment (as I had been diagnosed with cysts some 40 years earlier .. and I'd convinced myself that it was just cysts again!) How wrong was I?

And so ... the 'treadmill of discovery' began!  That same week, I joined BCNA (on the advice of a buddy in Qld who was 4 years into her own diagnosis) and the journey began!  

Over the last 7 years, I've received the most wonderful support and advice from members and Mods here - and I have made firm friends on the forum - even connecting with some, in the flesh, outside of the blog!

For those starting out - take plenty of deep breaths .... and definitely take a friend with you to all your early appointments (and record them as well ... I did!)  Ask ANY question of us that pops into your head & we'll do our best to explain it all to you in 'plain English' .... and hopefully smooth the way for you.

I was lucky to get the first appointment with my surgeon after his return from Xmas Holidays - and had my surgery in Mid January ... arriving home again a week after and healed well.

Take care, and wishing you all the best

Comments

  • Tri
    Tri Member Posts: 240
    Wow @arpie that’s a milestone! What a journey you had been on and how important it was that the diagnosis eventually came through so you knew what was needed. 
    Thank you for sharing your story and for all the support and wisdom you share on the network- I appreciate it!!
  • jennyss
    jennyss Member Posts: 2,085
    Dear @arpie,

    and thanks for everything!
    Love and best wishes from jennyss in Western NSW
  • iserbrown
    iserbrown Member Posts: 5,777
    Woo hoo!  7 years have passed and you beat the beast!
    What a great feeling!
    Take care

  • Julez1958
    Julez1958 Member Posts: 1,275
    Congrats on reaching that milestone @arpie and thanks for all your wonderful contributions on this forum over the years.


    Enjoy the summer.

    🏖️🏊‍♀️🏏🍾🎉
  • Blossom1961
    Blossom1961 Member Posts: 2,525
    @arpie This is wonderful news. Congratulations. Thank you for being here for all of us. Sending big hugs
  • Cheri
    Cheri Member Posts: 66
    @arpie wow that is great 🙌🏽 woohoo.
    Thanks you advice and feedback on our posts, you are valuable on this forum 
  • cranky_granny
    cranky_granny Member Posts: 926
    Fantastic News. When i check out the posts on here. As soon as I see your moniker pop up I don’t have to worry about adding anything more. 
    7 years with a lot of life/ water passed under that bridge thanks for being that fountain of info 

  • Afraser
    Afraser Member Posts: 4,457
    Congratulations @arpie - keep paddling! 
  • GorgyS
    GorgyS Member Posts: 156

    Dear @arpie, I am so grateful for all your support throughout my journey. I hate saying this because I wish no one ever needed to join this network but having you here has been incredibly important to so many of us. I’m glad to hear that you’ve reached your 7th anniversary, and I wish you and others many more anniversaries ahead.

  • Suki
    Suki Member Posts: 40
    Congratulations @arpie and thank you for your many useful contributions to this network in that time.  Wishing you many more trouble free years.