Get Connected Day!

I just want to say thank you to everyone for their kind words. I think the initial shock has worn off and now I just feel Angry, but trying to keep it together for those around me. Received the My Journey kit today so going to sit down tonight after the kids r in bed and have a read and get my head around this thing a bit better.

Hello! My name is Zeph. I'm new to this site. I was diagnosed with DCIS (left breast) in Dec 2013 and underwent lumpectomy in mid-Jan 2014. Unfortunately, the pathology report on tissue sample showed presence of invasive cells. I will have to undergo a mastectomy and removal of lymph nodes soon. I'd like to have my breast reconstructed and am weighing up whether to have that carried out immediately or to delay the reconstruction. Wish there was a clear cut answer to all these questions!
I'm glad to be on this site, to be able to read and connect with people with similar experiences, to know that I'm not alone when I'm experiencing a whole range of feelings and emotions. To those who share their journey/experiences and write words of encouragement, "Thank you".

Hi there Zeph ...... I guess by now you feel as if you are on a merry-go-round that shows no sign of stopping.  Your emotions are all shot to pieces, with so many questions unanswered and so many uncertainties.

I was diagnosed in 2010 but took the option of having a mastectomy and gland removal straight away.  At my age at the time (62) that was the decision I was comfortable with.

I was lucky in as much that the cancer had not spread to the rest of my body so it was not necessary to have chemo or radiotherapy.  I was prescribed with Arimidex for 5 years ( 1 year to go yeha!)  I didn't consider reconstruction and/or "back up boobs" as I am content with my body as it is ... loosing a breast was just another step in life's journey ..... once again this was my choice.

You have come to the right place for support and advice .... that's what family does for each other - and we consider ourselves one big family.  There will be ladies here who have travelled the reconstruction path and will be only too happy to share their experiences with you

This seems very scary and daunting at the moment but as time goes by you will find yourself in an advising and supporting role on here.  Unfortunately our numbers are growing - this is due to knowledge being shared and early detection.

Never lose sight of the fact that you are your number one priority ... You don't mention your family details and how they are coping with this challenge.  Stay in touch - and remember your family has just grown by an extra 5,000 .... but don't worry , we won't all come around for a cuppa at the same time

Luv Shirl x0x

 

Hi, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer on 11 August 2014. I had surgeryon 21 August 2014 to remove 2 lumps and 2 nodes which were 'sticky' My specialist has said that I will probably need to have more nodes removed very soon, we are waiting on pathology.

All of my family is in the eastern states while I am in the west. I have told my mother and her response is of the religious nature which is of no interest or help to me. Again she has let me down but I should be used to it by now . I have always had to be the tough one and do everything on my own. I do have the love of my partner, without him I wouldn't be soo tough and capable. Maybe I a?m emotionless

I don't think I am scared, stressed or nervous. My thinking is.. this is cancer, cut it out of me and all will be done.

I have read all the information given to me by my breast specialist and have read all about the emotional rollercoaster that people go through and how support is needed to get through this.

I am however a bit confused as to why I would need a breast care nurse and what role they would play. I am hoping that someone can help me with this information.

I appreaciate and thank you in advance for any assistance that comes my way.

Tricia

I was introduced to the BCNA website shortly after surgery (11th July 2014), but didn't really think it was the place for me. Even after the mastectomy, it didn't really sink in that breast cancer was happening to me. The first Beacon magazine arrived in the post a day or so after arriving home from hospital, but I barely glanced at it. I didn't want to read other peoples' experiences, possibly because I just didn't want to accept that a cancer experience was now part of my life.

I've now had 2 treatments of chemotherapy, with 2 more of this particular treatment to follow, then a different chemo regime will commence. Chemo makes me realise that I'm in for the long haul, and I now want to connect with others. I don't want breast cancer to dominate my life for the next 6 months, but my outlook is changing. I'm hoping that connecting with others may perhaps help me understand a little more about my changing perspectives.

And thank you to the administrator of this post for making this a simple place to get started.

Hi Guys, my name is Louise and in Dec 2013 a routine mammogram revealed a DCIS, fortunately very small, .6mm, which all came out in biopsy. Lumpectomy showed no further cancer which meant no radium or chemo thank God. I had my ovaries removed as prevention in Apr 2014 and then had genetic testing in October 2014 which unfortunately tested positive to BRCA2 gene. Consequently, I have opted for bilateral mastectomy with TRAM flap reconstruction in April 2015. My surgeon said it is a 10-12 hour operation with 7 surgeons/assistants working on me at once, which is a bit daunting. I would like to talk to any ladies who have had the same surgery, if they're happy with their decision, and any advice on what to expect or tips on assisting recovery. Thank you, Love Louise x