Scared !!!

I so agree with you on the positive attitude Louise. It's not always the way I have felt, but it has been for the most part, and I agree it makes you feel better, cope better. On the down side of being positive ;-)....I remained so active during my chemo (four rounds of AC, last one yesterday yay!), the drop offs of pre-cooked meals stopped after round one when friends saw I was down the pool, doing laps, the day after my first round :-).

But having written the above, we are all hard wired differently, and for some being and staying positive is a harder road to stick to, especially when dealing with depression, on top of diagnosis, treatment and all the side effect joys that can bring.

I just hope for everyone there comes a time when they feel the can breathe, and move on, happy in themselves again.

x

I so agree with you on the positive attitude Louise. It's not always the way I have felt, but it has been for the most part, and I agree it makes you feel better, cope better. On the down side of being positive ;-)....I remained so active during my chemo (four rounds of AC, last one yesterday yay!), the drop offs of pre-cooked meals stopped after round one when friends saw I was down the pool, doing laps, the day after my first round :-).

But having written the above, we are all hard wired differently, and for some being and staying positive is a harder road to stick to, especially when dealing with depression, on top of diagnosis, treatment and all the side effect joys that can bring.

I just hope for everyone there comes a time when they feel the can breathe, and move on, happy in themselves again.

x

I had Peter Willsher (Arlene's husband) and Arlene Chan at the Mount and my plastic surgeon for the reconstruction was Tony Connell (amazing man!!). They are a wonderful team so if you've got any of them, you will be in very good hands!!  I actually went to see Arlene yesterday for my annual check-up :)

I have had breast cancer twice - firstly at age 35 (mastectomy and TRAM flap reconstruction) and then again at age 42 (mastectomy, immediate lat dorsi with expander reconstruction, chemo x 4).  What do you want to know about the expander surgery?  I had very little pain, if that is any help! And the result was great :)

When I had breast cancer the first time, my kids were only little (6 & 8) and I just told them that I had to go into hospital for an operation on my boobie.  They didn't really want any more info and were happy to just give me hugs.  I stayed VERY positive through the whole process though and definitely put on a brave face for them.  It helped them cope with the whole journey very easily (and my husband too!).  The second time, they were older and I told them that I had breast cancer and that I would probably need chemo and lose my hair.  They were a bit clingy during this time but still coped really well because I was so positive that I was going to beat this thing.  I truly believe that a positive attitude not only makes the people around you feel better about what is going on but also helps you heal and feel better more quickly too.

Feel free to ask any questions,

Louise

I had Peter Willsher (Arlene's husband) and Arlene Chan at the Mount and my plastic surgeon for the reconstruction was Tony Connell (amazing man!!). They are a wonderful team so if you've got any of them, you will be in very good hands!!  I actually went to see Arlene yesterday for my annual check-up :)

I have had breast cancer twice - firstly at age 35 (mastectomy and TRAM flap reconstruction) and then again at age 42 (mastectomy, immediate lat dorsi with expander reconstruction, chemo x 4).  What do you want to know about the expander surgery?  I had very little pain, if that is any help! And the result was great :)

When I had breast cancer the first time, my kids were only little (6 & 8) and I just told them that I had to go into hospital for an operation on my boobie.  They didn't really want any more info and were happy to just give me hugs.  I stayed VERY positive through the whole process though and definitely put on a brave face for them.  It helped them cope with the whole journey very easily (and my husband too!).  The second time, they were older and I told them that I had breast cancer and that I would probably need chemo and lose my hair.  They were a bit clingy during this time but still coped really well because I was so positive that I was going to beat this thing.  I truly believe that a positive attitude not only makes the people around you feel better about what is going on but also helps you heal and feel better more quickly too.

Feel free to ask any questions,

Louise

.

My surgeon is Diana Hastrich at The Mount Medical Centre and radiation oncologist is Yvonne Zissiadis at Perth Radiation Oncology in Wembley.  What I love about Dr Hastrich is that she doesn't beat around the bush and comes across quite gung-ho in a positive way.  She has a good sense of humour but I guess that may not appeal to everyone during times like this.  It works for me though!  Also, I previously had a bad experience with a male specialist at SJOG Murdoch Hospital when I was in being treated for a breast infection and he certainly didn't have a gentle touch or manner about him.  It put me off ever having a male medical professional ever touching my breasts again and I have since sourced only female surgeons/specialists.  Glad to hear you have managed to source someone you are more comfortable with and all the best.

Arlene Chan ??  Wow, thats made me happy, thank-you

x

Heard good things about Peter (he's married Arlene)  You are in good hands hun.

Will be thinking of you x

oops (hit enter before I had finished)

I also go to the Mount. I see Richard Martin - surgeon and Prof Arlene Chan - Oncologist.

oh Tan :(  What happened??