Scared !!!

Glad to hear you've turned the corner and feel better about getting ready to tackle this. :-). Because you will. And you will surprise yourself how well you'll do.

I can't really advise you on what to tell your children, as I don't have any unfortunately, but for what it's worth, I would perhaps wait until after you meet with your surgeon, have all the information you need, know what's ahead for you with treatment Iif anything beyond surgey), and then you can look them them in the eye, tell them what you need to and be able to answer the questions they have.

I know chemotherapy has been a big concern for you, but it is not very common for this to be needed when BC is diagnosed at stage 1. Similarly radiation is not usual with a mastectomy unless more than three lymph nodes are involved, which is unlikely to be the case with a stage 1 diagnosis.

Did they give you any more information about the type? They have definitely caught it early and that is something to celebrate when the fear hits, ok? 

Hope you have something lovely planned with your family for the weekend.

x

 

Hi again everyone.

Happy to report that I am feeling good today, ready to tackle this thing head on. I know that Im going to be okay, just have to tackle the journey as well as i can.

I think the initial shock just takes a few days to go away or settle down. But now I'm ready for whatever life throws at me.

I have an appt with my surgeon on Wed next week, Ill know more then i guess. I am in country W.A. Im guessing most of you are in Perth?  I think Im coming to Perth for my surgery as if Radiation is needed I will have to come to Perth for that too.

My children are 6 & 9.....Does anyone have any advice for what I should be telling them.  My daughter is 9, and very switched on, they have already sensed that something isnt right, I just dont know how much to tell them..

xx

If you need more support than we can give you, I would suggest using some of these links. They will have more facts to help you. We can only give you our experience. http://www.cancerwa.asn.au/patients/support-and-services/cancer-counselling/ Remember to remain positive, be a strong role model for your children and husband. They will also be learning life lessons through this journey. My daughter has taken everything in her stride... Just like me. They love you because of who you are and that hasn't changed. Xxx

Hi

I just wish i knew more, Im dying inside not knowing if im going to need chemo or radiation.  Ive never been so scared in my whole life...

What is this horrible thing going to do to my children? My husband?

 

x

I had a bilateral mastectomy and have had to have chemo because the cells found were invasive cancer (grade 4).  It will all depend on your individual cancer.  You may not find out until after the mastectomy and biopsy results.  Ask your doctor for their opinion. xxx

 

Thank-you so much..

My fear of Chemo is foremost on my mind, probably sounds crazy.  I just dont want to get sick, lose my hair etc etc...

Opting for a mascectomy (bi-lateral). Anyone have any advice on this??

Do you all think I will have to have Chemo?

x

Hi Tan!

It really can be a bit scary when you get such upsetting news, but the supportive gals here at BCNA are SO amazing - Being able to hear everyone else's stories, both sad and funny, definitely help make it a bit easier... You're far from alone in all of this, and it sounds like you have a strong and supportive network of people around you which will help so much too!

It's going to be scary, sure, but if you're strong and you have people who love you by your side, you're going to pull through and come out the other side of this... Catching it so early means you get the very best results, which is definitely a huge positive, and knowing people in your family have done exactly the same thing means you have people who know you, and how you feel, and what to do to make you feel better as best they can.

Please keep us updated on your progress, we'll all be thinking about you and if there is anything we can help with - we're always happy to do so. Be sure to ask your doctor anything you might be worried about too, they are the professionals and I am sure they would welcome the questions - every bit that helps put your mind at ease is a little bit more time where you can rest and not worry. :)

*HUG HUG HUG* Be brave and strong, you definitely have it in you! :)
Tim

Hi,  I'm sorry to hear about your diagnosis.  I was diagnosed in October last year with a very large area of DCIS in my right breast.  I had a mastectomy and at the same time a sentinel node biopsy which actually found Grade 4 in my lymph nodes.  I went back in for a second op and had a left mastectomy (to be absolutely sure) and a right axillary clearance.  Scary yes... but a lot less scary than thinking it may not have been found.  I am extremely grateful I am still here to tell the tale and see my daughter grow up.

From my understanding you have chemo if they find invasive cancer cells.  You have radiotherapy if they find more than three lymph nodes that have cancer in them.

I am having both chemo and radiotherapy at exactly the same time.  I am almost at the end of the radiotherapy  and hopefully starting my second course of chemo today.

The radiotherapy is all very easy - just like an xray - just a pain having to go to the hospital every day Monday to Friday.

The chemo is also really quite easy although has more side effects.  I have nearly lost all my hair and have had some nausea, but that's all for now.  I think the symptoms might get worse as you go on.  We'll see.

Don't worry too much.  Look towards the positives.  They have found the cancer and they are treating it.  It's also Grade 1 which is great news.  It hasn't developed too far.

Which hospital are you going to?  I'm being treated at Sir Charles Gairdner.  They have been fantastic. 

Good luck with your journey! x