Scared !!!

Glad to hear today is a good day!

I have a 13 and 9 year old.  We sat both kids down and told them I had Breast Cancer and what that meant.   We told them I would need surgery, chemo and then radiation.  My hubby and I then briefly explained what each of these meant and how it would impact on me.

We spent a fair bit of time crying, hugging and it eventually turned to laughter.  We have always been honest with our kids (9 year old has had his fair share of medical problems from birth)  9 year old asked "would i walk funny with one boob"  LOL

You will find the right words when you sit down with them.  

Thinking of you and wishing you a peaceful weekend xx

 

And it will continue to get better as you go along.  When I had my first appointment with the surgeon she had organised for me to see a breast care nurse at the same time.  They offer great support for you along the way and I believe that you can contact them whenever the need arises.  I am in the private system though and don't know if this service is available in the public system.  Someone else on this blog may know.  If they are not readily available in the public system you could check and see if there is a McGrath Foundation breast care nurse available in your area.  The website link for the foundation is:-

http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/Resources/NationalBreastCareNurseDirectory/Nurses.aspx?type=gp

They will also be able to give you some advice on how to tell your children about what is going on. 

There will most likely be a gap of around 8 weeks between your surgery and the commencement of the radiation treatment which gives time for the surgery wound to heal properly.  I would be more than happy to meet you for a coffee and a chat or even go along with you to your first few appointments if you would like.  My mobile number is 0413510991 and I live in Bull Creek.

  

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

 

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