Hi, I’m Helen and part one of my journey has flown by. Last year was a difficult year personally, so this year I decided it was time for ‘rebuilding’ - on my list was to go and have my first mammogram. I went to the Rose Clinic in David Jones for a mammogram in July, thinking nothing of it - then got a call to attend breast screening at SCGH (Perth) and was diagnosed on the day with a small cancer in each breast - ie 2 cancers, one lobular, the other ductal and more aggressive. Both the hormone positive kind. In September I had a bilateral mastectomy with lymph nodes taken on my right side (2 nodes did have cancer). A tiny margin of cancer was found to have headed toward the pectoral muscle. Now I am being asked to do everything - radiotherapy/chemotherapy/hormonal tablets, because I’m considered young at 54. I probably will but it seems like a lot. Yesterday an oncologist told me that mammogram saved my life!I’m married with three teenage daughters and a cheeky Jack Russell. I’m an Aspie (very mildly autistic), and a Christian which is helping me a lot with this journey to date, but it’s still hard!By the way my mother had breast cancer, twice, but later than me - at age 70 then in her eighties. It wasn’t considered relevant but now with my having two separate tumours I’m being sent for genetic testing.I don’t know if we’re supposed to introduce ourselves and not just our cancer situation, but I guess that’s what’s mostly on my mind just now. Wishing you all the very best, Helen 🙂

@GinGin thanks so much it truly does help to chat to you all 💕 - when I see the medical oncologist next week I’ll ask questions here because I realise the chemotherapy can differ according to the drug and the course of treatment. Your order of treatment sounds similar to mine as in surgery first/chemo/the rest! Basically you’re a month ahead of me but also one boob not two. (At least that made my decision easy in a way because everyone told me it was safest to go for a double mastectomy).I’m going to a workshop called ‘look good feel better’ in a couple of weeks and really looking forward to that. Have you done one of those?Hugs from Helen PS: yes i am a Snoopy freak but also one of my daughters is - she has my old Snoopy from when I was a kid 😊PPS: GinGin I forgot to say - I hope your chemo is going really well 😍 and please let me know how you’re going over time.

I know how you feel @GinGin because when I had my surgery the cancer in my lymph nodes was nicely contained, but the tiny amount of cancer that might have escaped to my chest muscles (and fed into my upper chest lymph nodes) meant they need to throw everything at me too, otherwise I might have got off more lightly. Like you I'm young :D at 54, but I'm an 'older Mum' with teenage girls plus I use hair dye so I probably come across even younger than I am :p .PS: LGFB sound fantastic - I'm booked for a physical workshop so will apparently receive the goodie bag there. Just hoping the docs won't try to book any conflicting appointments!

I attended a LGFB workshop in Vic earlier this year @HelenlovesSnoopy ..... (not being a makeup/girlie girl) and it was just so much fun!! I must try & remember everything that I was taught & use the 'goodie bag'/products so kindly donated to us by such reputable Makeup Manufacturers! You'll enjoy it xx

Dear HelenloveSnoopy,When you have time, perhaps you could fill in your Profile. In that we can easily see the information that you would like us to know. If you click on any of our names or Avatar, you can find out more about us (If it has been filled in). It can be a quick way to see what is similar or relevent. I too was lucky (but not the same), I found my lump by accident. I was only scratching near my nipple and found the lump. I was lucky also, because I had a Mammogram only 9 months before. It wasn't there then.My treatment would seem very similar to yours. I have been fortunate that my body coped quite well with the treatments. I've had some side effects, but nothing serious. Since my initial treatments I have has a prophylactic Mastectomy and breast reconstruction, all having gone well too.All the best for all of your treatments, I hope it goes well for you.

So sorry to see you join our exclusive little group @HelenlovesSnoopy, but glad that you have found us. Good that your Mammo found the problem & but a bugger you have to do the whole enchilada! xx. I hope your kids/partner are supportive xxWe have a Christian Group that you might like to join xx. Just click on the 'Join Button' .... https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/3-christians-diagnosed-with-breast-cancerWith your Mother having had breast cancer twice - it might be wise to have your daughters genetically tested too, relative to your own results? .... Revealing some of your background really does help, round out our understanding of your current situation xxAll the best with your genetic Testing and ongoing treatment .... take care & look after yourself xx

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HelenlovesSnoop
Member
2 years ago
Thanks @Julez1958, it’s true - these medical professionals do have a wealth of experience. The radiation oncologist did kind of win me over when she said ‘That mammogram saved your life.’ I could so easily have not done it!!
Julez1958
Member
2 years ago
Hi @HelenlovesSnoopy
Re having chemo / radiotherapy / hormone therapy , the oncologists do many years of training so I figured I should accept their advice.
No treatment is 100% guaranteed to prevent the cancer coming back but the aim is to do everything that can be done to prevent it coming back.
Not everyone has side effects and many only have mild side effects.
There are things you can do to help alleviate side effects - it’s important to let your medical team know promptly if you have side effects.
There is a lot of information on this website ( including this forum) about treatments and side effects and if you have a Breast Care Nurse they are a great source of info and support.
Take care and don’t hesitate to post any questions on here.
🌺
HelenlovesSnoop
Member
2 years ago
Thanks for the welcome Arpie - yes my family is very supportive, but while we’re being open with the kids of course we don’t want to worry them more than we have to. The good thing is that my future is looking good, but I can’t imagine what chemo will be like.

And yes we will be looking into my girls’ situation genetically speaking.

Xo
arpie
Member
2 years ago
So sorry to see you join our exclusive little group @HelenlovesSnoopy, but glad that you have found us. Good that your Mammo found the problem & but a bugger you have to do the whole enchilada! xx. I hope your kids/partner are supportive xx

We have a Christian Group that you might like to join xx. Just click on the 'Join Button' ....
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/3-christians-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer

With your Mother having had breast cancer twice - it might be wise to have your daughters genetically tested too, relative to your own results? .... Revealing some of your background really does help, round out our understanding of your current situation xx

All the best with your genetic Testing and ongoing treatment .... take care & look after yourself xx

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