Newbie…long story
Hi everyone, Newbie here. Never dreamt I would be joining this club, but who does ?! This forum and website have been so helpful to me over the past month. My journey started last June when I de...
Forum Discussion
Golly Gosh Bj .... it should NOT have taken that long to identify your BC - so well done YOU and your GP for continuing to push for tests and a definitive diagnosis!!
I am SO Sorry to see you join the club that no-one every thought they'd be joining 🙁. I hope you are recovering well from your surgery - make haste slowly ..... your fitness level will assist you in your recovery, I reckon - so don't worry about 'losing' fitness by having a break .... let your body heal just now . .. and your base fitness will still be there, when ready to train again xx
You've found the right spot here tho, for support & info from those who've 'been there, done that'! So hopefully we'll be able to help smooth the way for you from here on.
Your hubby is a definite keeper too 😃 How lovely of him to wash your hair - That would have been really 'special' xx.
When you see your surgeon next week, consider recording your sessions on your phone, so you can go over it again later, as it can be difficult to remember everything that is discussed. 😉 If hubby isn't able to be with you at all your early consults - take a trusted friend or family member with you both for support and an extra set of ears.
Mine was ILC (Invasive Lobular Cancer) - I was lucky to only have the one lumpectomy, rads & tablets .... and have recently finished the tabs after 7 years!
Whack up ANY question - remember there are NO dumb questions!!! This diagnosis can really muck with your brain too - so if you feel sad, angry, distressed at any time .... ask your GP (or your treating team) for a referral to see a counsellor .... or give the team a call here on the Helpline on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri 9-5) for a confidential chat.
You could also listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcast (link below).
She is a BC specialist counsellor who was diagnosed herself, and had a double mastectomy, so knows EXACTLY what we've all been thru, both emotionally and physically! Her own reaction to her diagnosis was also quite different to what she 'thought' it might be, given that she'd been counseling women's reactions for some years before, so thought she 'new' what to expect! She is VERY easy to listen to, too xx
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html.
Raelene Boyle's video is also well worth watching - what a star!
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/
There is also HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog and also some tools to evaluate your own physical and mental recovery thru your ongoing treatment! xx.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737
Take care & all the best for your ongoing appointments & treatment & let us know how you go next week xx
Thanks so much Arpie, going slowly today :-)
I have found the podcast and started listening, it’s been really helpful. Thanks for highlighting some of the great resources available.
Great to hear your tablets have finished, that must be a wonderful feeling! Worth a little celebration! Hope you are going well.
Many thanks x
Terrific xx. It does take a bit longer than we 'think it will' .... and not doing any lifting is really important! (not even reaching up or down into cupboards as well as the more obvious, picking up kids and/or pets or carrying & hanging out the washing!) Just rest up & heal well.
Many thanks Bj, I am so glad to be off them & I am going well - and I celebrated by going to WA for a 3 weeks, both kayak fishing & catching up with a dear friend (from this group) & we got up to a lot of mischief together! 😉Take care & all the best for your results next week xx
