Forum Discussion

mum2jj's avatar
mum2jj
Member
2 months ago

Hi from mum2jj...16 years on.

Hi all,

Firstly I don't get on to the main forum discussion much these days, between work and being a group leader of the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group.  I've been meaning to pop on for days and share some good news and hope to those newly diagnosed.

It was my birthday last week, and the day before it suddenly struck me.  I was about to turn 63 and was not sure how I felt about it, and then it dawned on me. That very same day 16 years ago (day before my 47th birthday) was the day I first heard the words "you have breast cancer". It's amazing that I am now at the point that i don't think about it all the time, and I had almost slipped into  feeling sorry for myself that I was getting "old". 

I very quickly changed perspective to gratitude! I now have 2 adult children who were primary schoolers at my first diagnosis. I did not think I would get there.  I really have much to be grateful for. My breast cancer story was not always easy.  I had a recurrance 18mths after first diagnosis.  Yep got to do chemo twice and radiation.  Along the way I have lost some beautiful friends and had others go through second diagnosis and mets.  It really is a lottery. However I know how l have been lucky up until now and wanted to share a good news story for those recently diagnosed and those going through a recurrance.

My heartfelt love to all those struggling and I hope my story can encourage those newly diagnosed. 

I vow never to whinge about my age again. 

much love 

Paula xx

 

recurrence
survivorship
triple negative

12 Replies

  • TannieT's avatar
    TannieT
    Member
    26 days ago

    Wonderful to hear your story. I am hoping to look back in 20 years and think "Gees 2025 was a **bleep**ty year!"

    Thanks for the support & encouragement 

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    2 months ago

    Awesome post, mum2jj​ 

    A HUGE Congratulations on your 16 year anniversary & a big Happy Birthday xx 

    How terrific that you've been able to watch your children reach adulthood - and it is always great to read a Good News Story like yours xx

    Take care & all the best for the next 16 years!  :) 

    • mum2jj's avatar
      mum2jj
      Member
      2 months ago

      Thanks arpie, lovely to hear from an old timer (meant in the nicest possible wau ;)).  

      Hope you are doing well and thanks for all the wonderful support you offer members xxxx

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    2 months ago

    Hi ladies,

    I forgot to say my cancer was triple negative (both diagnosis). I have seen a few posts about triple negative lately. TannieT​ 

    • Daina_BCNA's avatar
      Daina_BCNA
      Community Manager
      2 months ago

      Thanks for sharing and for your ongoing support to this community! Great to hear your experience out the other side and love how you continue to turn up to support those newly diagnosed. Interesting about TNBC, as you say it does feels like there are a lot more people sharing their experience of late - we have also seen lots of people joining the TNBC group

  • Mez_BCNA's avatar
    Mez_BCNA
    Community Manager
    2 months ago

    We are so lucky to have you here mum2jj​ and really appreciate you sharing your reflections 🙂

    Also a very Happy Birthday🎂🎉

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    2 months ago

    Congratulations!

    Lovely to read that the shock at time of diagnosis has brought you to many years later, helping others through the roller-coaster of it all

    Life throws challenges and your journey gives hope to those starting out!

    Best wishes and more importantly thank you for all the help and advice you have provided through the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group

    Take care