Forum Discussion
Introduce yourself!
Whether you're a new member or an old member, I'd like to get to you know a little better. If you've been here a while, we may know a bit about your diagnosis and your journey, but you are much more than your beast cancer. So, tell us a little about yourself. Do you have kids, grandkids? What do you like to do? What's your hidden talent?
I'll break the ice. I'm the Community Manager here so I spend a good chunk of my day reading your stories - never a dull day, I tell ya. I live with my wonderful partner and his dog, which is now my dog ;-) I like bushwalking and reading and I'm a student of the African drum (djembe). How about you?
EDIT: This thread has been so popular that it's now crashing so let's continue the introductions in a new thread.
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Hi Cosette, diagnosed July 2012 estrogen/progesterone positive. Breast conserving surgery 3cm grade 2/stage 2. Although not necessary I opted for chemo for extra 4% survival, then 6 weeks radiation then aramatose inhibitors giving extra 20% (my body rejected them unfortunately). Why wouldn't I take one little pill a day if especially seeing I went through 4 rounds of chemo for just 4%? I envy those women whose bodies are able to tolerate the drugs. My doctor told me we all have different physiology. Some of us process the drugs well, others don't. One I tried I was highly allergic to and ended up in hospital very ill.
Coming out the other side of breast cancer I was left with vaginal atrophy, constant urinary tract infections, painful sex etc that impacted on my quality of life and ability to truly "heal". I am very fortunate as I was able to find a treatment which reversed those issues and gave me my life back without the use of hormones.
I live with my husband in Gladstone Qld making regular flights back to Sydney and Newcastle where we originally come from to catch up with our grown children, family and friends. I worked for he same Govt department in NSW for over 20 years and am retired. We travel a lot in between our other interests. We are footlose and fancy free.
I find this site very good for sharing information. For me, the site was a life saver especially in the early days when you just can't talk to family.
As a breast cancer survivor who constantly worries about secondary breast cancer I would like to see more breast cancer donation money going into research for a cure and developing better treatments.
Life is very good at the moment, touch wood!
Drop it into Greenhill Lodge and somebody might be able to use it to make cards with it if they not quite up to scrapbooking.
Thankyou Maria. xo
Hi Caroline. Thanks for sharing. How could anyone not get emotional when they're dealing with breast cancer? It's okay to feel sad and cry. And remember, we're here for you. Keep us posted on how it goes.
As Maria said, it's not really whinging. It's just tough and it's okay to vent. And another gardener! We have so many gardeners in the community. I don't have a much of a green thumb, but I do enjoy reading.
Three surgeries in six weeks, what a whirlwind. How's it been with your son? How have you talked to him about what's happening?
Hi Chris. Thanks for sharing. You've been at this for a while and I'm glad to hear you're doing well :-)
Hi Maria. Thanks for sharing. I tried scrapbooking once. That lasted about a month. Now I have all these scrapbooking supplies and I don't know what to do with it all.
Hi, Narelle, other Narelle ;-)
If you haven't already done so, I encourage you to look for a support group in your area. Of course, we're here 24/7, but you might get tremendous value out of meeting face to face regularly with women who understand what you're going through. Best of luck on your journey!
Welcome to the online network, Narelle. I hope you find the support you need here. Let us know how it goes with your treatment.
