Is it ‘have’ or ‘had’ breast cancer?
Im newly diagnosed and waiting on the results of an MRI before my surgeon finalises my plan going forward. As it stands now, I’ll be having a lumpectomy, followed by radiotherapy and then hormone the...
Forum Discussion
I’m sorry that you are going through this too but it is strangely comforting that I’m not alone. I know that’s a huge contradiction but I’m sure you know what I mean.
I had my MRI last week and let me tell you, it’s a very weird experience. Nothing painful or daunting in anyway but definitely not what I was expecting. 😁
With our treatments running along the same lines, it will be nice if we can keep in touch on here so that we can compare notes.
I live in the Maitland area in NSW.
I am Mid North Coast, NSW SYLV1E xx. If you ever come over to the coast, I am happy to meet up for a coffee & a chat xx. Shoot me a message 😉
Are you aware of the IPTAAS (Isolated Patient Transport and Accommodation Scheme) where you can claim for both fuel and accommodation expenses if you have to travel more than 100k (each way) or (I think) have 200k (over 2 weeks) ....
Check out the GROUPS .... Connecting Rural, Regional & Remote Areas for info xx
I recall seeing something early on about support for fuel expenses, which I’ve just realised was only two weeks ago 😁. Thank you for the link.
You are sooo lucky living in that part of the world. Over the years, we’ve had many a family holiday up your way but they’ve been very rare in the last ten years or so. Hopefully, we’ll get the chance to head your way once all of this is behind us and we can meet up for that coffee AND CAKE! 😄💕
Sounds wonderful xxx. I'm not long back from a road trip to Victoria where I caught up for lunch with a fellow member in Bendigo! ;) xx
It is a magic part of the world xx I love my back yard xx. I'll be out in my kayak, fishing again tomorrow .... it is my 'safe spot' - hence I advise everyone to keep doing what they LOVE doing as often as they can - as it really does lower the stress levels xx.I was even on the water the day I got the call to go back to the GP (for my BC diagnosis!)
This forum has also given me some lifelong friends & we chat all the time about all things - on any subject! 😋
That’s wonderful! I used to love kayaking as a teenager but very rarely got the chance. If I lived up there, I would be out there with you for sure. 🌞
I started painting in watercolours about 5 years ago and I find that very calming. I’m lucky to have a spare bedroom that I have set up as my art studio and my desk is facing the window to our front garden. We planted it all with native plants and I get to watch the huge variety of birds every day when they come to feed. It’s very special but I’m sure your kayaking encounters would include much bigger companions than I have. 😄 🐳
Its so lovely having this much companionship along this horrid journey that we’re all on. It truly means a lot. x
SYLV1E ... a belated welcome to the group too xx. The one Club, that NO-ONE ever thought they'd be joining!
I am so sorry to see you joining our select little group …. everyone remembers the shock of hearing the ‘diagnosis: “You've got breast cancer” ..... Causing sadness, distress and even anger. It really mucks with your brain, sometimes even more than your body! It is highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, give the Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 for a confidential chat with one of the Mods xx.
Make sure you take a trusted friend or relative with you to your meetings from now on & also consider recording them too, on your phone xx. It is almost impossible to remember everything that is said & this way you can go back over it in the quiet of your home & take notes. xx
Also, Consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - as she explains it all very well xx She is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy following her own diagnosis, choosing to stay flat. She was surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, as she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it all'!She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts.
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html
Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest
take care & all the bestThank you so much for all of these resource links. I’ve only just started to realise that I need to do some online shopping for things for the hospital. It’s weird, that at first, I was just thinking ‘hospital stuff’ and not the full post-surgery aspect. I guess my brain was trying to keep me calm with just focusing on one step at a time. Now, it’s all getting really REAL and im freaking out a bit so your reminder about the helpline is greatly appreciated. Thank you. I’ll put that number in my phone now.
Wishing you all the best as well. x