New to BCNA

@emfitz Welcome to the forum.  There's a few of us Adelaideans on here and others from further afield in SA.  I was never much of a forum person either but this one has saved my sanity on more than one occasion.  I had my treatment, 2 surgeries, 16 chemo and 15 days rads, last year at and I'm back at work this year.  My kids were 11, 12 & 15 when I was diagnosed and I have to say, it's amazing how teens & tweens can step up when it's needed.  Where are you having your chemo?  I had mine through Adelaide Oncology and they have an exercise programme that I accessed while having chemo - beneficial while getting to chat to others in the same situation.  I believe many of the private clinics and the public hospitals have something like this going on.

Brenda5 im not sure what teenage boys you've met but they sound great lol

Hi @Emfitz Welcome to the forum where I am sure you will find support for all the stages you go through. The people here are fantastic and I certainly would have struggled so much more without them. Sending big hugs your way.

Hi @Emfitz  - sorry to see you here, but you're in the right spot for lots of support, comfort and advice - as we've all 'been there, done that'.

There was no family history with me, either - so a real slap in the face!   Whilst in my mid 60s & no kids ..... I just want to send you some big hugs to help you thru this next lot of chemo & beyond.   xx

If you need a laugh - we even have some 'funny posts' that you can look at & hopefully have a giggle ..... feel free to add to them!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/19116/friday-funnies#latest

All the best for your ongoing treatment xx

Hello @Emfitz.  None of us wanted to join this forum but somehow we all found our way here so welcome to a supportive club of men and ladies who understand what you are going through.  There is always someone around to answer any queries or just send a cyber hug.  Please feel comfortable in asking anything at all as help is here.  If you don't want your post to be seen by everyone do join one of the private groups or send a personal message to a member.  Thinking of you.  Anne  <3

Welcome to the forum. Your kids ages are good as you can still boss them around. They can do the hanging out of the laundry and you can teach them simple recipes on cooking too. There will be times that you are laid low in bed and they will have to fend for themselves so best get them started now. :)

Hi @Emfitz,

Welcome to the forum lovely.  I was never a blog/forum kinda gal either.  I did stalk the pages for about 8 months before I posted. 
No one, no matter how supportive,  can understand exactly how you are feeling like someone who has been there or is going through the same rollercoaster ride.
I was a little older than you at diagnoses.(45) with 5 teens/young adults  at home at the time. Makes for a lot of love and a lot of group tears.
 You are never alone on here no matter what time of the day or night. Check out the night howls thread if it is 3am, guarantee you wont be the only one awake.

We all "get it" and will walk every step of the way with you if you want.
All the best sweet.
xoxoxoxoxoxo

Welcome Emfitz, you have found the right place.  I'm pretty new to the forum also and have found it a wonderful supportive network.   It really helps to know you are not alone and there are so many brave people on here to help you.
Although I have a supportive family and friends, it is here where people really understand what you are going through.  Big hug from Victoria xx

Hello @Emfitz

Whilst I myself am not going through your situation, my wife is, diagnosed early March and scheduled for a second operation this Monday. As a husband and seeing how my wife is being treated both medically and personally I can confirm you’re not alone. Whilst we are older, I can say the support on the BCNA Network has been fantastic and whilst only new myself am very confident you will find a very strong supporting group right here. These guys have been a wonderful help even for me, the information provided and supportive messages etc has helped my get my head around BC and I appreciate all I’ve received which has helped me help my wife.

Wishing you all the very best with your journey XX

Welcome to the forum @Emfitz. I hope you find it as warm and helpful as I have.

I am not 37, but I do have kids ranging in age from 18 down to 9 at the time of my diagnosis (late 2017). It's a very particular challenge managing the big C with kids.

@CatRM is a similar age to you with younger kids, and @Sister, while older, is in SA and has teenagers. There's quite a gang of us here. We are all familiar with camo crying in the shower so the kids don't see! There's also a private young women's group you can join.

https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/10-young-women

Hit us up with any questions, rants, vents and even laughs you have along the way. Any kind of major illness is isolating, and the sheer relief of being able to talk it over with fellow travellers is enormous. We get it!

If you'd like to, tell us a little about how your kids are handling your BC.

We've got you! K xox  :)