Forum Discussion

donnafischer's avatar
donnafischer
Member
10 years ago

Newbie finding her feet

Hi guys, I'm really trying to navigate my way round here. Anyhow, I'm new (lol) I was diagnosed on Friday 8th with breast cancer (biopsy was not definitive as to type etc) just used the words invasive carcinoma. So Feb 4th I am having a wide excision ? and the sentinel nodes removed and then radiation after that unless the pathology requires I go down the chemo path.  I lost my you know what for a few days, but after a rush of appointments, its really weird. Life is as normal. I dont know what I'm supposed to feel because I feel very normal. There's nothing to do, or worry about because we know its cancer. I find this to be a very bizarre stage. I did have an appointment with a social worker/counsellor and found that useful because i was stressing about not stressing. 

So I just go to work (I actually work for my gp) and do my usual stuff. Occasionally something pops up and a worry for a bit, but then that passes. I dont really know what questions to ask as everything is hinging on the pathology result.

Has anyone else felt like this?  :)

Donna.

 

 

31 Replies

Show More
  • K_J_'s avatar
    K_J_
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Donna, 

    Im really sorry you got to join our club but let me extend you the warmest welcome. Here you will find a safe place to talk about stuff you don't feel OK to say to anyone else. There is always someone with a warm heart and kind word. And it's OK to say "shit"....

    My diagnosis was in November and I felt quite similar to you. It was all very surreal and I felt quite numb. Even now after two rounds of surgery, my first round of chemo and having to shave my head yesterday, it still - mostly - feels like I'm reading about it. I have had more than my fair share of moments when I've cried and spoked and sulked. But mostly it still feels distant. I had very few questions to ask and the first two months I felt like I was in a riptide. No way out, no control and no sense of time. This may or may not change for you. But whatever way it is, it's ok and normal. If only there was a handbook (Christ knows you get hundreds of them) to tell us the right way to feel but we each have to figure that out on our own terms.

    My only advice to you is this: be kind to yourself. This doesn't seem like much now but in the coming months this will be most important. Be kind, be gentle, be fair. If you are tired, rest. If you want a second piece of cake, eat it! Now is not the time for self deprivation. I only learnt this past week that the universe will continue to operate if I check out for a couple of hours.

    This network has been my saviour so never be frightened to ask questions - there are far too many of us here and I guarantee that someone will be able to answer just about anything.

    Take care and good luck xo

  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    10 years ago

    Oops, take back my advice on posting in groups, looks like they've fixed that problem ??

  • Tracey62's avatar
    Tracey62
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Donna,

    so sorry you need to be on this site but glad that you found it. Really helps to chat with other ladies about what you are going through. Weird feeling so healthy and normal but knowing you have bc. Feelings change each step along your treatment and this is a safe place to share how you feel. 

    Just to let you know, when you post in the SE QLD support group, it won't show up on the main blog page ( this site can be difficult to navigate).  Usually that means only others in that group can read your post. Try the "post" tab on the main blog page and you might get more responses.

    have you ordered a copy of the My Journey kit on the opening page of BCNA? It is packed with info, might help you sort out what questions you need answered. I wish you all the best for the weeks and months to come. Know that we are here for you, Tracey??