Need some positive stories

I don't get meet my Oncologist until 29th July which is still anote week away and I feel like I have been waiting for ages already. I know the BC Specialist Dr Team is discussing my case this week and weighing up the pros and cons of +/- more lymph node surgery, type of chemo regime, -/+ radiotherapy regime given my plan for bilateral mastec's and recon. etc after Chemo. Oh I So So want to be a fly on the wall during that discussion! I have sat in on similar meetings at work and I know there is so much to be learned by these meetings and they can often include quite heated discussions if there is a conflict of views....that's the bits I want to know about. So all in all I am really crap at being a patient and not being nurse. I am really struggling to have faith in the decisions that will be made about my treatment when I don't know how they arrived at them. This is my control freak rearing is ugly head, Hmmm... what to do other than write down yet another five pages of questions for those Dr's unfortunately that won't fill my week so its good I'm back to work this week to distract my brain. Love to all Lara x

I am not sure who lives in the house now, but a few years ago a lovely couple had it and they opened up the gardens for an Australia Day celebration and raised heaps of money, it was a great day. I will call in sometime and ask if I can take some snaps. Will let you know when I have them and we can exchange email to send them thru. Not sure who is around your age and still living here. .Did you know the Ballot girls from West Ridgley?. Throw some names at me and I will find out if I can where they might be. this is soo exciting, I might even try and give your mum a call.

Wow!!! How amazing!! If you happen to know who lives in our old house could you ask if you could take a picture of it to send to me. I had many happy memories growing up there, brings tears just thinking about that place. As a kid I wanted to live there forever, would now too if I could run a farm. My Mum lives on Lobster Creek Road in Ulverstone, on a farm with her husband who she married after I was married (he keeps her on a short least, so I don't really have time for him) her surname now is Clifford. Wish I could meet you. I wonder if there is anyone who remembers me in Ridgley now. If there is I don't mind at all if you tell them about my BC as that's how you know me today. Lara xxxxx

Hi again, my name is Sue King, I have worked at the Primary School for 32 years. This may jog yre mums memory.  Xoxoxo

Ohhh Lara, I am sitting here in tears....can't believe this....it is unreal...I still live in Ridgley and  Yes Yes I do know your mum Carole, it was quite sad when she moved and I often wonder where she went to. She may not remember me but say Hi anyway.... Gosh I still can't believe this. Where is your mum living now? Hang in there Girl, a tough time ahead but lots of positives as well.Our little "town" hasn't changed to much since you lived here, a few more houses and the corner shop near the school burnt down last year, the Post Office is now in the Grocery shop,  but other than, still much the same...We live on the road just behind the school.Love and country hugsSue.

oops almost posted same message twice

Hi Sue, I am actually very new to the group having only been to my first get together a couple of weeks ago. Enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait for the next one. Spending quality time with others who know exactly what you are going through is priceless! The lovely Mich is our organiser and she might tell you more but basically she finds somewhere lovely for us to go on a date that agrees with us all and sends out the details via our blog for Perth ladies. I think we will be doing it once every couple of months or so. We just refer to our group as being "pink sisters" cause we all try to wear something pink when we meet and it just fits. The BCNA network makes it easy to connect with everyone and ensure that it's all inclusive as well. Nothing too complicated really! Vicki R

Thanks Chris, I am looking forward to meeting all of you too. Thank you for your generous offers of help too. Its really comforting to know there are so many lovely people out there willing to help me whom they have never met, its quite humbling. Thank you Lara Xx

I grew up on Willowvale Farm on Circular Road in Ridgley!!! My maiden name is Cains, if you do know of my family keep in mind that I do not maintain any contact with my father as I got burned too many times to continue torturing myself by maintaining contact. My mum however is a wonderful person (Carole). Are you not in Perth Sue? Thanks for the info about your chemo, a fleecy blanket sound like a very good idea. Can't wait to know if you knew my family, what a small world. This is a welcome distraction from my current reality. Lara

Hi Lara, I am so glad your scans are all clear. I really understand about your comments re being a nurse. Doctors must be threatened by this info. I think you are wise to see 2 different Oncologists, as you need someone you can ask questions of. Both my surgeon and Oncologist were fantastic, and I was never made to feel like I was asking too many questions. All my concerns were addressed and I was encouraged to ask what ever I felt I needed to know. As you said, it is better to have the answers, rather than let your mind wander at 2am with all the awful scenarios we can all conjur up. Like Vicki, I would also like to help you with anything you might need, and look forward to meeting you soon. I know how scary the thought of chemo is, but not everyone has a bad time of it. I didn't, so was very lucky. Take care of yourself, and I wish you well. Love Chris xx