Forum Discussion
Unwanted but new journey
Hi everyone,
I returned home yesterday after having a mastectomy and axilary dissection. My diagnosis was discovered on 5th November and since then it has been a roller coaster ride.
I had my surgery at the Gold Coast Hospital - Robina Campus on 20th where I received amazing care and empathy. The breast nurse organized my new bra and My Journey Kit and the Social Worker after sitting with me while I cried my heart out day two post surgery suggested I join this forum.
Today although feeling sad am at least feeling positive and not out of control with anxiety.
I hope to make friends with others here who are going through this unfortunate health situation.
Best wishes,
Joy
19 Replies
I have now been home a week and gearing up for my appointment on Tuesday with my Surgeon. I already have the results of both my bone scan and CT which were both clear. I was elated when I learned this news and was positive for a few days.
Yesterday, though I was at the lowest I think I have been since this all started. I feel so angry that our world has been turned up side down and that my BC diagnosis is consuming my every waking moment. Maybe I am getting worse because of my appointment on Tuesday and not knowing what is coming next.
I have been keeping a diary which helps get these feelings out and before I go to sleep each night I write down five things I am grateful for and five things I would like to do that are not BC related for the following day.
My husband and son are very supportive and getting on with life and staying positive for me but I am struggling with keeping my chin up. :(
Joy
Thank you Penny for your understanding. The Breast Care Nurses at Robina are wonderful and supportive. I hope everything is going well for you with your radiation.
Best wishes
Joy
Thank you Jeanine for your encouraging words. I am having an emotional day today. Just trying to co-ordinate doctor's visits with my husbands availability has gotten to me today. My husband is very supportive but like everyone else he has to work and rearrange his schedule too. Communication via text is also not a good idea. I can't believe how exhausted I feel just by trying to organise something as simple as this. The good news is I work at the surgery where my doctor is and without knowing my situation our head nurse called me to ask if I would like her to do a home visit and check me out. What a God send.
I think this is going to be a wonderful site so thank you for making me feel so welcome.
Best wishes
Joy
- I see you've had lots of friendly responses already! I just wanted to welcome you as well and to reinforce the very strong message that this is a fantastic support system where you can express yourself without fear of judgement. We have all faced BC and the various treatments for it, so we all know how you are feeling. You are among friends so when you're feeling down, anxious or unsettled, this is the place to visit. Feeling like you're not alone is the first step towards acceptance. Sending hugs Xxx Jeanine
Thank you Tonya. I am so glad I have been steered in the direction of this site. I live with my husband and son and it is nice to talk to some females. I feel a bit of a burden on them and am struggling with the stress it is causing to our family life. I guess we will all adjust to what is going on.
Hugs back to you Tonya.
Joy
Thank you Tonya. I am so glad I have been steered in the direction of this site. I live with my husband and son and it is nice to talk to some females. I feel a bit of a burden on them and am struggling with the stress it is causing to our family life. I guess we will all adjust to what is going on.
Hugs back to you Tonya.
Joy
So sorry to hear about your bc diagnosis but welcome to this network. I've had every bc treatment there is -except reconstruction.I've been on the bc rollercoaster ride twice - first in 2003(lumpectomy,full node clearance, radiation) then again, in the same breast, in 2010(mastectomy,chemo).I'm on Tamoxifen and am now fine,enjoying life.I was very anxious with my first bc diagnosis- a very normal reaction for all of us here.But you gradually adjust and eventually feel more confident in your health as time passes. Living without a breast does throw out some challenges so ask any questions.You can also vent your fears and frustrations here without judgement.We know what you are going through.Sending hugs,Tonya xx
You are right Hazel, it is already helping knowing that there are other women out their going through the same thing. Thank you for your post which is very much appreciated.
Glad to hear your anxiety is easing. I'm relatively new to this site, i had a lumpectomy mid october and have had one chemo treatment so far which is going ok. My anxiety has taken some hits since diagnosis and i continually have to stomp it down, so to speak. The lovely ladies on this site have helped me tremendously. Just knowing you are not alone in this really helps calm you down. Take care, Joy and stay positive:)
Hazel xx
Glad to hear your anxiety is easing. I'm relatively new to this site, i had a lumpectomy mid october and have had one chemo treatment so far which is going ok. My anxiety has taken some hits since diagnosis and i continually have to stomp it down, so to speak. The lovely ladies on this site have helped me tremendously. Just knowing you are not alone in this really helps calm you down. Take care, Joy and stay positive:)
Hazel xx
