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Michelle_R's avatar
Michelle_R
Member
14 years ago

First blog

I discovered a lump in my breast in the shower a week ago and was sent for a mammogram and USS on Monday.  Previous scans 18 months ago had been clear, but this time a large mass was discovered, very fast-growing.  A core biopsy on Tuesday morning showed a high grade malignancy tumour, suspicious for lymph invasion.   I see my cancer surgeon next week, after Easter break, and find out what my path will be then.  The BCNA website is so wonderful.  I have been reading the posts from Chris, Samantha and Chipmunk - who like me has just started her journey.  The strength and courage in the blogs is inspirational, and has helped me so much already to cope with the shock and fear that hits you like a train with the diagnosis. (how can this be? I am so healthy!)  Have a Happy Easter all of you wonderful women - any advice would be a blessing - I am so lucky to have found you.  Michelle.

7 Replies

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Debbie,

    I am in awe of your courage and kindness - what a year you have had on your roller coaster ride.  Thank you for your advice, and I will definitely check out if a breast nurse is available.  The My Journal kit is on the way to me and I will welcome the information and take someone with me to appointments.  At present I am up one minute and crashing the next, trying hard to keep busy so I don't think about things too much.  I do hope your reconstruction goes well.  I am just learning how wonderful the women are on this network.  Every contact is so much appreciated and the advice and comfort is amazing.  Thank you and take care,

    Michelle

  • Debbie_J's avatar
    Debbie_J
    Member
    14 years ago

     Hi Michelle, you will find so much support on this sight. Check and see if you have a Janne Mc Grath breast nurse in your area, I found mine so supportive and will be able to help you through this. Order  My Journel Kit through the BCNA  , it has so much information in it that will help you. Make sure you have someone with you at your appointments. I was in such a state it went in one ear and out the other.

    I found out I had breast cancer in March last year. It was such a roller coaster ride. I  had a mastectomy last year and full node clearance. Every one is different, I chose a mastectomy , rather than having a lumpectomy . That was what I felt was right for me. In July I had a hysterectomy as a precortion and 3 weeks ago had the other breast off as a precortion. Now starting reconstruction. 

    I could not have got through the past year without the support of all these wonderful ladies. When I was felling down would get on and let it all out , really helps. I am just starting to see light at the end of the tunnell.

    Take care Debbie.

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Georgie,

    Thank you so much for responding so quickly.  I was thrilled to get mail.  I am so pleased you are improving after your setback and have had good results.  My GP said I will have the same as you when I see the specialist next week - lump and sentinal node biopsy, and it can't start fast enough for me.  The waiting is hard, so I am keeping busy with reading information on this amazing site.  I will be getting treatment at the north end of the GC at Southport so am lucky with the geography.  It is lovely to have someone local to talk to, and I will stay in touch.  Have a Happy Easter and all the best with your radiation treatments!  Thanks again -

    Michelle 

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Keryn,

    Thank you so much for your lovely encouraging reply.  I was so happy to hear that you have returned to your new normal  a year after treatment.  It sounds as though our lumps were similar, so I will most likely follow your path of treatment - will find out on Thursday and it can't be soon enough - just want to get started now.  We are at the northern end, near Gold Coast Hospital, which is good for travelling to treatments.  Thank you again.  I will stay in touch as things get underway.

    Michelle

  • georgiebz's avatar
    georgiebz
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Michelle

    I know that train feeling ......I felt like I could't stand up right for about a week.  I am post surgery lumpectomy and sentinal node biospy on  27th March and have had a small internal bleed that has set me back a bit but I seem too be coming out of the fog.

    My results have been good so far and am due to start radioation treatment in a few weeks.  I consider myself to be very lucky.  I am also on the gold coast and seeing a surgeon at John Flynn.  Please feel free to msg me.

    Good luck with your treatment and come online to the amazing ladies here for advice, venting, crying or just to catch up.....I have done all in spades.

    Take care

    Georgie

  • georgiebz's avatar
    georgiebz
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Michelle

    I know that train feeling ......I felt like I could't stand up right for about a week.  I am post surgery lumpectomy and sentinal node biospy on  27th March and have had a small internal bleed that has set me back a bit but I seem too be coming out of the fog.

    My results have been good so far and am due to start radioation treatment in a few weeks.  I consider myself to be very lucky.  I am also on the gold coast and seeing a surgeon at John Flynn.  Please feel free to msg me.

    Good luck with your treatment and come online to the amazing ladies here for advice, venting, crying or just to catch up.....I have done all in spades.

    Take care

    Georgie

  • Keryn's avatar
    Keryn
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Michelle, firstly welcome to the best site for support on the web. We like to think we can make a difference even if its only with the chatting and reading that you do.  There is a wealth of knowledge here as well and the "Girls" are all here for the one thing. 

    I too found my lump in the shower and it was growing very fast.  I had a mastectomy and my lymph node clearance.  Chemo, Herceptin, and Radio was after all other treatment. 

    I am now over a year post all treatment and life has returned to a new normal. My parents live on the gold coast and my daughter did until last October. Where abouts are you? They are in Palm Beach and Waterford.

    Anyway, I wish you well on your journey, keep in contact as we are here for you.

    Keryn