Hello to all the strong women out there!
My name is Sara and I have been newly diagnosed early stage breast cancer. Yes I know i'm super lucky! Ive just turned 40 and a single mother of 2 teen boys. I've had partial mastectomy and now w...
Forum Discussion
Hi Sara. Sorry you've found yourself here but having said that, I hope you find it as helpful and supportive as I have.
A word you often see used here is rollercoaster. Having a BC diagnosis is full of ups and downs. You don't get used to it as such, but you do learn that you will pull up out of the downs at some point so you just have to keep hanging in.
I have four kids, two teens, an almost teen and one younger. Just as you get used to your treatment plan, they will too. Be open, give them the info they ask for and bear in mind that you might need to reiterate. I've found that I've assumed they've heard and understood something I've said only to discover later that it's gone in one ear and out the other!
I hope my experience will make them more empathetic and caring individuals as they move through their young lives.
I describe the learning curve as vertical. There is such a lot to absorb. Don't stress, you'll get there. Take notes, take a friend or family member with you to appointments, or record them on your phone. The doctors are used to patients not getting it all clear the first time and are usually very happy to repeat themselves. Do you have a breastcare nurse? If you get a good one they can be an amazing resource for all those questions that occur to you 'later'. Try not to Dr Google! But if you do, stay away from the US websites. Their healthcare environment is so vastly different to ours it can be quite distressing. The BCNA and Macmillan (the UK equivalent) are always a safe bet.
Have you got your My Journey kit? That has excellent suggestions of questions to ask your doctors. And you can always call the BCNA helpline on 1800 500 258. The people on the other end of that line are terrific.
And of course, you can always jump on here for a question (this is an awesome hive mind!), a vent, a fret, a rant and even a laugh! If you're comfortable you could tell us whereabouts in Australia you are and a little about your diagnosis.
Hang in there Sara! Take it one day at a time if it threatens to overwhelm. Big hug, Kate xox
A word you often see used here is rollercoaster. Having a BC diagnosis is full of ups and downs. You don't get used to it as such, but you do learn that you will pull up out of the downs at some point so you just have to keep hanging in.
I have four kids, two teens, an almost teen and one younger. Just as you get used to your treatment plan, they will too. Be open, give them the info they ask for and bear in mind that you might need to reiterate. I've found that I've assumed they've heard and understood something I've said only to discover later that it's gone in one ear and out the other!
I hope my experience will make them more empathetic and caring individuals as they move through their young lives.
I describe the learning curve as vertical. There is such a lot to absorb. Don't stress, you'll get there. Take notes, take a friend or family member with you to appointments, or record them on your phone. The doctors are used to patients not getting it all clear the first time and are usually very happy to repeat themselves. Do you have a breastcare nurse? If you get a good one they can be an amazing resource for all those questions that occur to you 'later'. Try not to Dr Google! But if you do, stay away from the US websites. Their healthcare environment is so vastly different to ours it can be quite distressing. The BCNA and Macmillan (the UK equivalent) are always a safe bet.
Have you got your My Journey kit? That has excellent suggestions of questions to ask your doctors. And you can always call the BCNA helpline on 1800 500 258. The people on the other end of that line are terrific.
And of course, you can always jump on here for a question (this is an awesome hive mind!), a vent, a fret, a rant and even a laugh! If you're comfortable you could tell us whereabouts in Australia you are and a little about your diagnosis.
Hang in there Sara! Take it one day at a time if it threatens to overwhelm. Big hug, Kate xox