Hi everyone I just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I was diagnosed just before xmas . Everything seems Very confusing as my diagnosis keeps changing! initially I started off with DCIS ( apparently the lucky cancer or so I was told) non invasive which has now progressed to include an invasive tumour. I have just had my second wide incision on Tuesday trying to get clear margins. Also there is now talk of chemo as my cancer is hormone negative. I have to wait till the 19th for my results. I think the waiting is one of the hardest aspects- of all of this! There is so much to learn its a bit overwhelming . I hope to maintain some level of fitness throughout my treatment if for no other reason than it makes me feel happier :)

Hi there Welcome to "the club". Sorry that you have become a member though. I had the same thing happen. It felt like every time I saw the doctor, things had changed again. I wonder if that is just the nature if the beast at first. And yes, the waiting is dreadful. It's good to plan ahead but be prepared that you will have to take things a day at a time particularly if you are having chemo. You will get lots of support and helpful tips on this site. Try to keep busy and good luck for the 19th. Hang in there. Karen xox

Thanks Karen . I am a bit of a control freak ( my husband would raise his eyes at the word "bit") so think I am going to have to try and let that go for a while because it feels like nothing is in my control at this stage. So glad I have connected with this site xx

Haha me too! A huge control freak in fact. The fact is the only thing we have control over is how we react and even then there are times that we won't have control over that either. I've often wondered if that is what I have had to learn with this experience; to let go, patience, to put me first instead of everyone else and to ask for help. This is a great site. There is always someone who understands what you're going through. Hang in there and take care. Karen xox

Couldn't agree more ladies. The loss of control is a real challenge. I think like most women we are used to be the ones that make everything happen when we need it at home and with our families. Everyone relies on us being in control and suddenly we find ourselves in a position where we have to rely on others and hand over control to people we barely know. It's difficult but we need to remember that we can choose to hand over control to our medical team who are experts and know what they're doing. If I start to feel like a bystander with no input, I ask more questions and make sure I'm at least in control of keeping up to date. I then get copies of all my info and results and keep them in a folder which I can then take with me to appointments if needed or just revisit if I need clarification. Good luck with your treatment. I hope you get a clearer picture of your situation and treatment soon.

Karen and Polly great comments and suggestions thank you . I am so glad I found this group ! I never asked for copies of my results last week so will definitely do so on the 19th. Yes I agree we are used to bring in control. And I think it's frightening for our families too so I find I am constantly reassuring everyone . I read this and it's becoming my new mantra lol It is what it is It was what it was It will be what it will be It will take as long as it takes I did feel by being accepting of my situation I was almost complacent . However I can still be patient while still planning to kick bc butt. Thanks again for your words of encouragement . If nothing else I have met such lovely kind people since my diagnosis . Deb xx

New diagnosis | BCNA Online Network

21 Replies

Cook65
Member
11 years ago
I was given a plaque by someone very dear to me that I would like to share with you all. Courage is not the absence of fear or despair but the strength to conquer them! Good luck to you all on your respective surgeries and chemo's. You will be in my thoughts. Karen xox
Blanche
Member
11 years ago
Hi Ciaobella thanks for your reply, I have to agree there about turning ones life upside down. Like you I had no symptoms and become totally shell shocked to say the least. There is a lot of info out there and the support has been truly amazing.

I have googled a lot but like you have decided that too much info might not be helpful at this stage. Will wait till I get the pathology report after surgery.

I cannot believe that I am becoming so knowledgeable re BC how life can change in an instant.

Love the bit about your hair good for you. All the best and look forward to telling you all about it and hearing how you are doing.
Blanche
Member
11 years ago
Hi Sharon thank you for your reply, it was most helpful. So sorry to hear that you have to have further surgery hope this time it is all gone.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow do keep me posted

Blanche
Blanche
Member
11 years ago
Hi Sharon thank you for your reply, it was most helpful. So sorry to hear that you have to have further surgery hope this time it is all gone.

You will be in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow do keep me posted

Blanche
shaz101
Member
11 years ago
Hi Blanche, I'm left handed and had a partial mastectomy and Sentinel node biopsy 2 weeks ago tomorrow (left side). I've had the normal soreness and restriction that I would expect but my range of movement is getting much better each day! I feel like I would get full use of Mt arm again soon. Unfortunately my node was not clear and I'm having more surgery tomorrow. You can do this! I'll be thinking of you. Sharon.
Blanche
Member
11 years ago
Hi Ladies it is such a relief to see the posts of others walking the same path. I am newly diagnosed and go for a sentinal node biopsy and partial next Thursday.

To say I am terrified would be an understatement, the first bit sounds daunting and havent found anyoney who has had the procedure as it really sounds pretty grim.

If anyone out there has had this procedure I would love to hear from them. The partial is another matter, worried about how it will effect my left arm as I am left handed.
Blanche
Member
11 years ago
Hi Ladies it is such a relief to see the posts of others walking the same path. I am newly diagnosed and go for a sentinal node biopsy and partial next Thursday.

To say I am terrified would be an understatement, the first bit sounds daunting and havent found anyoney who has had the procedure as it really sounds pretty grim.

If anyone out there has had this procedure I would love to hear from them. The partial is another matter, worried about how it will effect my left arm as I am left handed.
Barb_trev
Member
11 years ago
Same to you too and won't that be exciting x
Cook65
Member
11 years ago
I got really cranky with my family as they weren't as supportive as I would have liked and then I realised that they didn't know what to do. They were so used to me taking control and organising or doing that they really floundered when I could no longer do that. Bc affects so much in our lives. It's a learning curve in so many ways and not just for us
Barb_trev
Member
11 years ago
Hi ladies, Just like you I was diagnosed just before Xmas, mastectomy and axillry clearance early December and start chemo next Wednesday. Just like you the waiting is the worst but keep positive and surround yourself with happy people. Not sure what the next few months hold for me with chemo and radiation but will be very happy when I am on ther other side. Good luck with your journey and blog anytime as I have found this site and blog very very helpful Xxx