hi everyone,I am new here, while I am saying I am newly diagnosed it occurred back in Sept. I felt so overwhelmed that when I looked at this site I couldn't cope, I had to shut it down. It has taken me many visits to get to this stage. While it was bad news that I had to end up here I keep telling myself I am so fortunate.I saw my GP as I had felt some general pain in my right breast, when I checked my breast I found a large lump. I have been diagnosed with stage 3 cancer but all clear on bone and body scans. The cancer lump was 3cm in size.It was a whirlwind since diagnosis was confirmed with my breast surgeon, I had 3 days till surgery to met with plastic surgeon and scans, and for us to tell our children. I had a mastectomy. All of this occurred within 10 days from the mammogram. I am currently having chemo which I honestly feel has knocked the stuffing out of me, from here I have no idea. Suppose I have been told however can't remember a thing, and my husband is not too much better. I will ask my oncologist at my visit in a couple of wks, I am managing at the moment step by step and not looking too far ahead. Chemobrain is a horrible/challenging thing.We have just got my income protection, so I know we will now be ok financially, which has taken some stress off our shoulders.Looking forward to sharing time and journeys with you all, and the support you all give so freely

Hi @crafty. Welcome to the forum. I just read your post about biting your tongue about household things and not looking at your garden too closely. I can totally relate to those comments! This year was my first year of completely dead garlic - that would be about 50 bulbs and totally unimpressive blueberries. Plus a plethora of other plants that did not do well. You know what? I am kinda happy - shows the plants need me and my husband is crap at gardening....there is always next year!! It shall return to it's former glory when you can love it. You must love yourself right now.

Hi Crafty.Yes it's a lot to take in. I'm hoping you've had some support from a breast cancer nurse. My confirmed diagnosis happened between Xmas and New Year almost 3 years ago and unfortunately all the support people were on keave at this time. Sometimes it feels like last week that I was diagnosed.Yes the chemo is hard going. Well it certainly was for me. Normally a woman who did everything.... working mother, a manager, a planner.... Reduced to that of the patient who couldn't remember stuff all. I wrote everything down. It's all the anxiety that goes with diagnosis not just the chemo that impact on our memory. Our body is just trying to heal. That's it's job. On a bonus side, for me anyway, is very little recall what chemo was like other than feeling unwell and not being able to work. Hopefully it will be like that for you too.You might have radiotherapy after chemo depending on the tumor location, but you may not. Other than that it might just be a tablet for the next 5 to 10 years to suppress hormones...if you have that type of cancer. We are here for any of those questions that just pop in your head. Kath x

@crafty You are very welcome to drop in on me in the Kimberley any time. We too live on acreage some 10 kms out of town. Judging by your online name I am guessing that you are into crafty things. I love anything to do with a piece of fabric and a sewing machine. My very best for your continuing treatment.Warm (very warm!) Kimberley wishes to you.Annie

hi Annie, yes I use to be a mad, compulsive quilter. Haven't done much recently. Wouldn't trust myself to cut anything out at the moment as I have a memory and abilities like a sieve. I often sit in my sewing room and attempt/pretend to read as it gives me a sense of peace in there.All going well we hope to be up your way sometime round mid next yr, but who knows as I am only in early days of treatmentenjoy your warmth, cos I think its cold here. Unsure nowadays cos I am always bloody freezingMaryann

@crafty Oh how I can relate to the wet season love / hate relationship.When newcomers ask how long have I been here I usually reply"Oh this will be my 25th wet season - I only came for 12 weeks!"When the newcomers say that I must like it, my reply is always "Ask me in March!".However the lonely months I spent in Perth (2,300kms from home) between July and October last year for treatment cured me of any desire of moving south. My feet are firmly planted in Kimberley soil.

New diagnosis | BCNA Online Network

27 Replies

JJ70
Member
7 years ago
Hi @crafty. Welcome to the forum. I just read your post about biting your tongue about household things and not looking at your garden too closely. I can totally relate to those comments! This year was my first year of completely dead garlic - that would be about 50 bulbs and totally unimpressive blueberries. Plus a plethora of other plants that did not do well. You know what? I am kinda happy - shows the plants need me and my husband is crap at gardening....there is always next year!! It shall return to it's former glory when you can love it. You must love yourself right now.
Doin_it
Member
7 years ago
Yes, exactly! Clear one minute then boom!! I was terrified but loved it. Weird...
No, I have absolutely no idea what street we lived in, but then I can barely remember anything these days 😳
Annie_C
Member
7 years ago
@Doodoo
There's one rolling in right now. Thunder, lightening and rain p*ssing down.

About to lose tv reception.

And yes, even after 25 years, I still duck for cover when there is thunder and lightening.

The bit I like, clear skies one minute, then 5 minutes later a full on storm.

Can you remember what street you lived in during your time in Derby?
Doin_it
Member
7 years ago
@"Annie C" I will never forget Derby thunderstorms!! They literally roll in! Stunning but scary. The first time I saw & heard one, my son & I hid under the table
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
@"Annie C" and @Blossom1961 Has been hot here in North Queensland but had big lightening show last night was beautiful. I know what you mean about that real heaviness in the air. This morning went outside and smelt that sweet smell you get from some of the trees flowering on the river bank. Reminds me of my years in Arnhemland and that sweet sickly smell of the pandanus fruit. (I loved that smell) xox
Beryl_C_
Member
7 years ago
Hello Crafty - I have always done crafts and was knitting at 5yrs old, crocheting at 10. I made all my own clothes until we began to import cheaper items, I did a few years of doll making, corn dolly weaving, tapestry, embroidery and made a few quilts over the years. Now I do very little - fatigue is very real. I'm glad I kept a photo diary of many of my projects as I get a lot of pleasure from the memories evoked. It doesn't worry me that I'm a crafty 'non-event' - it is as it is and at the end of the day I relish the day - sorry of that sounds a bit weird. Like you I had a fairly demanding job, I'm a retired academic. I had four years in New York as a consultant and on return was diagnosed HER2 +. Welcome home! That was seven years ago and I have had ongoing Herceptin and HT for seven years. I read somewhere, 'Life will never be the same after diagnosis'. For me that has rung very true. This forum will enhance your resilience, its a very safe place to express whatever needs to be said - there are no judgements and there's a deep recognition that we must all cope (or not) in our own way.
Annie_C
Member
7 years ago
@Blossom1961
Although I complain (just a little bit) about the wet season humidity I wouldn't miss the "build up".

The heavy air, the smell of the parched earth after the first few drops of rain, the lightening as it dances across the late afternoon sky, the purply grey colour of the clouds and then finally the torrential downpours. It is magic. I would love everyone to experience a wet season.

I do however appreciate air conditioning and the retirement income sufficient to run the air conditioner 24 hours a day during the wet season.
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
We stayed in Darwin for eight months and my favourite time was the build up. The night light shows were absolutely spectacular and worth the outside discomfort. Especially when the air con was working!
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
@"Annie C" Oh good!
Annie_C
Member
7 years ago
@crafty
Oh how I can relate to the wet season love / hate relationship.

When newcomers ask how long have I been here I usually reply
"Oh this will be my 25th wet season - I only came for 12 weeks!"

When the newcomers say that I must like it, my reply is always "Ask me in March!".

However the lonely months I spent in Perth (2,300kms from home) between July and October last year for treatment cured me of any desire of moving south. My feet are firmly planted in Kimberley soil.