Forum Discussion
New To BCNA
Hello Everyone,
My name is Gavin and my wife (Karen) was recently advised
she had BC (March 9th), I’ve been a rock for her and our two kids at
home (we’re in our 50’s) and have advised my girls living at home that I’m
there for their mums journey and will be her biggest support person, I’ve done
a bit of reading over the last could of weeks through these boards and reminded
our kids to be strong and positive around mum but also mentioned that it will
get a bit tougher for her as the months roll on but if they needed to share
worries or concerns, I would be there for them and would love the chance to share
mine with them if and when needing too, however advised them we would need to
do this away from mum so we can ensure she remains strong and has positivity
around her.
We have our first appointment with a care team to learn more
about things this week and I was wondering what I may expect with regards to her
treatment (yet to know) causing tiredness etc, I was hoping to take her on a
short cruise for 3-5 days to give her some enjoyment and relaxing time however
I see most of the good ones are limited / full meaning the next available time could
be Jan 2020. I will ask the doctors but was hoping to surprise my wife but was
wondering if I should look at something else prior to commencing treatment or
wait until after treatment even though I’m unsure of recovery timing.
I know each and everyone’s plan is different and my question
may not be readily available for an answer, I’m just looking at things she’s
been wanting to do but has never really had the time to so.
We’ve already been through a lot of health issues together
and I’m just wanting to take some of that worry I see away and for me to try and
pre-plan a bit.
56 Replies
- Hi there @GavinCh. I've followed your post from the very beginning and have been aware that you are Karen's vital support as she learned of, and then has tried to come to terms with, her frightening diagnosis. I also understand your role as "gatekeeper" in the information gathering process, which you then absorb and educate yourself about. After that, you then pass the information over to her as deemed necessary so as not to overwhelm her with too much. I feel confident that as she progresses further down the treatment process, she will feel more confident that her disease is being dealt with appropriately and that she does not feel as if her total future is black and joyless. As her total health improves, she might well wish to then take on board for herself that which you have come to understand. Stay strong, and here's two hugs coming your way... one for her and one for you. (((hug))) (((hug))). Ally.
Interesting question Patti J, this had me reading the original posts again and was mentioned on page one, She didn't wish to join the forum. Not sure I understand why the question sorry, my main reason for reaching out was because my wife struggled to accept her situation due to her aunt passing with BC. I also needed an outlet as Karen didn't wish to talk about BC, even after the paperwork provided about it through WA Breast Care, still finds this road very hard. Being able to share has also allowed me to better understand this disease, hoping this provides enough reasoning for you.
- @GavinCh. Could you please tell me why we don't hear from your wife, Karen?
- Good to hear the latest, @GavinCh.
Keep on keeping on, as the saying goes.
Take care, both of you Yesterday was the day we would know the MRI results, a day Karen was dreading, this was to find out how much more cancer cells were still to be removed.
Karen was again in tears, however tears of joy, happy tears as she was told that, even though some cells still need to be removed this was the first good news we had received since the start of Karen's Journey, we both quietly expected the MRI to show a large number of cells needing to be dealt with however this time we were informed Karen didn’t have a huge amount to go, the MRI has shown there is little left to go.
Karen is scheduled for a second operation and booked in for Monday next week, she won’t need a drain like last time and will be in and out the same day. She’ll need to take care post-surgery again but it won’t be as hard on her as the operation last month. So to recap, Karen has clear nodes meaning no spread of cancer, she’ll have the last of the BC cells removed Monday.
Post-surgery we will head be back at Fiona Stanley around two weeks later to get the beast tissue results again (will be clear, I just know it) then a month after surgery Karen will be needing radiotherapy, we were advised yesterday for three weeks however before that it was give, so unsure how long just yet. followed by medication (tablets) for five to seven years.
I'm hoping this positive news will provide some inspiration to those currently waiting for information or treatment, please don’t give up, be positive and fight the good fight.
BTW, I’m “Going Pink” next month to raise both awareness and funds to help however I can, I have the full backing of the company I work for and our HR General Manager has emailed to all 15 entities within our business which will reach 1000’s of our staff.
Not going that fast or high right now, but the message is out there.
I know this post has been long winded, but I wanted to keep all our details / story in the one place and will bring all up to speed in a couple of weeks.Once again we thank you guys for your support for Karen and pass love and thanks.
For me, we have received some great news.
Whilst we have taken a step back I’m so thankful at where we’re at right now. Karen has agreed and knows it, but still it is a bummer.
We will see what the MRI has to say and take the needed steps from the results.
Thank you all for your support, I so thankful I joined this forum.
And for those asking, yes, I’m fine (Karen checks in on me as well “lol) but I’m not over doing things and ensuring Karen does a bit (the things she is able) around the home so she keep moving around and exercises as such :)
- It really is often the node surgery that is the hardest to deal with as there's the nerve complications - disheartening but not at all unusual to have to go back for a second op
- Hi @GavinCh Sorry to hear that. It is something I had to go through as well. It is not at all uncommon for people to have to do this. It will be easier as no nodes will be taken and a quicker recovery. Once I had my re excision and they got results back I then had an MRI where they then found high grade DCIS ( cells in situ ) so then after chemo I had to had to have a Mastectomy. Touch wood for you both Karen only needs the re excision and you can both move forward after it. Thoughts are with you both xo
- Hi Gavin. That happened to me as well. It's disappointing and frustrating, but it didn't cause any problems with the scar. K xox
- Thanks @lrb_03 well yesterdays visit provided some great news and some not so great. So summarise its a bit of dejavu:-
Two steps forward and one back, received the lab results from the post-surgery breast tissue with some great news and again not so great news.
Good News
The five nodes removed from Karen’s armpit have come back cancer free. We guessing and very grateful the cancer cells have not spread.Not so Great
The results from the breast tissue examination has given small indicators that some cancer cells remain, this means a second surgery is needed however it was recommended an MRI be completed first to see how much more tissue might be needing to be removed. This has brought us down a tad, but we will get back up and push through, the processes Karen went through prior the first surgery won/’t need to be done again before a second operation, it would however mean, opening up the same scare and cavity removing more tissue.At this stage the MRI Appoint 20th
