Newly diagnosed and learning
I've read through some posts and realise I have lots of gaps of knowledge about what I have. I know I have breast cancer, it's about 8cm, I know its spread to my armpit lymphs and now the nodes near ...
Forum Discussion
Hi Lillian. I imagine your head is spinning at the monent and you would be feelibg rather anxious. I know myself I cried a lot ...especially at night when thete was nobody awake to see me being brave. Knowing the stage doesn't really help at this point for you. All you need to know is that you have breast cancer and you are going to do everything to fight it.
I had a week to a page diary to write in appointments and questions as it fitted in my handbag. I also bought one of those squueze box type fold out folders (pink of course ) where I kept pathology, scripts, info from surgery stuff, appointment slips, copies of medical certificates...iptaas forms (I live far away from a major public hospital )
Start to plan things like scarves, caps, wigs. (Google chemo headgear Australia) Things to do during chemo like books, dvds, colouring books or just someone to sit and chat with you.
You might want to do some pre planning for meals that can be frozen to make life easier on chemo.
Financially I was able to use my Long service leave and claimed against my life insurance under a trauma component. You may be able to look at sickness benefits and carers allowances...but mostly this is if for 6 months or longer. But havibg children it might be different.
Have you a plan for you babies when unwell. Call on friends and family...share the load. Start enlisting help. Even a roster of someone just to be there during your first week following chemo cycles when not so well.
Okay...it's such a tough time for you. Planning helps to keep your mind busy.
I hope all goes well for you. Kath x
I had a week to a page diary to write in appointments and questions as it fitted in my handbag. I also bought one of those squueze box type fold out folders (pink of course ) where I kept pathology, scripts, info from surgery stuff, appointment slips, copies of medical certificates...iptaas forms (I live far away from a major public hospital )
Start to plan things like scarves, caps, wigs. (Google chemo headgear Australia) Things to do during chemo like books, dvds, colouring books or just someone to sit and chat with you.
You might want to do some pre planning for meals that can be frozen to make life easier on chemo.
Financially I was able to use my Long service leave and claimed against my life insurance under a trauma component. You may be able to look at sickness benefits and carers allowances...but mostly this is if for 6 months or longer. But havibg children it might be different.
Have you a plan for you babies when unwell. Call on friends and family...share the load. Start enlisting help. Even a roster of someone just to be there during your first week following chemo cycles when not so well.
Okay...it's such a tough time for you. Planning helps to keep your mind busy.
I hope all goes well for you. Kath x