Newly Diagnosed and trying to cope
Hi my name is Suzie and I found a lump 1 week prior to christmas whilst checking my breasts in the shower. My lump is under my right breast just above the breast bone. I had one biopsy done with the r...
Forum Discussion
Zoffiel said:@Suzie82 I think you are making a good start by documenting what is happening to you, day by day, right from the beginning. We all think the whole business will be seared on our memories forever, but it is concerning how many details we lose. It's a tough ride, and the levels overlap as you get further into it.
I had (and still have) a big folder with a diary in it and sheet protectors to store ALL my test results, appointments, specialist contacts, experiences in hospital. Who was on shift through your chemo/surgery. Who you saw in ED when it all turned to shit. The lot. All the stuff you hope the staff will know if you are admitted to hospital. Or if you have to recall someone's name six months (or sometimes six minutes) after you've met them and explain what they told you to someone who thinks you are high as a kite or deluded.
There is great comfort for some of us, and I suspect you may be one, in keeping track of stuff. As an old librarian who now splits her time between a museum and the building department, I'm a sucker for order when I expect that to be the norm
I still love my folder.14 years after my first diagnosis. I don't drag the original around to every appointment any more, but everything still goes into it.
It's early days, best of luck. Mxx
Zoffiel said:@Suzie82 I think you are making a good start by documenting what is happening to you, day by day, right from the beginning. We all think the whole business will be seared on our memories forever, but it is concerning how many details we lose. It's a tough ride, and the levels overlap as you get further into it.
I had (and still have) a big folder with a diary in it and sheet protectors to store ALL my test results, appointments, specialist contacts, experiences in hospital. Who was on shift through your chemo/surgery. Who you saw in ED when it all turned to shit. The lot. All the stuff you hope the staff will know if you are admitted to hospital. Or if you have to recall someone's name six months (or sometimes six minutes) after you've met them and explain what they told you to someone who thinks you are high as a kite or deluded.
There is great comfort for some of us, and I suspect you may be one, in keeping track of stuff. As an old librarian who now splits her time between a museum and the building department, I'm a sucker for order when I expect that to be the norm
I still love my folder.14 years after my first diagnosis. I don't drag the original around to every appointment any more, but everything still goes into it.
It's early days, best of luck. Mxx
Hi Zoffiel
Thank you for your message. Yes I agree with you with things getting so overwheling sometimes we forget even the smallest important things which can be most helpful maybe now or later down the track.This is one of the reasons I wanted to start my journal for my journey. That's awesome that you have a folder to store all of your results and letters etc. Never let anyone make you feel like you don't matter because you do we all matter. Some people just don't understand what it is like as they have not been through what you have and haven't walked in your shoes as the saying goes. You should be proud you have things in order as it is important and it shows you are dedicated and focussed. How ever you choose to spend your time whether it be in the museum or the building department it is what ever is most comfotable or enjoyable for you and what works best for you. Thank you for your kind wishes and best of luck to you also xo