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JoB's avatar
JoB
Member
8 years ago

Not the best start to 2018

Don't really know what to say, so here goes

Was over the moon just over a week ago, I was so excited to have booked flight's back home to the UK to celebrate Christmas 2018 with our family and friends.  Two days later I found a lump in my breast and it's been confirmed this week that I have 2 lumps in my left breast (Grade 2) and I have to have surgery. I think I am still in complete shock and just keep thinking why me?  There is no history of breast cancer in our family.  I have never been part of a forum before but looking through some of the post's yesterday I thought this would be good for me.  I know I have a long road ahead and I am positive but also so scared.  It is tough with all our family being in the UK but we have some very good friends here who will be very supportive.

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  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    8 years ago
    Welcome to the network @JoB
    Yes, it is always a shock but you are a woman and are stronger than you think.
    The ladies on here are so supportive and you may make some good friends along the way - sometimes you just ''click'' from reading posts and can message each other privately rather than on the open forum.
    Don't panic until you have information of the treatments being planned as your trip may still be very possible - and that plan will give you a great boost along the way.
    Check out the available groups on here, too, as one may suit you (like the Younger Womens group).  If you give an indication in your next post of your rough location ladies who live nearby will certainly make contact and support you.
    All the best
    Summer   :)
  • smokie08's avatar
    smokie08
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi  @JoB 

    Sorry you had to join the forum but as was said before it is invaluable.  I am form the UK as well so am in the same boat as you every one is still back there.  But it sounds like you have a good support network which is good.  Its a tough journey but you will get there in the end.  We are planning a trip back next year for parents Golden wedding, Fathers 70th and my 50th.  What part of the UK are you from we are from Somerset (where the cider apples grow!!!) 

    It all seems a bit surreal at the start but all the appointments and hospital visits become second nature after a while and i know it sounds stupid but when you reach the end you kind of miss it ( that's where i am now Crazy!!!!)

    Take care and best whishes
     :) 
  • Afraser's avatar
    Afraser
    Member
    8 years ago
    It is a shock but most people find it easier to come to terms with it all when they have more details about their diagnosis and proposed treatment. I hope you will do so too. Sadly no family history of cancer (of any kind) doesn't protect as you might hope - I was in the same boat. Also hard with family at such a distance. SoldierCrab has provided some really good links, and they will be lots of people here to help you on the road ahead. Think positive if you can. I had stage 2, HER positive, 5 years ago and just went through my check ups at the end of last year with no evidence of disease (or NED, a word we like!). Best wishes.
  • Milly21's avatar
    Milly21
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi 
    I have never been part of a forum and wasn't sure it was my thing,but I have found it to be invaluable and great place to ask questions and get support. I remember those why me feeling well and this can't really be happening, I wish you lots of love ❤️ 
  • SoldierCrab's avatar
    SoldierCrab
    Member
    8 years ago
    Good Morning @JoB 
    sorry you have had need to join us, we are a supportive bunch of men and women affected by BC.


    here are some links for you 

    The what and how thread. (how to use the forum) go to the first page on post and then you see any help you need. 

    http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1 

    Breast Care Nurses Do  you have one yet ? you can find your nearest on the below link.

    https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx ;

    My Journey Kits and other resources. Have you ordered a Kit yet. 

    https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/


    Breathe and take it one step at a time. 

    SoldierCrab

  • RachelG's avatar
    RachelG
    Member
    8 years ago
    Welcome @JoB, I remember those feelings of shock and thinking why me. This website has been so valuable to me with advice, tips and hearing everyone's unique story. I am from NZ, so like you my friends and family are back home but just getting messages and phone calls really does help you get through those tough days. I have triple negative breast cancer and I am half way through chemo now, surgery will be after that for me. I had no family history and still awaiting my gene testing results. Keep positive, focus on what you can achieve at the moment and keep doing the things you love and enjoy. Rachel x
  • Sister's avatar
    Sister
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @JoB. You will find so much info, advice and support on this network from women who have gone through this.  I'm only a month from diagnosis and I spent ages trawling through the different discussions to familiarise myself with options and terminology so that I had questions to ask the medical people and some reassurance about what might be to come. It is shocking and terrifying but just try to focus on what is immediately ahead and come online when you need support or advice.
  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    8 years ago
    Thinking of you @JoB. I know you will get lots of support on here and from your friends here and your family in the UK. It must be terribly stressful having booked your trip and then finding out you have breast cancer. It is a long road, but take it step by step. The Cancer Council has excellent counsellors and nurses as does BCNA. Use them, they help a lot with all kinds of issues. I still think why me? at times. All the best. x