Forum Discussion
Overwhelmed
well 22/12/2016 is a day I'm not going to forget in a hurry. My partner and I where both called back for checks on 19/12 same day at breast screen. Sitting quietly in waiting room together and going thru all the follow ups, more scans and biopsy was a wee bit scary. Toni had hers all finished and all good to go then it was my turn. I was the last one in the waiting room feeling a little lost. Had my biopsy and set to go. The next 3 days couldn't come quick enough to get the results. Toni was first and phew all clear so tag team and she had to race back to our business and I headed in for my results. I'm only 48 all should be fine, hmm well I'm sorry Nadine but your results show you have breast cancer. Merry f*##ing Christmas. I have never felt so overwhelmed and scared at the same time. The staff at breast screen where fantastic and the whirlwind started of drs appointments etc. I will be seeing my surgeon on Thursday and trying to take this one step at a time. Trying to stay positive is hard but I'm getting there. Having support is the best and reading other stories has helped me settle my mind.
29 Replies
- Hi Marvin, you can always ask questions on here - we have a lot of stuff covered ;) Hugs Xx Cath
- Thanks Nadine
wow what a coincidence as there are not many of us around. And no im not a Leo but a Libra lol. Yep go nads was always a favorite for my previous work colleagues and always gave me a laugh.
Toni will be with me and I have a list of questions for the drs tomorrow. She is my strength at the moment and always. Hope your outcome has been positive.
Cheers
nadine - Nadi said:Hi Nadine. So sorry about your diagnosis and that you find yourself here. What a bloody awful coincidence that I too am named Nadine (Nads to my mates from school who always delighted in yelling out Go Nads! and Nadi to my family). I too am 48 (you don't happen to be a Leo as well, do you?). And I too was totally bloody shocked when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2015. No family history at all. The first few weeks are the hardest. It is such a whirlwind. But it does settle down. If possible it would be great to have Toni go with you to appointments. Having a second set of ears really helps as sometimes you get so lost in all the information that gets thrown at you that you don't take stuff in or you forget stuff. I really wish you all the best with your upcoming appointments. Sending strength to Toni as well because I know how hard it can be on our partners. Come on here anytime you want. I am a night owl and I am always surprised to see others online in the wee hours of the morning, so if you need to reach out during those times, do. We are here for you.
Sending hugs
Nadi - Hi Nads, Feeling overwhelmed is totally normal, there are still times when I feel like this when a new issue arrives. It will be very helpful if Toni can go with you on the medical visits. I found that I had no choice once this ride started, things were just out of my hands, but feel for our families who are watching us go through this, but they are dealing with this from a different perspective. I found the "My Journey Kit" invaluable to keep track of appointments, questions and costs.
The nights and quiet times are the worst, but this is normal and I shed many tears when no one was around. All I can really say is to take each step as it comes and sometimes they may seem very small and to look after yourself..
All the best Michelle - Thanks, I've just done that and my nearest McGrath nurse is 1 1/2 hours drive south, but I have a telephone number so I'll call her and see if she'll answer my questions.
- Hi Marvin - the McGrath Foundation has an area within their website where you put in your postcode and hopefully it will give you a contact of a nurse in your area otherwise there is a number to ring
http://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx
Hope that helps - Hi Nadine, I'm new to the site too as I only joined today. I'm also considered remote like Tracey (although I live in a town)and had to go away for 4 weeks of radiation treatment. I didn't get assigned a specific nurse and therein lies my (still existing) problem. My main advice is to get one of the specialist/oncologists to nominate a nurse you can turn to for advice, rather than be in my position where I'm not sure who to ask what of.
- Hi Nadine. So sorry about your diagnosis and that you find yourself here. What a bloody awful coincidence that I too am named Nadine (Nads to my mates from school who always delighted in yelling out Go Nads! and Nadi to my family). I too am 48 (you don't happen to be a Leo as well, do you?). And I too was totally bloody shocked when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2015. No family history at all. The first few weeks are the hardest. It is such a whirlwind. But it does settle down. If possible it would be great to have Toni go with you to appointments. Having a second set of ears really helps as sometimes you get so lost in all the information that gets thrown at you that you don't take stuff in or you forget stuff. I really wish you all the best with your upcoming appointments. Sending strength to Toni as well because I know how hard it can be on our partners. Come on here anytime you want. I am a night owl and I am always surprised to see others online in the wee hours of the morning, so if you need to reach out during those times, do. We are here for you.
Sending hugs
Nadi - Welcome to the site nights were difficult for me as well. I would go to bed and lie there and my brain wouldn't turn off. One day at a time once you get some sort of plan it helps, visit often
- Hi Nads. I live in the country so was not able to access as much support. The McGrath foundation nurses came t o my rescue filling in all the gaps on procedures and supporting me throughout. They are amazing and make everything so much easier. Your surgeon should refer one to you.
Is overwhelming at first but the people working and helping within the cancer industry are so kind and compassionate they make it all a whole lot better.
Tracey
