Hi,I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Thursday the 8th November. My eldest child finishes school this year and we were meant to be heading off to Europe on the 28th November for the trip of a lifetime which had been in the planning for 2 years and now I face the biggest challenge of my life and I'm absolutely terrified. My anxiety levels are through the roof and I can't sleep. I feel totally consumed by this cancer diagnosis. I saw my GP yesterday who is trying to get me into see my surgeon ASAP but I have to wait until Monday until I'll know some more. How do I get through the weekend and the weeks ahead?

Hi @CathyMac,im typing this while I lay on the couch recovering from my lumpectomy and node removal yesterday. I am only 50 and was quite surprised to discover I had breast cancer on 24/10/18. The worst weeks are the ones when you don’t know what you’re dealing with and what the future holds, but it gets easier. I’m still waiting for pathology results and this will determine my path. While it’s probably not for everyone, I’ve found that being open and sharing my diagnosis with my work colleagues, friends and family to be the best decision I’ve made to date. The outpouring of support and kindness has lifted my spirits and made me feel very cherished. I’ve also had people tell me about their cancer and discussed their treatments which has helped me a lot. I wish you well, stay positive and take it a day at a time. Tracey.

You can do this Cathy, you’ve got this you are a strong person with a loving family surrounding you.This is the start of becoming healthy.Excercise, throw yourself into some housework or gardening to take your mind of things.Meditation is really good, listen to some relaxation music and concentrate on your breath.Spoil yourself and get a relaxation massage.❤️Sending big hugs your way xx

As others have said @CathyMac try focusing on the fact that you are taking control and acting - getting that cancer out of your body. At the hospital where I had my surgery, they had small balconies off each room with the doors firmly locked. I can remember joking (or trying) to my surgeon that it was really so we couldn't escape while we were waiting to be taken down to surgery. I was positive but very anxious - it's normal and if you can be given something for the anxiety, take it. When the anaesthetist was putting the drugs in one arm ready for surgery, my surgeon was holding the other to reassure me (apparently, it's normal practice for him).You will get through this.

You were lucky @Sister to have such a wonderful surgeon. In the 3 surgeries I had this year I never saw my surgeon once in the theatre. I saw everyone else though and they were awesome. Maybe he was having a quick coffee before he started. ( I can't believe how many people are actually in the theatre. ) I still remember for the first surgery though the surgeon registrar who was helping rubbed my arm and looked right at me and said everything will be fine and they would look after me. I never saw him again until after my last surgery the following day as he had pulled the short straw in the weekend to check on patients and I told him I had remembered him and what effect his kindness had on me that first time. ( they usually only hear the complaints) Isn't it funny small gestures make a huge difference when we are at our most vulnerable.@CathyMac You will get through this. I can honestly say my mastectomy surgery was not as bad as I thought it would be as I had little pain albeit with the help of some great drugs LOl. But totally doable. ( I didn't have reconstruction ) Al the best and big Hugs. <3

Thank you lovelies❤️ for all your reassuring words. I'm terrified but determined. It's been the year from hell for me and the trip was my light at the end of the tunnel but it now seems I was not challenged enough. I just want this cancer out of my body and I hate every day that I know it's still part of me.

Terrified of what lies ahead! | BCNA Online Network

138 Replies

SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
Tracey2800 I live in Bathurst
Tracey2800
Member
7 years ago
Good advice @arpie, I’ll do a post now. I live in Orange NSW.
arpie
Member
7 years ago
@Tracey2800 hahaha ..... a few of us say it here ;) you're in good company!! :) Some of us have a wicked sense of humour too, which has helped ME thru this shit 12 months (it is 12 months this week since mine was detected .... had checkups yesterday.)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/19807/a-bit-naughty-but-funny-show-us-your-naughty-ones#latest

Feel free to put a post up of your story 'on it's own' so others can jump on & offer support - where abouts are you (roughly) - we may have other members nearby with tips to help you as you move on to your next treatment. xx
Tracey2800
Member
7 years ago
Thank you @CathyMac and @arpie, I’m known for saying ‘onwards and upwards’ it’s become a bit of a catch cry of mine so your comment made me smile xx
arpie
Member
7 years ago
Yes, @CathyMac - it can be quite claustrophobic & the noise is most peculiar! xxx

All the best for your recovery now, @Tracey2800 - onwards & upwards xxx
CathyMac
Member
7 years ago
@Tracey2800, I am sorry that you find yourself here too! I am certainly feeling a certain amount of relief since seeing the surgeon yesterday. I'm glad your journey to recovery is underway. I've also found being open and honest the best path. I have felt totally wrapped up in love.
Take care and keep us posted.❤️❤️
Tracey2800
Member
7 years ago
Hi @CathyMac,
im typing this while I lay on the couch recovering from my lumpectomy and node removal yesterday. I am only 50 and was quite surprised to discover I had breast cancer on 24/10/18. The worst weeks are the ones when you don’t know what you’re dealing with and what the future holds, but it gets easier. I’m still waiting for pathology results and this will determine my path.
While it’s probably not for everyone, I’ve found that being open and sharing my diagnosis with my work colleagues, friends and family to be the best decision I’ve made to date. The outpouring of support and kindness has lifted my spirits and made me feel very cherished. I’ve also had people tell me about their cancer and discussed their treatments which has helped me a lot.
I wish you well, stay positive and take it a day at a time.
Tracey.
CathyMac
Member
7 years ago
Wow! I had a breast MRI this morning and I was not mentally prepared for that experience. Firstly, they couldn't find a good vein for the cannula and had to use an ultra sound to find a vein so I was feeling a bit whoozy after that and then straight into the machine and I wasn't prepared for the extreme noise and the type of noise. I think I was right on the verge of a panic attack. Glad to have that behind me.
arpie
Member
7 years ago
That is terrific news @CathyMac ... it is great to have a plan .... your rads prob won’t start til mid Jan, so plenty of time to recover from the surgery and hopefully enjoy Xmas and New Year. I had a lumpectomy and was amazed how quickly I ‘bounced back’ ....

@Wonk ... terrific results too .... all the best for your Going treatment xxx

@Mjheke ..... glad to hear you are doing well xxx-
SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
It is the circle of BC on this forum we all help each other ride the bloody roller coaster from hell

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Terrified of what lies ahead!

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