Thank you and Hello
I’ve been a member of this unique club since diagnosis in Jan 2019 and as some have written, chose not to be an immediate contributor. I feel moved today to say hello and say a humble thank you to those contributors who have provided some of the most thoughtful, uplifting and honest advice that to members in such angst and crying out for additional support.
My journey todate ...
Mammogram taken in November and would you believe I was rung on Dec 17 to say follow up required to which I said yes sure I’ll come in tomorrow and have a further mammogram. The response floored me - no we are closed tomorrow for Christmas but I’ll pop you in on Jan 10. So I gave my happy Christmas back ... what was the point of telling me prior to Christmas ...
Biopsy confirmed ILC 3cms so Lumpectomy surgery and SNL Biopsy 31 Jan with unclear margins and clear lymph nodes. Further lumpectomy and armpit drain last week with reported clear margins. Unfortunately I am producing fluid at a rate of knots so 3 drainings later I now have an infection and purple armpit. My surgeon and GP are just lovely and so responsive - even ticking the bulk bill box when I’m going private!.. But it’s wait wait wait as we all experience that is the absolute worst ! and having spent most of my life a woman in control of most things - WTF !!
So, I’ve done a real head spin on my diet since diagnosis, not that it was bad or that I wasn’t into exercise. Was able to get to the gym 2 days after my first lumoectomy without issue. But I’ve rehashed what I can and can’t eat so many times having made the mistake of referring to DR Google. No red meat, no almonds, yes almonds, no soy, yes soy, no tomatoes, only organic, no dairy, no sugar, no alcohol, no fuji, apples, only walnuts in shells... the list goes on and on contradicting on... in the meantime I’ve almost destroyed the only real stable aspect in my life - my wonderful supportive partner of 18 years.
I guess we all process in different ways and mine has been to desperately try and control my physical state. Just letting go is 3 simple yet very condescendingly complex words.... I am trying to go with 1 step at a time and at times so scary ...
I marvel at those of you juggling work, juggling children responsibilities or having no immediate support around you and yet you are getting there...
I see my Oncologist for the first time bright and early Monday morning and I hope for minimally invasive treatment ....
1 step at a time and thank you again ... and yes the club sucks but hey whilst we have joined how lucky are we to have found this space to support one another 💕
My journey todate ...
Mammogram taken in November and would you believe I was rung on Dec 17 to say follow up required to which I said yes sure I’ll come in tomorrow and have a further mammogram. The response floored me - no we are closed tomorrow for Christmas but I’ll pop you in on Jan 10. So I gave my happy Christmas back ... what was the point of telling me prior to Christmas ...
Biopsy confirmed ILC 3cms so Lumpectomy surgery and SNL Biopsy 31 Jan with unclear margins and clear lymph nodes. Further lumpectomy and armpit drain last week with reported clear margins. Unfortunately I am producing fluid at a rate of knots so 3 drainings later I now have an infection and purple armpit. My surgeon and GP are just lovely and so responsive - even ticking the bulk bill box when I’m going private!.. But it’s wait wait wait as we all experience that is the absolute worst ! and having spent most of my life a woman in control of most things - WTF !!
So, I’ve done a real head spin on my diet since diagnosis, not that it was bad or that I wasn’t into exercise. Was able to get to the gym 2 days after my first lumoectomy without issue. But I’ve rehashed what I can and can’t eat so many times having made the mistake of referring to DR Google. No red meat, no almonds, yes almonds, no soy, yes soy, no tomatoes, only organic, no dairy, no sugar, no alcohol, no fuji, apples, only walnuts in shells... the list goes on and on contradicting on... in the meantime I’ve almost destroyed the only real stable aspect in my life - my wonderful supportive partner of 18 years.
I guess we all process in different ways and mine has been to desperately try and control my physical state. Just letting go is 3 simple yet very condescendingly complex words.... I am trying to go with 1 step at a time and at times so scary ...
I marvel at those of you juggling work, juggling children responsibilities or having no immediate support around you and yet you are getting there...
I see my Oncologist for the first time bright and early Monday morning and I hope for minimally invasive treatment ....
1 step at a time and thank you again ... and yes the club sucks but hey whilst we have joined how lucky are we to have found this space to support one another 💕
