So hard to believe how your whole world can be turned upside down in one Dr's consultation. Breast Cancer...me???? It still seems unbelievable. Over the past 12 days I have been through the barrage of Mamograms, biopsies, Research programme, MRI, CT scans, blood tests. The bone scan to go and then in 2 more days I will be sitting in the Surgeons office for the first time to finally be informed of what I am really facing. I have been through a roller coaster of emotions, sad, scared, disbelief but am so blessed to have so much wonderful family and friends that love and support me. I feel resigned that there is no point stressing...it is what it is. I will be incredibly relieved if the surgeon's reports it is only what I have already been advised: 6.5cm mass and 6mm lump in right breast only and lymph nodes all positive for cancer. I will love my life and treat myself with all the love and respect I deserve. Deep breath...for today I will just breathe.

Welcome to the online network Linda:) This place,as you are about to discover,is the best place ever,for support and advice,as you begin and navigate your way through the Breast cancer experience.It is something that none of us wanted,but these days,in this wonderful country,BC is very treatable.Most ladies go on to live long,healthy lives.I was diagnosed 16 months ago.I have had a mastectomy and chemo,and I have never felt better!!!The best advice that I can give you at the moment,is to take things ONE DAY AT A TIME.Be guided by your doctors,because even though we have a lot in common,every one of us has a different diagnosis.Some things the same,some things not.Stay in touch on here as there is always someoneonline to chat to or ask advice of.All the best Linda.Cheers xoxRobyn

Thanks for your encouragment and support Robyn. So nice to be able to connect with others who are going through a similar journey. It doesn't feel so alone. I will be releived to get the official grading, at least knowing what I am dealing with I'm hoping will feel better than the agony of the dreaded wait. Lovely to hear from you. Linda xxx

Hi Linda, I am just a couple of steps in front of you. I was diagnosed on the 21st of jan, had that whirlwind of tests, where your head never really stops spinning, and you are still thinking really, me?? I have now had surgery and start chemo on the 6th of March. Feel very overwhelmed by it all. Any time you want to chat let me know. My knowledge and experienced is very very limited, but I have a fair idea how you are feeling! Look after yourself. Jecca

The beginning of my BC Journey | BCNA Online Network

LindaN
Member
11 years ago
Hi Emma. Thanks so much for your love and support. I saw Surgeon this week and am having a right mastectomy and full auxiliary clearance on Monday. I'm glad I don't have to wait long. Just so hard to believe this is happening to me and that I am going to lose my breast. I'm glad I live in a country where the surgery and treatment is available free of charge. Feeling glad I'm getting rid of the mass, (65 x 60 x 55mm) but scared of all that is ahead. All of you wonderful brave ladies have been through or are going through this, which encourages me that I will too pass through this. Thanks for the virtual hug honey, I need it. I can feel the tears just under the surface. Feeling vulnerable today as the reality begins to sink in. I would love to be able to read your blog, how do I do this? Take care LindaN xx
Emma_T
Member
11 years ago
Hi Linda, I'm sorry to hear of your diagnosis and I wish I could jump down the computer to give you a huge hug. Please know that I will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending you lots of love. I have kept an online blog of my journey and I would love to share this with you. It may help you through the steps of surgery and treatment but I completely understand if you prefer not to read it. Please know that your are not alone and that we are all here for you. This is an amazing group of online ladies. xxxx
Michelle_R
Member
11 years ago
Hi Linda,

Will be thinking of you tomorrow. Big hug.

For nights when you can't sleep - I found that if I kept earphones and a meditation CD next to the bed, it worked like a charm. I don't remember ever hearing the end of the CD. Mine was a yoga Samahdi, but there are good ones to download on youtube. It really helps.

xx Michelle
LindaN
Member
11 years ago
Nice to hear from you Shazza. I find myself awake in the middle of the night and hard to go back to sleep. I am seeing surgeon again tomorrow ( after 2 weeks wait ). Hope to have all results reported and know there's been a multidisciplinary team meeting about me so decision making time on surgery and treatment . Feel nervous but wanting to get on with it. I can feel the lump in my breast which is uncomfortable at times when I'm sleeping. Time to eliminate this foreign being from my body ! So I hope to have more of a plan tomorrow than I have for the past month since diagnosis. I hope you recover quickly from the surgery Hun. Thanks again for sharing with me. I will listen to my body. Fatigue is the biggie right now. Love it you. Linda N xx
shaza2015
Member
11 years ago
I feel for you Linda. I pray that's what it is. Mine was in the left breast, 3.8cm or 5cm depending on what result you see, and a lymph node size 1.7cm. Thankfully the scans were clear as I pray yours to be. I've just had the mastectomy and left axillary clearance on Friday and now have these uncomfortable drains.thank heavens for the bags and support from a variety of sources including family and friends. Its best to accept while staying positive and strong is what I've been advised repeatedly.

We're so lucky that we're so supported by such caring services and breast cancer is so treatable as Robyn also mentioned. Indeed take it a day at a time and listen to your body and what it needs. This is time you need for you and to be looked after. Will be rooting for you. Regards, Shaza.
LindaN
Member
11 years ago
That's it Jecca. One minute you're in charge of things in your life and then boom... Others are taking charge ( to help save our lives, I know). It certainly takes some adjusting. Once I get an idea of plan ahead I think I'll be able to settle more. It's great to have this website to hear others stories, while everyone is different , there is encouragement I'm not alone in the fear, anxiety and emotional roller coaster. Also mentally bracing for the tough days ahead with treatment and post surgery. What a beautiful group of supportive women Linda x
Jecca
Member
11 years ago
I understand where you are coming from Linda. It's the fact that you have no control over such a major thing happening in your life. It had been driving me mad!
LindaN
Member
11 years ago
Hi Hazel Thanks for the moral support. That's not bad going to get to surgery in 4 weeks hey. Another 2 weeks and I'll have a plan. Sounds like there's lots of waiting so I may as well get used to being patient! Love and kind thoughts to you Linda x
Hazel_M
Member
11 years ago
I went through the public system in Brisbane, I was diagnosed mid September, waited 2 weeks to see surgeon, then another 2 weeks till surgery. Lumpectomy, mid Oct. The results from pathology after operation took a few weeks. The waiting seems endless. No secondaries is good news for you, all the best Linda,

Hazel xx
Hazel_M
Member
11 years ago
I went through the public system in Brisbane, I was diagnosed mid September, waited 2 weeks to see surgeon, then another 2 weeks till surgery. Lumpectomy, mid Oct. The results from pathology after operation took a few weeks. The waiting seems endless. No secondaries is good news for you, all the best Linda,

Hazel xx