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Janine60's avatar
Janine60
Member
8 years ago

Trying to make sense of it all.....

What I am feeling like at the moment, as I wait is that sometimes I feel like - I am not wording this so well, sometimes I feel like a bit of a fraud - being Grade1 and probably Stage 1 as well - maybe stage 2 but only on the cusp of it.I feel that with treatment things will be ok. I will breeze through it and that it will be like any other condition that I might be diagnosed with. Conversely, I have a bit of a wobbly day and think, no, breast cancer is a serious thing and I need to be mindful that life will change as I know it. I swing between both ideas and struggle with getting a real sense of how it will affect my life and that of my family's. With other people who have a similar diagnosis, have you felt similar??

I think half of the issue is that I have initiated all resourses myself  - ordering the breast care kit, getting in contact with the breast care nurses. I knew I would need support so mobilised that myself. Even though I had a lumpectomy just prior to Christmas, I have had not had any contact with any professionals who can tell me what is going to happen.  I have really no one to talk to. My mum passed away from breast cancer nearly four years ago. She had Grade 3, stage 4 that had already metastised to the liver on her diagnosis. She got 15 months. The breast care nurses have been lukewarm. They have given some information but not everything that I need.

What I am really looking for is some validation around what I am feeling and how other people managed it in the early days. Given my episode of breast cancer is only Grade 1, how much impact did the diagnosis and treatment have on peoples lives?

Sorry for the whinge - I really don't know how to feel.

Thanks. Janine.

42 Replies

  • Im in the same boat as you. but grade 3 stage 2a i had my surgery a couple weeks before Christmas and haven't heard anything since then either . Tried ringing but everyone seems to not know either. I feel the same as you bit anxious but probably because when you don't hear anything it feels like you've been forgotten about. 
  • @Janine60 its ok to be unsure how to feel about this..... we all react differently to our diagnosis no matter what staging or grade it is .... 
    have you given the lovely BCNA helpline a ring ? I have heard they are lovely to chat with and can give some reassurance about what is next. 

    I am sure others who have similar BC staging will give you some wise words and comforting ideas to deal with the days ahead. 

    My advice breathe in and out then take a step forward one at a time.... it will soon be easier you will know what is happening when and that will in itself be comforting. 

     BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258
    If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258.  The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.