Forum Discussion

pennyy's avatar
pennyy
Member
15 years ago

And so it begins....

I have no idea if i am doing this right - have never blogged before and have only started reading blogs in the past couple of months.  Thought of creating one myself but I certainly wasn't thinking it would be about Cancer.

1st August 2011 - going to bed and felt a lump in my left breast.  Didn't think much of it but knew I should see a doctor to confirm I shouldn't worry about it.  Went to GP who didn't think it was anything, but recommended Mammogram & Ultrasound to be sure, they were inconclusive, but didn't seem bad, suggested core biopsy to be sure.  News three days later was not good - so CT scan, bone scan, MRI, chest x-ray, blood tests, two more biopsies, mastectomy, axillary clearance and lots of pain drugs later, here I am.  Where to now???  Meet with Oncologist on Monday for 6-8 months of chemo followed by Radiation Therapy for 2-3 months and a breast reconstruction if I want after that.  Not at all what I was planning for the next 12 months.  Queensland holiday in Nov 2011, return to Uni in Feb 2012, watch my oldest son start school and youngest son start 3 year old kinder,  New York for Christmas for my 40th Birthday - they were my plans.  Cancer sucks

2 Replies

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    15 years ago

    Yes cancer sucks alright.You look way too young to have to face this disease.I am so sorry you had to have a mastectomy.I had mine last year,followed by some chemo.It takes some getting used to -physically,mentally,emotionally. You are probably still trying to get your head around what just happened.It's like getting caught up in a twister.Yes the treatments are hard but the good news is that many more of us are surviving and getting our lives back.Blog away here anytime you are scared or want information.You are not alone -we know what you are going through.

                                              Tonya xx

  • danielle_ghilar's avatar
    danielle_ghilar
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Pennyy,

    Please do not let cancer spoil any of your plans. I have been through the same as you and i know everyone is different but a new york holiday timed on the right weeks of my chemo would of been bliss.

    You will still be there for your children. My daughter started school the year i had chemo also and yeah there are a few bad days here and there but it was not as bad as i had expected.

    I have had no treatment this year only tamoxifen and reconstruction surgeries and i am starting nursing next year at university. You can do it babe. Your plans do not have to change just because of your diagnosis.

    As for your first blog being about cancer, yeah it sucks but you will be overwhelmed with the amount of support you will receive from all the lovely ladies involved with BCNA. I want to welcome you to breast friends i hope that you find it another branch off of your support network. I am definately no expert but i have been there not so long ago so i understand.

    Good luck with your oncologist meeting, its a good idea to write any questions or concerns down  that you have before hand. Your oncologist will clear everything up and then its not so scary.

    Have a good weekend

    Danielle xx