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RachMay's avatar
RachMay
Member
15 years ago

Diagnosed with BC

What an insane couple of weeks we have had. I have Cancer.  Early Breast Cancer apparently.  It's just the weirdest thing to have Cancer.  Not one other person in my whole extended family had ever had any form of Cancer and at 39 with two kids, 5 & 6 years old, I get diagnosed. The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of doctors and information and in 1 week I get my left breast removed.  How crazy is that? The good news is it's stage 1-2 so quite small but calcium deposits are in the breast that increase the risk of it returning so the whole breast has to go.  I actually feel ok about it, I feel sort of lucky that I got it early because I know I could easily have chosen to ignore it.  The amount of support from everywhere has been unbelievable.  When anyone hears the word 'cancer' they automatically assume the worst and there have been many tears, not mine.  I've spent quite a lot of time convincing others that I'm not going to die and I'm going to be ok which I am sure should be the other way around. 

4 Replies

  • MandaMoo's avatar
    MandaMoo
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi rachmay

    I too welcome you.  I had a similar start back in February so a little further down the track - halfway through my chemo.  I have three kids - 4,6 and 9 and I'm 38.  I had a mastectomy too so feel free to fire questions my way.  I too found I was supporting a lot of others and 99% of the time I feel positive!  Sometimes it is much harder to be a carer and what someone you love go through this.  We have great inbuilt defense mechanisms - use them - there is plenty of time to process later.  

    I wish you the best for your surgery and know we are all here to share and experiences, ears and shoulders! 

    Take Care,

    Amanda xx

  • RachMay's avatar
    RachMay
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Tonya

     

    Thanks for the advice, it's great.  I feel ok so far but not sure if I'm really registering what it's going to be like.  I just keep putting it in perspective and a breast isn't really that important compared to some alternatives, atleast I will be around for my children, and that makes me feel grateful straight away.  I guess I will see in 1 week.  I'm looking forward to being a part of this great supportive community.

     

    Rachel

  • chemostyle's avatar
    chemostyle
    Member
    15 years ago

    Welcome to the club of Brave/Beautiful/Happy & Fiesty people, as you are becoming one.  Amazing journey, yet like a Ferris wheel ride ... you will get off, and move on with greater self-discovery through the journey, and your family is there waiting for you at the bottom of the Ferris wheel with welcoming arms and smiles.   There will be ups and downs, then ups and downs again.  But your love ones never stop watching you from the bottom, as they will be there accepting you through your journey

    Feeris Wheel

    My little gift to you from a friend who had recovered from her own illness. It has help me through ..

    To all the brave women here!!

    http://www.bcna.org.au/network/groups/10661/blog/14343

  • louiseg's avatar
    louiseg
    Member
    15 years ago

    Welcome to the club that no-one wants to be a member of!  You will find so much empathy and information from everyone on this site - it's amazing!  I know it helped me get through it all :D

    It really does feel like a whirlwind, doesn't it?  It is great that your cancer has been caught so early.  Best of luck with your treatment and check in with us all and let us know how you are going

    Louise :)