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Liggyw's avatar
Liggyw
Member
11 years ago

Everything went Pear Shaped

This is my first time visiting this site and after reading some posts, I thought I would introduce myself. I went for a mammogram and ultrasound at the end of September on a Monday really just to tick the box now that I'm in my forties and that's where it all went pear shaped. 

I should have known something wasn't right when my doctor phoned me after only leaving the imaging place five minutes earlier.

They thought it might be a cyst so I wasn't overly worried but as they had indicated I would probably need a biopsy I booked one for the Wednesday - yep that's me, practical.

Saw my GP on the Tuesday morning expecting him to confirm that it was a cyst and that was when the world came crashing down. My 7yr old was in the waiting room and I still don't know how I smiled at him, got him in the car and drove home before calling my husband.

I spent my birthday having a core biopsy and somehow laughing at Facebook posts from numerous friends wishing me happy birthday and hoping that my boys were spoiling me.

If only they knew :) I am fortunate to have to most amazing GP who got me in to a great surgeon two days later on the Friday.

A week after that I had my lumpectomy. It was agressive and large so why didn't I feel anything when I check regularly?  I'm extremely lucky that it didn't go into my lymph nodes but they were 0.05mm short of a clear margin so for me it was two surgeries in one week and tested positive to that protein which means I also need herceptin.

My first chemo (AC) was last Friday and today is the first day I feel 'normal'. Weird food cravings, can't sleep, up at 'silly o'clock' in the morning and the ugliest rash I've ever seen but I got through the first one. 

I now have three more which means I will have finished the big gun stuff before my youngest starts Kindy.I then have 12 wks of once a week and herceptin followed by radiation and then hormones.  I just hope I don't grow balls.

So that's me ladies :) Sorry for the long winded introduction but I have to say it's been good therapy.  Any advice is welcome especially when it comes to protecting children. My boys are 8 and 5 yrs.  Leigh

6 Replies

  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    11 years ago

    Welcome to this site, you will find so much love and support on here, there is always someone that seems to be able to assist.

    I am 57 so no young children but I have young grandchildren and they were fine with my loss of hair. I ahve no idea what their parents told them but they didn't bat an eyelid at coming to the house and seeing me bald. I never went down the wig path I chose to wear scarves and hats and that didn't faze them at all. I do remember lamenting about how I looked and my grandson who was 7 at the time told me I was still beautiful. Now that no biggy except he has Aspbergers and they tend to be very literal in their comments.

    We are all here behind you, take care

    Donna

  • mgndam1603's avatar
    mgndam1603
    Member
    11 years ago

    Welcome to this site, you will find so much love and support on here, there is always someone that seems to be able to assist.

    I am 57 so no young children but I have young grandchildren and they were fine with my loss of hair. I ahve no idea what their parents told them but they didn't bat an eyelid at coming to the house and seeing me bald. I never went down the wig path I chose to wear scarves and hats and that didn't faze them at all. I do remember lamenting about how I looked and my grandson who was 7 at the time told me I was still beautiful. Now that no biggy except he has Aspbergers and they tend to be very literal in their comments.

    We are all here behind you, take care

    Donna

  • JPetrou's avatar
    JPetrou
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Leigh, I have a 5 yr old and 9 yr old and no hair. Half way through TC chemo. I also spoke to the school and I also let the kids cut my long hair which they loved and still talk about it. We had a lsugh. I wear a wig for school pickups and drop offs as my daughter keeps asking if I will wear it before we leave the house. I have worn hats and scarfs to go shopping etc but school seems to be the only sensitive place for her. We have cried together at times, think it actually helps them see that we have our down moments. They both now walk around and pat my head,my little one tickles me lots. He dosnt understand much, forgot to tell his kinder teacher, but he did!! You'll be surprised at how the kids will react. Happy to answer any questions. Good luck Julia
  • Liggyw's avatar
    Liggyw
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Liz

    Thank you for your message, it means a lot.  I'm pulling at my hair (gently) each day to see if today is the day and so far so good.  We've explained to my 8yr old that it the good medicine will make my hair fall out but I worry about the impact on them when it does and I don't want to cry in front of them. I've informed the priniciple of his school really just to give him a heads up (sorry for the pun) as I don't want him to be teased by his friends about the way I look or if they ask him questions, as kids do and he can't answer.  I've got hats etc so physically I'm all ready for it. Emotionally, as you know, I'm not so sure :) Any advice would be much appreciated.

    thanks again for getting in touch.

     

    Leigh

  • Liztay82's avatar
    Liztay82
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hello and welcome you are having the same chemo as me well I have finished my chemo and have 4 radiotherapy treatments left I have 3 boys 11,7 and 2 my 11 knows it's breast cancer but my 7 and 2 year old don't they just know the medican I have had has made my hair fall out and it's making me better any questions just ask