Expanders, Chemo and being scared

You have come to the best place for support and advice.I had surgery and chemo,and I am 13 months past chemo now.I feel fantastic.However,I can remember being scared witless!! In the early days I had no clue as to how I was supposed to feel,or what I was supposed to do.This network was the best place for me to get support and help.I realised that what I was feeling was pretty normal,and there was always someone who had walked in my shoes!!!I definitely agree with Michelle that you could benefit from the reconstruction group.I have read nothing but great things about it.And also as she says,don't be scared,because BC is treatable these days.We are lucky to live in Australia,where treatment is about the best in the world.Please stay in touch on here,because I think that you will find that it really helps you.Cheers xoxRobyn

You have come to the best place for support and advice.I had surgery and chemo,and I am 13 months past chemo now.I feel fantastic.However,I can remember being scared witless!! In the early days I had no clue as to how I was supposed to feel,or what I was supposed to do.This network was the best place for me to get support and help.I realised that what I was feeling was pretty normal,and there was always someone who had walked in my shoes!!!I definitely agree with Michelle that you could benefit from the reconstruction group.I have read nothing but great things about it.And also as she says,don't be scared,because BC is treatable these days.We are lucky to live in Australia,where treatment is about the best in the world.Please stay in touch on here,because I think that you will find that it really helps you.Cheers xoxRobyn

So sorry you have had to join us, but this is the best place for comfort and support when you need it, and someone is always here 24/7.  We understand because we have been through it - the shock and disbelief, the initial fear, and then warrior-mode as we take up the fight against this rotten little bug.

So many of us have found our own lump (search for "who found their own lump?") and you will be surprised at how many stories are like your own - nothing one day and a lump the next.  You have obviously found it very quickly which is a great start, and you are over the biggest hurdle already with your surgery done.

If you join the reconstruction group, Louise has a mine of information on every topic you could raise or have questions about.  On the main site we have all been through chemo, radiation and surgery and can be supportive as you go through any of them.

Try to take things one day at a time.  Don't look too far ahead or it is overwhelming. Buy a file cover and keep copies of everything - reports and results especially; routines for chemo, appointments, accounts.  You are about to be very busy for the next few months.

Take care of yourself, and don't be afraid to accept help from friends and family.  And try not to be too afraid - it is a scary time, but these days BC is very treatable.  I am almost 3 years past surgery and feeling fit and healthy, so life does get better again.  And try to stay positive - it really helps - even though we will understand any reactions at all.  Sending you a big cyber hug.  xxx Michelle

So sorry you have had to join us, but this is the best place for comfort and support when you need it, and someone is always here 24/7.  We understand because we have been through it - the shock and disbelief, the initial fear, and then warrior-mode as we take up the fight against this rotten little bug.

So many of us have found our own lump (search for "who found their own lump?") and you will be surprised at how many stories are like your own - nothing one day and a lump the next.  You have obviously found it very quickly which is a great start, and you are over the biggest hurdle already with your surgery done.

If you join the reconstruction group, Louise has a mine of information on every topic you could raise or have questions about.  On the main site we have all been through chemo, radiation and surgery and can be supportive as you go through any of them.

Try to take things one day at a time.  Don't look too far ahead or it is overwhelming. Buy a file cover and keep copies of everything - reports and results especially; routines for chemo, appointments, accounts.  You are about to be very busy for the next few months.

Take care of yourself, and don't be afraid to accept help from friends and family.  And try not to be too afraid - it is a scary time, but these days BC is very treatable.  I am almost 3 years past surgery and feeling fit and healthy, so life does get better again.  And try to stay positive - it really helps - even though we will understand any reactions at all.  Sending you a big cyber hug.  xxx Michelle