After finding out just over a week ago I have breast cancer my week has been crazy with test and appointment as you all would know being only 23 I am finding it most hard to take in all the information I start treatment in a week it is just moving all so fast. It's hard to get my head around the fact that I feel well fit and healthy but I'm actually sick and Doctors are going to make me sick to get me better when I feel well. Maybe that's just me?

Hi. I'm Teresa and I just joined tonight. It's amazing the amount of people diagnosed with this everyday. I'm up to having to chemo but what you wrote had an instant effect on me. I'm 31 with a child under 2 and a hubby. We found out that I had breast cancer in mid May and since then had the mastectomy, lymph nodes removed and now up to chemo. I wanted to go through it quickly, like a band aid. I knew all my decisions were going to be the right ones so why wait. I'm up to stage of how to keep focused during treatment. I'm going to try everything, yoga, counseling, relaxation, distractions, and the list goes on. I'll let you know how I go. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this. Hope to chat again soon. Take care xxx

Welcome Lorraine,and Teresa, to the online network:)This place is so amazing for support and advice while you go through your treatment.No question is silly,and there is always someone here for you.I am 59, and I was diagnosed last September 2nd.Like you Lorraine,I could never quite grasp the fact that I felt so well,but I was so unwell!! I had a mastectomy,then chemo followed.I actually didn't find it too bad,and apart from a few days each round,when I was definitely fatigued,the rest of the time I was pretty good.If there is one thing I could tell you to do during chemo,it would be to make sure you get out and walk EVERY day.It really does help with the fatigue.All the best with your treatment,and stay on touch on here for support and advice.CheersxoxRobyn

Hey teresa i would love to hear how you go ! I am having treatment before i have the mastectomy ! I am just a stress head atm im sure i will be fine i have amazing family and friends behind me for support.i wish you and your family all the best while your having treament !

Welcome girls! Lorraine, I too struggled with feeling fine and being told I had breast cancer at 27. If you need to have a vent about it all please feel free to send me a message. It's all a bit hard at the start, as it literally feels like you are on a roundabout and can't get off. The best piece of advice I can give you is.....try and stay positive! Xxxx

Head fry | BCNA Online Network

24 Replies

Karen_T
Member
12 years ago
You are 100% right on it being a head fry! You won't believe this but it does settle down and get a bit easier after you get though the surgery and test result wait. Reading people's stories in here was such a help for me - knowing that needing a second surgery is common ment I took that news much better not being a total shock. I too found myself in a fertility clinic and having tests left right and center but once that part is done it's done. There is a Facebook page called surrounded by young pink sisters (????) request a join. I just have and they are just as lovely as everyone in here :-) I also found a website called The SCAR Project helpful as it is tasteful empowering portraits of young ladies after breast cancer surgery. Having a realistic idea of what to expect helps get your head around things. I am glad you have a good support team and found this site. Wishing you all the best through this shitty adventure. Xx
BecJ
Member
12 years ago
Yeah bad dream I can relate to that at the start. You have gone through so much so quickly and your still trying to get your head around. You have cancer. Strange as it may seem but you will find new routines or ways of doing things and start living through the treatment. I think it's hard but simpler when you have kids because you just have to do it. It maybe your more tired like me than some because you don't get to say I'm to tired I'll go to bed whenever you need too. Pace yourself as much as you can. I found pop corn a blanket and extra movies are worth it. So I could be with the kids even if I was not up to much playing. Jelly for you is good and the kids generally like it. Even before or afternoon care at the school the week of chemo. It's all about getting through it. X
BecJ
Member
12 years ago
Yeah bad dream I can relate to that at the start. You have gone through so much so quickly and your still trying to get your head around. You have cancer. Strange as it may seem but you will find new routines or ways of doing things and start living through the treatment. I think it's hard but simpler when you have kids because you just have to do it. It maybe your more tired like me than some because you don't get to say I'm to tired I'll go to bed whenever you need too. Pace yourself as much as you can. I found pop corn a blanket and extra movies are worth it. So I could be with the kids even if I was not up to much playing. Jelly for you is good and the kids generally like it. Even before or afternoon care at the school the week of chemo. It's all about getting through it. X
Annie_Walters
Member
12 years ago
Wow, I feel less alone for reading your stories, thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed aged 42 (so not so young!), on June 6 and have had lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy and now FEC chemo. I'm exhausted and nauseous on the chemo, but only started last Monday, so I guess I have to give it time. I'm trying to save my energy for two primary aged children. I sometimes still wonder what's happened? Does anyone else feel trapped in a bad dream and think they will wake up soon? It's lovely to read your positive messages and hear from others going through the same experience. Thank you.
Annie_Walters
Member
12 years ago
Wow, I feel less alone for reading your stories, thank you for sharing. I was diagnosed aged 42 (so not so young!), on June 6 and have had lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy and now FEC chemo. I'm exhausted and nauseous on the chemo, but only started last Monday, so I guess I have to give it time. I'm trying to save my energy for two primary aged children. I sometimes still wonder what's happened? Does anyone else feel trapped in a bad dream and think they will wake up soon? It's lovely to read your positive messages and hear from others going through the same experience. Thank you.
Anonymous
12 years ago
Thank you to everyone for sharing their knowledge. It's very empowering. Good luck to everyone on their journey and I hope to catch you next time I'm online.
BecJ
Member
12 years ago
Xx
mandac369
Member
12 years ago
Welcome Teresa and Lorraine

It is terribly sad that you have to deal with this. I was diagnosed 11 months ago one week before my 44th birthday ....no symptoms but tiredness for so long that I just thought it was how life was...now after a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, life is getting back to normal but it is a new kind of normal.

I wanted to say - yes stay positive - but allow yourselves days to feel miserable too. I struggle with people saying how brave I am - because when it comes down to it...you just do what you have to do. You have to change course occasionally and there are always reminders that your life is not the same it was. This site will remind you to laugh and to cry. Reading the funny things about chemo really helped on days when I felt terrible. We are here when you need support.

Amanda
Julia44
Member
12 years ago
Hi,

forgot to say make sure you get a my journey kit free from this site. You can order online from the new diagnosis page or ring

My Journey Kit is a free, comprehensive information resource for women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.

You can order the kit online, or by phoning 1800 500 258.

Julia
Jess_BCNA
Member
12 years ago
Hi lorrainej ~ my name is Jess and I am from BCNA. Just wanted to jump in and let you know about the 'Young women support' group that you might like to check out. Here is the link http://www.bcna.org.au/group/5157

You may have already had a look, but there is also some information here for young women diagnosed with breast cancer on this page: http://www.bcna.org.au/about-breast-cancer/young-women

I hope the network gives you a place to connect with others and share your experiences. Just want to let you know that If you need a hand with anything just give me a shout : )

Jess

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Head fry

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