I want this thing out of me now!

Hi Jo

I am so happy to hear that you are feeling positive at the moment - there is no reason for you not to be, you know.  I think my mind was more blank than positive - are you a normally optimistic person?  I am very accepting of most things, having been through some major life changing surgeries before - not two knees though!

I am not working either right now and will have to wait until all this is over before I can look for another job.  That's my biggest worry because of being on my own but again, I have had to learn to trust people and borrow and sell what I can. 

My cancer was Grade 3 breast - and I caught it very early.  I am very, very lucky because it had already started to travel and also because originally they thought I had it in both breasts but turned out to be in only one.  Took me a long time to see that as a positive but got there eventually!  The biopsies were traumatic - funny positions, several in one breast by a man I didn't like at all - things like that.  You get swept along and it takes a while to find your voice which is one reason that this forum is so vital for us all - so many of us have similar experiences.

So procedures, tests, surgery, chemo, radio, hormone treatment - nothing unusual about my path!  I didn't have the waiting that you have - unfortunately there is no-one who can tell you what your path will be until you start seeing your doctors. If there is anything you need to know at any time, ask - they are there to treat you.  If you have any doubts, express them because they can't be dealt with otherwise. You will probably be given numbers for breast care nurses or similar  who work at the hospital or with an organisation for your area - these women are absolute angels and are reassuring and comforting and funny and informative - they are there for you, the patient. 

We are going to do well, Jo.  I don't know why we are going through this except to say that 1 in 8 Australian women will.  So I think it's best to get it out of the way now, don't you, then we can get on with our lives!! 

Not long now, Jo.  Stay as strong as you can and when you feel upset, go with it. Try not to hold it in for the sake of others - this is about you.

s  :)