In the Beginning
It all began when I found a lump in my right breast while have a shower about 2 weeks ago. I waited a week to see if anything it shrunk or disappeared. It didnt. So I rang the made an appointment to...
Forum Discussion
Hi Christine - I'm Shirley .... welcome to your new extended family and friends. Thanks Mum for finding this web site.
It sounds as if you have a very supportive family, hubby, parents, children (how old are they by the way?) - that is half the battle.
The next few weeks will be like a whirlwind for you and you will feel as if your head is spinning as you go from appointment to appointment. It's important to take someone with you to each of these as you won't absorb all of this information on your own - so an extra pair of ears is essential.
One of the people you will see will be a breast care nurse, she will organise for you to receive the "My Journey" kit - you will find this invaluable with plenty of reading matter, a journal and very importantly a DVD that you and your hubby can sit and watch together (don't forget the popcorn LoL). If for any reason the kit does not get ordered then you can order it here on line.
I'm not going to tell you not to worry, because you will .... there will be plenty of "deep and meaningfuls", tears, anger and regrets - trust me you will go through the lot.
I was diagnosed on 13th Jan this year and had a mastectomy and lymph gland removal on the 28th. The decision to have that rather than a lumpectomy and partial gland removal was right for me, it may not be right for everyone.
I was fortunate in as much as the cancer was contained in the breast and hadn't gone travelling through my body so I didn't need chemo or radiotherapy. I am on Arimidex for 5 years.
Whatever news you receive when you see the surgeon, pop in here and let us know how you get on. No matter what the result there will be someone on line with a similar diagnosis who will be able to give you some insight as to what you may expect.
That's the "name of the game" here .... support - support - support !!!
Where are you .... let us know and we can help you find a support group close to home. i know you have got us now and we are really wonderful (yes I have a rather off-beat sense of humour) but we can't share a cuppa or a glass of wine with you or hand you a tissue.
Take care of yourself and stay strong ..... remember you don't have to do this on your own. You are surrounded by family and friends who love you and now you have all of us .... aren't you the lucky one!!!
Cheers ... Shirl xxx