Ironic Musings & next steps

You are all amazing and inspirational women.  You are all on a challenging journey but clearly (like women and mothers tend to do) you just keep on keeping on.  It is so encouraging to be embarking on such a difficult journey with people like you beside me.  Right now I have every reason to hope for the best but until surgery and all those pathology results to follow I guess we just never really know.  Strangely I am not currently looking at this diagnosis as anything particularly overwhelming; I guess it either hasn't hit me properly yet or I just view it as another hurdle / obstacle to overcome - past therapy for severe post natal depression and ongoing miracle medication no doubt providing assistance with that perspective ;-).  I also feel that despite the diagnosis I won't really feel part of the "BC club" until I begin to experience the physical effects associated with the myriad of treatments that lay in store.  Today I feel physically healthy and strong - will be cherishing this feeling over the next week or so until it all begins in earnest.

JODIE - you're just down the road, we will have to catch up in person once we're both settled in for the next stage of our respective journeys and things aren't so up in the air for both of us.

Sending you all a piece of my positive energy today; a fighting spirit and dogged determination.

Jules xx

Thank goodness for a sense of humour hey. Yours sounds like its a great one. It's so frustrating waiting and unfortunately we all do a lot of that on this journey. I even wrote a poem about it. If you haven't already seen it, I think you'd like a post on "silly things people have said" (post link http://www.bcna.org.au/user/8230/blog/61667 ) started by Melg. There's some funny comments I'm sure you'll enjoy. Deanne and Jody are right, don't google too much, it can really do your head in. Stick to the recommended sites like this one and the Cancer Council. You should get a lot of info from these. Ask you medical staff too about what are some good sites. Gee it really stinks about your job being so insecure right now and that's the last thing you want. But I know what that feels like. Mid last year I had to go for my own job as the uni was restructuring and some admin jobs were set to go. Fortunately I was successful but the stress was enormous. I couldn't afford to be out of work. But I've since learned that it's not worth stressing so much and that things don't matter as much as your health. Keep smiling and feed that wonderful sense of humour. It will stand you in good stead. Don't stress too much :) Love Janey xxx

Oh Jules. I feel you.

Im the worst Dr Google around. When I was first diagnosed 4 weeks ago I googled for 3 days straight with hardly no sleep. I worked myself up so badly I was vomiting. I even googled my breast surgeon and when I finally met him, though my tears i said " oh you look just like your photos on google". he held my hand and said " im much better looking in real life though arnt i?". 

I must admit, I still google, but no where near as much lol 

Deanne is right, we are all indivual and each of our diagnoses is unique. I really need to take my own advice sometimes hehe

I understand the waiting too. I was supposed to start chemo today. Found the courage to walk in the door this morning, then saw my oncologist who wants to wait a week to ensure my mastectomy scar has healed better ( i had a slight infection and was on antibiotics). I was devestated because now I have find more inner strength to walk in there next week! ARGHH

I think your attitude and sense of humour is amazing given what you are going through and about to go through :)

That little person in your photo is absolutely gorgeous!! xx

Jodie

Hi Jules Waiting is the absolute worst part of this process. Reading your other post, things are moving along fairly quickly for you but I understand you just wanting to know as much as possible. I am sure that you are aware that there are lots of scarey and inaccurate stories that you find when you google. I believe information gives you power especially when you have any decisions to make. However, stick to government sites, BCNA or cancer council for good quality info. Until you actually have your pathology you won't be able to find out a lot. My oncologist was great and gave me accurate statistics for my diagnosis when I asked. But at the end of the day statistics are limited and everyone is an individual, so keep an open mind. Your sense of humour will come in handy as you progress through treatment. You will be amazed at the things people come out with. Keep busy, keep smiling and it does get easier once you know what you are doing. Good luck and let us know how you go. :) Deanne

Hi Jules Waiting is the absolute worst part of this process. Reading your other post, things are moving along fairly quickly for you but I understand you just wanting to know as much as possible. I am sure that you are aware that there are lots of scarey and inaccurate stories that you find when you google. I believe information gives you power especially when you have any decisions to make. However, stick to government sites, BCNA or cancer council for good quality info. Until you actually have your pathology you won't be able to find out a lot. My oncologist was great and gave me accurate statistics for my diagnosis when I asked. But at the end of the day statistics are limited and everyone is an individual, so keep an open mind. Your sense of humour will come in handy as you progress through treatment. You will be amazed at the things people come out with. Keep busy, keep smiling and it does get easier once you know what you are doing. Good luck and let us know how you go. :) Deanne