Newly Diagnosed

Hi Natty,

You have joined a great group of amazing women here. Meg's blog is filled with wonderful information (highly recommend her wonderful writings)...but give yourself time to take it all in, there is much for you to contend with now. Take one day at a time and your oncologist will be your best place of reference to begin with. Being happy with your choice of doctors is a wonderful start. I was diagnosed last July and within a week had my mastectomy, anxiallary clearance etc done. Had chemo every 21 days for 5 months and have just finished my daily radiation theraphy (RT). My breast care nurse contacts me every week still and I really appreciate the contact...sometimes Im great other times Im crying, but through it all, she is there walking beside me :)

As the other girls have said above, keep things in a folder for reference as 'chemo' brain can cloud our senses at times!!  Write a list for the dr each time you are attending. The  My Journey Kit became my 'bible' and I take it to every appointment as it can hold all your medication history & information (if you fill it in!!) It also has a section to record each Dr visit. I used to place my sticky notes in there with my questions with the Dr comments :)

Look for local support groups on this website also.  If you have the opportunity to attend Encore sessions run by the YWCA throughout Australia, I highly recommend them. I attended while I was still having chemo and before RT but your schedule is different to mine but that doesn't matter. you can attned them months after all treatment, just depends when they are in your area. they consist of 6 weekly sessions (all free) are land & water exercises and info/guest speakers in each session. I still do the exercises each day in our pool. and several of us meet up for coffee every few weeks...great friendships form through what seems an unwanted condition.  http://www.ywcaencore.org.au/  

I wish you gentle hugs as you begin your treatment and ops. Know that you have many sisters here to support you at all times. Friends can sometimes be over powering as they try to assist you!  we understand :)

Hugs and love,   Ricki Margaret xx