Starting the journey

Just letting you know that we have a Facebook page for the Tasmanian Breast Cancer Network, so do have a look and LIKE us.

We try to have a new posting each day and want to advise about what is on around the state.

So if you have anything you want added, do let me know- that means ALL of you in Tassie!  Together we can make a difference.

Best of luck, Ali, I am sure you are in good hands. I have just experienced my 10 year anniversary since diagnosis, and appreciate every day in our beautiful state of Tasmania.

Take special care, don't be too hard on yourself and accept offers of help!Mandy

Hi Ali, hello from a fellow Hobartian.  I've just had my 6 month check up so am also fairly new to all this -- I work in Hobart CBD so if you ever feel like a coffee or if I can do anything to help like drive you to appointments or sit with you please let me know.  It is truly daunting at the beginning, but I have to say (now that I am on the other side of treatment, and beginning to feel FINALLY like I am plugged into the lighbulb of life again) that it was all pretty amazing, and has led me to reexamine everything in my life and that big changes have happened and continue to happen.  It has been a huge wake-up call about sleep-walking through life, which I will never do again!  Take care and be good to yourself and let people be there for you! xxx

Lisa

Hi Ali, cheers from the beautiful North-west of our glorious state.  We are all encouraging you to take one day at a time with a postive attitude. The ladies at the Hobart Womens Health Centre are very supportive, and when the time is right I encourage you to join the Encore programme, it is a fantastic 8 weeks of fun and light exercise.  All the very best wishes

Cheers for now

Susie Q

Hello there Ali, and welcome.  We understand what you mean about everything being a rush, there seems to be so many things to do and appointments to go to when all we want is to get that thing out!  A list is a great idea and I also found that I could not cope without my diary.  Not only did I use it to keep track of my appointments but I wrote down how I was feeling each day.  I found this particularly helpful during chemo as I could look back after each session and have a bit of an idea of what to expect each time.  The other thing I found is to be proactive and make sure you know what is happening with your appointments, if you are not sure then make a call.  This takes a lot of the angst away and also keeps you organised.  I found tat it also helped me understand and also that I had some charge of what was going on ( although probably not really, but it helped me as I like to think I have some control of my life!).  There are good experiences to this time, you meet wonderful people and get great support. Take care and keep in touch Ali.  xx

Thanks for the welcome - truly this is a club no one wants to join but I am being very blessed by the encouragement and support of those who are on this journey too. x

Hi Ali

Welcome along to the Pink Club no one chooses to join! There is a great support group held in North Hobart @ the Womens Health Centre & I see you have join us on Tassie Pink Sisters, I just sent you a message!

Hope to meet you in person at one of our catchups

safe journey to you

Kathra

Hi Ali & welcome, a list is a wonderful idea & also having someone with you that can take more in than you will be able too & may think of more questions.

I was diagnosed in Tas mania & had my 1st chemo here & then went to the mainland for the remainder of my treatment which involved more chemo, double mastectomy & radiation & I can honestly say the treatment & professional services I recieved here in Tasmania were the best, so your off to a great start.

Also if you have Facebook, look for Pink Sisters - Tassie. A wonderful bunch of ladies & great support.

For now please be kind to yourself, hugs Meghan

Hi Ali & welcome, a list is a wonderful idea & also having someone with you that can take more in than you will be able too & may think of more questions.

I was diagnosed in Tas mania & had my 1st chemo here & then went to the mainland for the remainder of my treatment which involved more chemo, double mastectomy & radiation & I can honestly say the treatment & professional services I recieved here in Tasmania were the best, so your off to a great start.

Also if you have Facebook, look for Pink Sisters - Tassie. A wonderful bunch of ladies & great support.

For now please be kind to yourself, hugs Meghan