I have just turned 50 on the 2nd Jan and my friend reminded me that I should get a mammogram. I went and had a mammogram. I had no family history of breast cancer so was surprised that I got a call back after for the following week. I ended up having another mammogram, an ultrasound then a biopsy. At the end I was given an appointment to see the breastscreen Dr. So for the following week I tried to convince myself that the news would clear me and I would have ticked the mammogram box. but that afternoon on the 5th feb changed my life and has me strapped in on a roller coaster I can't get off. I got told I had breast cancer, one lump and I was going to need surgery and radiation. I have seen the surgeon and surgery is booked for 6th March. I have some diagnostics and blood tests to have, then remove the lump. Although not looking forward to surgery I want this lump gone. Its a journey I did not want to take - but there it is. There have been many tears but my partner and friends are surrounding me. I shall need them all.

Hi Margiemoo. A big welcome. Its not a place we want to be but everyone on this blog is absolutely wonderful, travelling this bc road together. It is very scary at the beginning (that word cancer just strikes fear in to us) but amazingly enough you come to terms with it and for me it became a practical task to organise, tick off each appointment and get through it all. I was diagnosed in November, mastectomy on 18 December with follow up surgery on 5th Feb. Now I am starting chemo on Thursday. The best thing is to try and maintain your 'normal' routines as much as possible and remember to just take one day at a time. The dr I see keeps reminding me that in Australia we have the best hospital care in the world and the highest survival rate for breast cancer in the world! 85 -90% of women survive bc. Hang on to that the big positive!! Come on to this site when ever you need to have answers or just vent...we all understand and we are here for each other. Take care Tanya

Welcome to this network that is such a wonderful lifeline when we are flung into the turbulent waters that accompany a bc diagnosis. As you are discovering it is a roller coaster but the women on here will be there for your ups and downs. The best piece of advice I was given was to take it one step at a time. You do get through it with the support of family, friends and your medical team. I was diagnosed in May last year. I have finished treatment and am now on hormone therapy to help prevent a recurrence. It has changed my priorities, but I have a new lease on life and feel very well once more. Wishing you all the best and hope we can help you through this difficult time. Let us know how you go. Take care. Deanne xxx

So sorry to hear about your bc diagnosis but welcome to this network where you'll get lots of info and support.Have you ordered "my journey kit"from this network yet? It will get you up to speed. It's such a shock isn't it,especially when there is no family history.I was 47 the first time and 54 the second time.I've been on this crap journey twice.It's been almost 4yrs now and I'm fine,enjoying life.The majority of women with an early bc diagnosis DO survive breast cancer and can live a long life.It's so good that you have support from family and friends.There may be a bc support group in your area you could join.It's awful waiting for surgery- I was an anxious mess.Best thing to do is stay really busy but then have relaxing/calm activities for when negative thoughts take over.Blog back here anytime- always someone to chat with so you won't feel alone.We know what you are going through.Big hug, Tonya xx

The start | BCNA Online Network

12 Replies

itsme203
Member
12 years ago
I was definatly fast tracked...I work for specialists so, they had connections that moved me along quickly. My pathology from mastectomy was not so good...grade 3 with a 20mm invasive area and 100mm DCIS. I meet with the MO next week and outline the chemo plan. He thought 3-4 weeks I will start. They said I will not need radiation as I had the mastectomy, so at least thats a relief. I've never been a fan of roller coasters, when I have been on them, I've always tended to hold my breath on the drops...I seem to be handling this the same way! lol
margiemoo
Member
12 years ago
oh definitely not the 50th present we are after. yours has moved on so quickly - and what a shock after expecting it would have been all clear as per your previous mammograms. it all becomes apparant its not going to be good news perhaps once you get the biopsy. good luck with it all. when do you start radiation/chemo?

unfortunately we can't get off this roller coaster ride for a while.
margiemoo
Member
12 years ago
I have received the "my journey" kit - there is lots of information to read up on.

Its great reading everyones story and knowing that you all survived and understand my journey now. will be needing support and its so wonderful how everyone is so supportive.
itsme203
Member
12 years ago
Like you...I just turned 50. I actually had my mammogram on my actual birthday and was calling it the "birthday mammogram". I had regular mammograms for a number of years, so why think this one would be any different? After my mammogram the technician said have a seat and the radioloigst will quickly view your films to see if anything is needed. She came back and said they wanted magnification views of my left breast, I still was not concerned as in the past I had a cyst and was assuming I had developed another. She came back shortly thereafter an said they wanted to do an ultrasound, I was still calm until the tech left and returned with the radiologist...who scanned me and said I needed a biopsy. Long story short, 17/1 mammo, 20/1 biopsy, 22/1 diagnosis, 12/2 L mx with immediate recon DIEP. So a roller coaster to say the least.
margiemoo
Member
12 years ago
thanks for your replies - your support and knowledge will help me through this. Its nice to know you are all there. I am trying to keep things "normal" and do the things I normally do but include all the medical appts etc. at this point just focussed on the lumpectomy and then will think about the treatment post op after that. thanks for your hugs - I will post a blog every so oftern xx
margiemoo
Member
12 years ago
thanks for your replies - your support and knowledge will help me through this. Its nice to know you are all there. I am trying to keep things "normal" and do the things I normally do but include all the medical appts etc. at this point just focussed on the lumpectomy and then will think about the treatment post op after that. thanks for your hugs - I will post a blog every so oftern xx
margiemoo
Member
12 years ago
thanks for your replies - your support and knowledge will help me through this. Its nice to know you are all there. I am trying to keep things "normal" and do the things I normally do but include all the medical appts etc. at this point just focussed on the lumpectomy and then will think about the treatment post op after that. thanks for your hugs - I will post a blog every so oftern xx
TonyaM
Member
12 years ago
So sorry to hear about your bc diagnosis but welcome to this network where you'll get lots of info and support.Have you ordered "my journey kit"from this network yet? It will get you up to speed. It's such a shock isn't it,especially when there is no family history.I was 47 the first time and 54 the second time.I've been on this crap journey twice.It's been almost 4yrs now and I'm fine,enjoying life.The majority of women with an early bc diagnosis DO survive breast cancer and can live a long life.It's so good that you have support from family and friends.There may be a bc support group in your area you could join.It's awful waiting for surgery- I was an anxious mess.Best thing to do is stay really busy but then have relaxing/calm activities for when negative thoughts take over.Blog back here anytime- always someone to chat with so you won't feel alone.We know what you are going through.Big hug, Tonya xx
Deanne
Member
12 years ago
Welcome to this network that is such a wonderful lifeline when we are flung into the turbulent waters that accompany a bc diagnosis. As you are discovering it is a roller coaster but the women on here will be there for your ups and downs. The best piece of advice I was given was to take it one step at a time. You do get through it with the support of family, friends and your medical team. I was diagnosed in May last year. I have finished treatment and am now on hormone therapy to help prevent a recurrence. It has changed my priorities, but I have a new lease on life and feel very well once more. Wishing you all the best and hope we can help you through this difficult time. Let us know how you go. Take care. Deanne xxx
Deanne
Member
12 years ago
Welcome to this network that is such a wonderful lifeline when we are flung into the turbulent waters that accompany a bc diagnosis. As you are discovering it is a roller coaster but the women on here will be there for your ups and downs. The best piece of advice I was given was to take it one step at a time. You do get through it with the support of family, friends and your medical team. I was diagnosed in May last year. I have finished treatment and am now on hormone therapy to help prevent a recurrence. It has changed my priorities, but I have a new lease on life and feel very well once more. Wishing you all the best and hope we can help you through this difficult time. Let us know how you go. Take care. Deanne xxx