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Emma_T's avatar
Emma_T
Member
15 years ago

This is all new to me.... help!

Hi Everyone,

It has been an extremely emotional week for both myself, my husband and my family. On Thursday 16th June 2011 I received the news from my GP that I have breast cancer (stage 2 - high grade).  This news was completely unexpected and I went completely numb.... it honestly felt like a bad dream.  A 2cm lump was found in my right breast with 3 other smaller cancers also found in the same breast (ranging from 0.6cm to 1.2cm in size). My surgeon (Dr Willsher at Mount Hospital in Perth) decided to perform a mastectomy on my right breast. At this stage it looks as though my lymph weren't affected (although he did take 4 nodes that the cancer was draining to). I find out all the pathology reports this coming Thursday - to tell you the truth it couldn't come quick enough. I am so anxious about it.

I also have to start 4 months of chemo (under Prof Arlene Chan) which I am also very anxious about. I know I should just focus on getting better and being cancer free but I am petrified of it returning down the track. I am worried that for the next few years at least I will constantly feel like a ticking time bomb and it makes me so incredibly emotional/distraught. 

I have a wonderful family, my husband is amazing and my 2 daughters (aged 2 years and 5 years) are my everything.  I have to make sure that I stay fit and healthy for the rest of my life and I plan on being around until I am at least 88!!

I would greatly appreciate any advice, tips, suggestions you may have to help me and my family through this incredibly tough time.


It is just so unsettling and I feel sick just thinking about it. I am sure all of these emotions are normal but I still have so much of my life to live.

Looking forward to hearing from you 

x

 

coping
emotions

3 Replies

  • polkadotbowsoph's avatar
    polkadotbowsoph
    Member
    15 years ago

    hi emma!

    well im 24 years old and in march this year i found i had breast cancer and had my right breast removed with all the lympth nodes they could find as cancer cells were in there.

    i know its hard, but my best advice for you is to take it day by day with chemo (im halfway through now) take time out with you and your family and enjoy the good days.

    i know change is scary and i was so scared of my whole life changing and thinking about things i had never thought about before but my advice is to live for today dont be scared of something that could happion down the track as it may never return and just enjoy every day as best you can and try not to worry,

    staying happy and focused really helped me get this far and just think of all the good things for now :)

    sophie

  • pacwood's avatar
    pacwood
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Emma

    Similar story to you. My initial diagnosis of breast cancer was 4 weeks ago. Since then I have had a LB mastectomy and Iam awaiting the start of chemo.

    Waiting for my pathology report was the scariest day. I did have good news and my nodes were clear!!!! (sentinal node removal with 3 other nodes attached).

    Iam blessed to have great family and friends surrounding me, I do find the pressures of a young family to be stressful at times though! My boys are 4, 8 and6!

    Hope to talk with you soon,good luck with everything xoxo

    Christie

  • Jo_L_'s avatar
    Jo_L_
    Member
    15 years ago

    Hi Emma

    I was a bit younger than I am now when diagnosed in 2003. It is a scary trip but worth it in the end!! Surgery, chemo, radio and my ovaries out have done me the world of good. My kids are fabulous and my marriage still good... 25 years next month!! It is unsettling and you will have many ups and downs during the comming year. Your feelings are NORMAL. Just remeber there is a lot of support out there. BCNA is a fabulous start! Assuming you have the My Journey Kit ordered?? Dont forget the cancer council 131120 has a cancer nurse on the end of the phone to have a chat to. Look for your breast care nurse at the hospital. Good luck and hope to chat again Hugs jo