Well here goes.....

Hi Sarah,

Thank you for your welcome also. I am recovering well from the surgery, with very little pain. It is starting to feel a little more real now.

It's good to hear that you are back at work and getting your life back on track, that gives me hope for the future.

Cath

Hi Daina,

Thanks for your welcome. I'm glad I finally too the plunge and introduced myself. Making this conection with others that know what I am going through has really helped me to not feel alone.

Cath

Hi Cath

Welcome to a wonderful Support network here.  I hope that you are recovering well from your surgery.  It's probably all a bit of a blur at the moment - as you said - "a dream".  I was diagnosed on the 22nd of February and am now halfway through my chemo (I have about 12 months of other treatment too) and finally it no longer feels like a dream.  It just feels like a little interruption to life as I know it for now - full of ups and downs.  I truly believe that life for me and my little family will be different but better when I am finished my treatments.  

You sound like you still have your sense of humour and are already full of strength.  Good Luck.

Amanda xx

Hi Cath

I know how you feel - I was diagnosed with early breast cancer 25 March and had a mastectomy and axillary clearance on 18 April. I am waiting to find out what is to follow with chem etc on 31 May.

Even now at times I can't believe what is happening - all a bit of a whirlwind! Just take one day at a time - there are some wonderful ladies on this network already further down the road with all sorts of info and advice. Quite amazing to have access to this !!

Do all the exercises they recommend after mastectomy and hang in there - I am sorry you have had to go back so many times - the effects of the operation will take its toil on you but know that it will get better. I was frustrated a week or so ago feeling like I wasn't moving forward physically but now I am so much better on that side of things and am feeling more like myself.

How old are your children ?

I know it is hard wanting to be mum as usual when your body isnt working with you.

Hope that you doing okay and as I said just take one day at a time !!!!!

Debs xxx

Welcome Cath,

So sorry to hear you've been back a few times for surgery.It's bad enough psyching yourself up for one.There are a few ladies here who had to go back 3 times like you.So it's not out of the ordinary.I've had 2 bouts of breast cancer 7 years apart- same breast.I had a mastectomy last year,followed by chemo.The time before that I had a lumpectomy and radiation.You are in the shock stage where you haven't had time to take it all in yet.You wake up each morning wondering whether you just dreamt it all.And it's not the sort of operation that you have,then get over and you're better.You have the psychological side of losing a breast and all the changes that come with that and all the ongoing treatments.We all know how you are feeling and there are lots of nice ladies here on this site to chat with.

                                       Tonya xx

Hi Cath

Sorry you had to join us, but hope you are recovering from your surgery.  I am nearly 4 years from my diagnosis and stilll feel like you in that it feels like it happened to someone else.

Its a crazy time at the beginning and you are just trying to put one foot in front of the other.  Just take one day at a time and yes you will be one of those strong women in time and you will look back on this experience and know that it has changed you and not just physically, but some of the changes you will even like.

Take care and ask anything here.

Tanya

Hi Cath, welcome to this great site where you will find lots of good advice & as everyone has said lots of support. I had a right mastectomy & lymph nodes removed, 12+/20, in early Feb & just had my 4th chemo, 2 to go yay. This will be followd by rads. Best of luck with the surgery & make sure you get plenty of rest.

Loretta xx

Hi Cath

Welcome to the website you will find it one of your biggest supports in the coming months. I know just how you are feeling and I was also in that surreal place nearly a year ago. You just go through the motions but think it can't be happening to you! I also had a lumpectomy and 2 nodes removed then like you the margins weren't clear and one of the nodes was positive so had a mastectomy and 12 more nodes removed and glad to say all the nodes were clear. I have had chemo and radiation and am now back at work and getting my life back on track. I have met so many great ladies through this website and we have a small group that meet every 2 weeks.

I wish you all the best for the next surgery. Look after your self and let people help you, sometimes accepting a lift to the hospital or a home cooked meal is their way of showing they care.

Good luck

Sarah x

Hi Cath

Welcome to the website you will find it one of your biggest supports in the coming months. I know just how you are feeling and I was also in that surreal place nearly a year ago. You just go through the motions but think it can't be happening to you! I also had a lumpectomy and 2 nodes removed then like you the margins weren't clear and one of the nodes was positive so had a mastectomy and 12 more nodes removed and glad to say all the nodes were clear. I have had chemo and radiation and am now back at work and getting my life back on track. I have met so many great ladies through this website and we have a small group that meet every 2 weeks.

I wish you all the best for the next surgery. Look after your self and let people help you, sometimes accepting a lift to the hospital or a home cooked meal is their way of showing they care.

Good luck

Sarah x