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Linda2151's avatar
Linda2151
Member
10 years ago

Who, me?

I've been having lumps checked since my early 40s - now I'm 64 and suddenly the 'call back' didn't end with a needle biopsy or aspiration, but with 'you've got cancer' (that's the only bit I heard).  Since then 8th Aug, it's been a marathon on information overload, chasing appointments, feeling silly and also very sorry for myself!  I am not this person!  I've always had a happy-go-lucky outlook on life!  I've raised 4 children born close together within four and a half years - I've need my sense of humour for the many situations I've faced!  Now, here I am, retired, happy and wondering what on earth is going on and did they really mean me!  On 15th Sept I had my Wide Local Excision surgery, plus the Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy - and certainly needed my sense of humour that day as I needed the radiography done in one town and the surgery in another 35 kms away!  Which wouldn't have been a problem if the first procedure had gone smoothly and they weren't 'biting at the bit' in the hospital waiting for me to turn up!  However, turn up I did and all was well!  One night in hospital and home for lots of care and attention, love and laughter with family members - lots of showing off my really colourful boob!  Follow up appointment yesterday hit me with a big 'hmph' in the tummy!  While lymph nodes are clear (wonderful!) I've been recommended to have a mastectomy because of the findings from the surgery!  Sent straight to the pre-admission clinic but no actual date for the surgery yet!  Can't contact the breast cancer nurse (she's on leave until the middle of this month) so I'm heading for books now to read the chapters I by-passed earlier.  I was all informed on radiotherapy but only know horrible things about chemotherapy!  I started off not knowing why I was writing this blog, but now it's becoming clearer to me - I feel a bit of the fog lifting and somehow a relief in sharing with people who understand!  Thanks for listening!

8 Replies

  • Rosemaryc's avatar
    Rosemaryc
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Linda

    You are not alone. I for one had my first mammogram at 53 and all was good then. Ignore the reminder for /second one at 55 because it was good then and I didn't feel any different. In Jan this year every thing changed. I blamed a strong message Pressing me too hard on the bed caused my breast muscle to tense up in a lump and pain. My GP sent me for mammogram and ultra sound because he said it's not normal.  I was sent for a biopsy the very next day and then was told 2 days later  I had Her2 positive, grade 3 and  tumour of about 5 cm It was  too big for surgery  so had chemo to shrink the size first. I had mastectomy and reconstruction in July and now in my last week of radiation. 10 months had passed and I am still learning about things. 

    I learned a lot here so keep checking the blog. 

    Take care.

     

  • kris49's avatar
    kris49
    Member
    10 years ago

    I too was having mammograms every year since I was 37 as my mum had breast cancer.  This year they said that I would go to two yearly and four months later I found a lump and have had my right breast removed. The pathology has come back grade two lump and 19 nodes removed. Waiting now for cancer clinic appt for next step.  Hang in there and keep blogging 

  • Chorsell's avatar
    Chorsell
    Member
    10 years ago

    Oops sorry - wrong hat - post above from me 

    big hugs for you Linda

     

    Chris xx

     

  • BRFacilitator's avatar
    BRFacilitator
    Member
    10 years ago

    Welcome Linda 

    this site was my lifeline after my diagnosis - it's the one place where you can be totally honest - 

    i know I put my brave face on a lot for friends an family but here I was free to write about my fears and uncertainty- and there is always someone who understands and knowing you are not alone is very comforting.

    i am now 15 months post bilateral mastectomy and on the tail end of my reconstruction. There is light at the end of the tunnel it just is a bit hard to see sometimes in the beginning - or you mistake it for a train coming at you - 

    ask lots of questions ( nothing is silly) and come here often.

    sending big hugs

    Chris xx

  • Linda2151's avatar
    Linda2151
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Trace!  I'm feeling buoyed by getting replies so quickly and I'm now so happy I took the plunge to write on here!  I've been feeling so overwhelmed but not wanting to show it to my family as I've always been the 'one who can cope with anything'!  I've always joked things away but I'm finding it hard to do so now and keep wondering why I'm letting myself down about this.  I don't usually wallow in self pity like this!  Best wishes for your journey also!  Linda X

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Hi Linda, welcome to our network. It's a safe place to discuss your treatment, your feelings and frustrations. We all understand what you are going through, and are happy to give you advice and support. It's nice to see that you have supportive family and friends around you, and that's wonderful. Don't be afraid to ask for help from them, some might need some direction from you, as they might not know what help you want until you tell them. I wish you all the very best for your upcoming surgery, please keep in touch, we're here with you along the way. Warm wishes and cuddles, Trace ??????

  • Linda2151's avatar
    Linda2151
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks for your reply Summer and, yes, I do have the kit.  I've been having a read this afternoon - of the more relevant information this time!  It has helped me find some peace of mind for sure!  I'm not quite rural but in a regional area that shares itself between two hospitals - luckily though all facilities are available in this region which means no travelling to Brisbane for chemo or radiotherapy - very lucky that way!  Best wishes Linda X

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Linda

    "Been there, done that !".  Yep, our stories are similar but my shock and mastectomy occurred last August.  I was also 64 and it was my 8th mammogram that got me that dreaded phone call.

    Have you got the BCNA 'My Journey Kit' ?  Phone BCNA office and ask for one to be sent to you as that is invaluable in the early days of all this.

    You sound as if you may live in a rural area so will be short on the assistance and support of city folk so use this site as much and as often as you like.  (I am in rural Victoria).  Use this site to vent or gain info, there are amazing ladies on here who will be able to help you along the way.

    Please feel free to personal message me if you need a friend.

    Hoping you have this wonderful Spring weather to cheer you.

    Big cyber hugs

    Summer  :-)