Hi all. This is the first contact I have made with any kind of support group, I don't even know if this is an appropriate group for me, I'm not sure how it works. I am 44 years old, and I had a mastectomy in September of last year after being diagnosed with extensive DCIS. I have only just recently come to the conclusion that I may need some help in coming to terms with this.?
Firstly, my condolences that you've had to join us all on the BC roller-coaster ride! It's such a shock as Tonya said to get a BC diagnosis and it sucks...simple as that! Secondly, I'm so pleased you've found this site and also that you've joined our Breast Cancer Friendship Group - ANS... you'll find some incredible inspirational women on here who you can vent to, ask questions of and share experiences, thoughts and feelings with ?. Where do you live in Adelaide?
I'm a 43 year old (soon to turn 44) sole parent of a 13 year old daughter. Feel free to read my blog for more info, but basically I was diagnosed with EBC (Early Breast Cancer) in 2008 and a second case recently in October 2011 that I'm still coming to terms with. Both cases set me on a whirlwind of medical jargon, trips to the hospital, important decisions to be made...my 'normal' life just stopped in its tracks! I go to see a Psychologist (specialising in counselling cancer patients) when I need to at the hospital where I receive treatment and this has helped me immensely in coming to terms with all of this. The lovely ladies I chat with on this site have been a wonderful source of strength, inspiration and support also. While I didn't have a mastectomy (I had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy in 2008/2009, and am currently having chemo again), there are many wonderful ladies on this site and in our group who have had mastectomies, and who I know will be willing to offer you support specifically about having a mastectomy. It's a scary, confusing and emotional as well as physical roller-coaster ride and time certainly is a factor in coming to terms will the enormity and shock of the situation!
The Breast Cancer Friendship Group - ANS had its first face-to-face meeting (lunch) on 5th Jan and we are about to have another one soon (they are monthly lunches on a Friday). It was wonderful to meet others who can relate to all of this. We'll also start holding a coffee morning, and Karen will be making an announcement on the group site about all the details for both the next lunch and coffee morning. We hope more people will attend as the group slowly builds, and would be rapt if you could come along too!
I agree with Tonya, it might help to blog about how you feel.We all understand what you're going through
Firstly, my condolences that you've had to join us all on the BC roller-coaster ride! It's such a shock as Tonya said to get a BC diagnosis and it sucks...simple as that! Secondly, I'm so pleased you've found this site and also that you've joined our Breast Cancer Friendship Group - ANS... you'll find some incredible inspirational women on here who you can vent to, ask questions of and share experiences, thoughts and feelings with ?. Where do you live in Adelaide?
I'm a 43 year old (soon to turn 44) sole parent of a 13 year old daughter. Feel free to read my blog for more info, but basically I was diagnosed with EBC (Early Breast Cancer) in 2008 and a second case recently in October 2011 that I'm still coming to terms with. Both cases set me on a whirlwind of medical jargon, trips to the hospital, important decisions to be made...my 'normal' life just stopped in its tracks! I go to see a Psychologist (specialising in counselling cancer patients) when I need to at the hospital where I receive treatment and this has helped me immensely in coming to terms with all of this. The lovely ladies I chat with on this site have been a wonderful source of strength, inspiration and support also. While I didn't have a mastectomy (I had a lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy in 2008/2009, and am currently having chemo again), there are many wonderful ladies on this site and in our group who have had mastectomies, and who I know will be willing to offer you support specifically about having a mastectomy. It's a scary, confusing and emotional as well as physical roller-coaster ride and time certainly is a factor in coming to terms will the enormity and shock of the situation!
The Breast Cancer Friendship Group - ANS had its first face-to-face meeting (lunch) on 5th Jan and we are about to have another one soon (they are monthly lunches on a Friday). It was wonderful to meet others who can relate to all of this. We'll also start holding a coffee morning, and Karen will be making an announcement on the group site about all the details for both the next lunch and coffee morning. We hope more people will attend as the group slowly builds, and would be rapt if you could come along too!
I agree with Tonya, it might help to blog about how you feel.We all understand what you're going through
Welcome to this site where you will get lots of info and support. It's such a shock when you get that breast cancer diagnosis and then you are whisked off for surgery,endless tests and treatments.You kinda go into battle mode and so it might hit you later.You are coming to terms with loss of a body part, your identity and sexuality and your mortality.Even the simple task of shopping for clothes becomes an issue cos it's hard to find tops with higher necklines.I had a mastectomy followed by chemo in May 2010.This was my second bout of breast cancer-same breast,same spot.My first bout was in 2003.It takes awhile to get back confidence in your health(2yrs?) so give yourself plenty of time.It might help to chat here how you are feeling.We all understand what you've just been through.
Tonya xx
