Get Connected Day!

Hi Tracey, 

It's great to hear that you're moving on to radiation soon. Every little step brings you closer to the finish of treatment. :) Hope you have a lovely Christmas. 

x evie

Hi Debbie, 

You must be so excited having finished chemo - despite the side effects it's a good feeling! Congratulations! Hope you have a lovely Christmas & best wishes for the radiation. 

x evie

Hi Hazza

I was only just reading your first post earlier tonight and wondered how Anna got on.

My surgeon suggested I speak to a physcologist when I was diagnosed and I quickly shrugged that off.  I thought that was something that only crazy people did or those that couldnt get out of bed.

I did eventually see her and she gave me heaps of help and was very different from what i expected.  She even taught me some breathing exercises which I still use today and also tricks to calm my mind and bring it back to the now (useful for when we have those dark thoughts), so I found it great and if I could afford the time and money would still like to see mine again .  maybe you could suggest someone like this, or some meditation.  It is a difficult time for you both.

Good luck with chemo and radiation.

Thanks for popping in to tell us how Anna is getting on.

Tanya

Hi Hazza & Anna

I started to reply and then lost the post so if it appears again I apologize. It is not unusual to have many highs and lows during all phases of treatment. there is lots of help so make sure you get it ( both of you!) depending on which state you are in 131120 has a cancer nurse on the end of the phone Mon - Fri a great referral line and loads of help for both of you.1300224636 is the Beyond Blue help line. Depression is a horrible thing and affects many people especially after a life threatening illness diagnosis. If there is a breast care nurse where you are having treatment they too may be a good resource. And here is a great place to vent and ask for help and info. I had a diagnosis christmas 2002-3 and remember everyone else was happy and I was NOT!!  My GP was my therapist and I had regular appointements with him during treatment.I am glad you are there for Hazza for Anna. My hubby was a great support although a silent type. The kids were little but also did well during everything. Take care and ask for help. We all need it at sometime :) Jo

Hi Merilla

I too felt overwhelmed when I was diagnosed in 2003 with a grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. It was Christmas and a horrible time to spend with a new diagnosis when every one else was happy. I was lucky to have a friend who had been through treatment and she was fabulous. Even as a nurse(midwife) it was a foreign world with surgery, chemo and radio treatments. we each handle things in our own way and there is no right or wrong way. Some days are great and others horrid (like life really!) More good days than bad. Hope you have your My Journey Kit organised. This site is a fabulous place to chat and meet others. Take Care Jo

My wife had her surgery early this month, the operation went ok they seem to have removed all the cancer in the breast tissue so that part is good but out of 27 lymph nodes removed 2/3 have been affected by cancer. Chemo is due to start on the 9th Dec for just under six months then its on to radiotherapy. Anna is handling it reasonbly well although it does not take much to send her into a depressed state, all we can at moment is keep calm and help her through this trying time

Hi Mary

Welcome to the network.  I am so pleased that you have decided to reach out and get in touch with women who have experienced breast cancer.  Please ask questions and do not be afraid to express how you feel.  The journey is fraught with a roller-coaster of feelings all of which are a normal response to a difficult situation. 

Expressing how you feel is in itself an emotionally healing process.  I am happy to be here for you.

Take care of yourself.

Lorraine

Hi Merilla

Welcome to the network, however having said that I am sorry that the diagnosis is the reason you are here.

Please do not apologise for being "dark" this is a very difficult time for you and you need to be able to openly express how you feel.  Feely overwhelmed, scared, and unsure and that nothing is real any more is a very normal response to a very difficult situation.  

You have only had 2 days to take in the enormity of the situation so be kind to your self as you go through the process.  

I was diagnosed  at this time of the year in 2000 I still  remember feeling scared and overwhelmed. I tried to be strong for my family and people remarked on my strength little did they know the inner turmoil I was experiencing.  A friend looked me in the eye and said "How do you really feel?"  I looked back and cried she held me while I just allowed all the feeling out.  The relief I felt was palpable.  I would encourage you to allow your feeling without placing a negative spin on them.

As you get more information and you have a treatment plan in place you will feel more in control and able to cope. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

If I can be of any assistance please contact me I am only too hally to be there for you.

Take care

Lorraine

Thankyou Di, its good to know & much appreciated!

Thanks so much Tanya, I will let you know what the surgeon says and it really helps to hear your words of encouragement sooo much.