Get Connected Day!

I was introduced to the BCNA website shortly after surgery (11th July 2014), but didn't really think it was the place for me. Even after the mastectomy, it didn't really sink in that breast cancer was happening to me. The first Beacon magazine arrived in the post a day or so after arriving home from hospital, but I barely glanced at it. I didn't want to read other peoples' experiences, possibly because I just didn't want to accept that a cancer experience was now part of my life.

I've now had 2 treatments of chemotherapy, with 2 more of this particular treatment to follow, then a different chemo regime will commence. Chemo makes me realise that I'm in for the long haul, and I now want to connect with others. I don't want breast cancer to dominate my life for the next 6 months, but my outlook is changing. I'm hoping that connecting with others may perhaps help me understand a little more about my changing perspectives.

And thank you to the administrator of this post for making this a simple place to get started.

I was introduced to the BCNA website shortly after surgery (11th July 2014), but didn't really think it was the place for me. Even after the mastectomy, it didn't really sink in that breast cancer was happening to me. The first Beacon magazine arrived in the post a day or so after arriving home from hospital, but I barely glanced at it. I didn't want to read other peoples' experiences, possibly because I just didn't want to accept that a cancer experience was now part of my life.

I've now had 2 treatments of chemotherapy, with 2 more of this particular treatment to follow, then a different chemo regime will commence. Chemo makes me realise that I'm in for the long haul, and I now want to connect with others. I don't want breast cancer to dominate my life for the next 6 months, but my outlook is changing. I'm hoping that connecting with others may perhaps help me understand a little more about my changing perspectives.

And thank you to the administrator of this post for making this a simple place to get started.

Hi, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer on 11 August 2014. I had surgeryon 21 August 2014 to remove 2 lumps and 2 nodes which were 'sticky' My specialist has said that I will probably need to have more nodes removed very soon, we are waiting on pathology.

All of my family is in the eastern states while I am in the west. I have told my mother and her response is of the religious nature which is of no interest or help to me. Again she has let me down but I should be used to it by now . I have always had to be the tough one and do everything on my own. I do have the love of my partner, without him I wouldn't be soo tough and capable. Maybe I a?m emotionless

I don't think I am scared, stressed or nervous. My thinking is.. this is cancer, cut it out of me and all will be done.

I have read all the information given to me by my breast specialist and have read all about the emotional rollercoaster that people go through and how support is needed to get through this.

I am however a bit confused as to why I would need a breast care nurse and what role they would play. I am hoping that someone can help me with this information.

I appreaciate and thank you in advance for any assistance that comes my way.

Tricia

Hi, I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer on 11 August 2014. I had surgeryon 21 August 2014 to remove 2 lumps and 2 nodes which were 'sticky' My specialist has said that I will probably need to have more nodes removed very soon, we are waiting on pathology.

All of my family is in the eastern states while I am in the west. I have told my mother and her response is of the religious nature which is of no interest or help to me. Again she has let me down but I should be used to it by now . I have always had to be the tough one and do everything on my own. I do have the love of my partner, without him I wouldn't be soo tough and capable. Maybe I a?m emotionless

I don't think I am scared, stressed or nervous. My thinking is.. this is cancer, cut it out of me and all will be done.

I have read all the information given to me by my breast specialist and have read all about the emotional rollercoaster that people go through and how support is needed to get through this.

I am however a bit confused as to why I would need a breast care nurse and what role they would play. I am hoping that someone can help me with this information.

I appreaciate and thank you in advance for any assistance that comes my way.

Tricia

Hi Beekay -- sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but welcome to the site.

Just so you know, this is a fairly old 'get connected' post, so not everyone will see your comment here (it doesn't show up on the timeline any more). 

I know there's lots of members who feel the way you do, though, so the best way to chat with them is to make a new post in your own blog (see the link in the pink box on the right side of the page labelled 'my blog').  You can just copy and paste your post text again if you like, to make life easier.

When you post in your own blog, it will show up on the 'All Posts' page (which is here, if you haven't found it yet: http://www.bcna.org.au/node/all/blog/network), and anyone who has an anwer can jump in.

Hope that helps. :)

Di

Dear Kate,  I am 59 today and was diagnosed on the 21st May 2013  Eostrogen Positive and Progesterone Neg Lump.  Don't have my results sheet from surgery but will get.  Is an early cancer left breast Stage 2 Grade 3. Had lump removed on 30th May and also all lymph nodes as it had spread to 1 node only.  I guess I am really lucky to have found the lump fairly quickly as it is quite a vigorous growth. Never thought it would happen to me as I am very fit- gym and play tennis and do all the right stuff, special occasion alcohol, don't smoke and watch what I eat.  I had my first chemo (Doxorubicin & Cyclophosphamide Dense Dose) on the 1st July and will have 3 more every 3 weeks, then 12 doses, 1 each week then radiation 5-6 weeks, so it is all very daunting I know.  I have not lost my hair yet but think it won't be long now as is becoming quite thin ( I usually have very thick strong hair).  Don't worry about the chemo , you will be fine. I expected the worst but it's not that bad and they give you nausea medication etc.  I did not vomit once and wouldn't say they I had any nausea really, but a fair bit of indigestion. Had a few aches and pains, but only 1 day really.  I found day 4 about the worst but nothing really bad and now I feel almost normal (from day 9 onwards).  Just look after yourself as they say on the information sheet and you will be fine.  On tip - watch the salt on your lips and mouth, can get dry and sore.   You will be fine, good luck!Marlz

Hi Hen -- sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but welcome to the site. I'm glad you found your way here.

I also just wanted to let you know that this is an older post, so it's possible the other network members won't see your comment here. 

Best way to get an answer to your question is to make a new post in your own blog (see the link in the pink box on the right side of the page labelled 'my blog').  You can just copy and paste your post text again if you like, to make life easier.

When you post in your own blog, it will show up on the 'All Posts' page (which is here, if you haven't found it yet: http://www.bcna.org.au/node/all/blog/network), and anyone who has an anwer can jump in.

Hope that helps. :)

Di

Hi there Zeph ...... I guess by now you feel as if you are on a merry-go-round that shows no sign of stopping.  Your emotions are all shot to pieces, with so many questions unanswered and so many uncertainties.

I was diagnosed in 2010 but took the option of having a mastectomy and gland removal straight away.  At my age at the time (62) that was the decision I was comfortable with.

I was lucky in as much that the cancer had not spread to the rest of my body so it was not necessary to have chemo or radiotherapy.  I was prescribed with Arimidex for 5 years ( 1 year to go yeha!)  I didn't consider reconstruction and/or "back up boobs" as I am content with my body as it is ... loosing a breast was just another step in life's journey ..... once again this was my choice.

You have come to the right place for support and advice .... that's what family does for each other - and we consider ourselves one big family.  There will be ladies here who have travelled the reconstruction path and will be only too happy to share their experiences with you

This seems very scary and daunting at the moment but as time goes by you will find yourself in an advising and supporting role on here.  Unfortunately our numbers are growing - this is due to knowledge being shared and early detection.

Never lose sight of the fact that you are your number one priority ... You don't mention your family details and how they are coping with this challenge.  Stay in touch - and remember your family has just grown by an extra 5,000 .... but don't worry , we won't all come around for a cuppa at the same time

Luv Shirl x0x