keeping in touch

hi jo,

 i had two, separate, primary cancers,( EARLY INVASIVE BC,  stage two ) which can happen, after you have had BC in one breast. there are statistics of it happening in the other breast. 

 checks are done frequently. in my case i have a yearly double mammogram and double ultrasound now.

 i freaked the first time, for some reason the second time.. i was sort of " calm "..LOL

 perhaps because i was on antidepressant, not sure. i do not seem to react to " shock " like i used to these days.

i am sure you have been given information on statistics and treatment options etc.

http://canceraustralia.nbocc.org.au/you ( has statistics and information on ductal carcinoma in situ and other BC and ovarian cancer )

can have a reconstruction these days, at time of surgery i think. there are many options, so look into it,( if you did need a mastectomy.)

the emotional journey and the physical journey are linked, so do take some time to adjust to it all.

i guess you also have to have a little faith that it will all work out.. and give it your best shot. try and take it bit by bit. 

 do ask for help from people like breast care nurses, and if you are very distressed then seek medical help too.

the fear and shock are real emotions and normal when you get a diagnosis of BC, ( your case carcinoma in situ ) get accurate information about your options. try and be calm..even if only for a short time each day.  

time DOES pass, life does get back to some sort of normal, although it may change too, which is what  happens in life.

i have had to learn to try and "go with the flow " and" deal with whatever happens" in my life. also to trust " everything will be ok." so " letting go " is another lesson i had to learn. new things will come into your life also.

someone said to me.. it is not what happens to you, it is how you deal with it. we can have some control over what life throws at us, by how we deal with it.

i hope you are not too distressed and if you are then please seek some help from medical profession. also trust your own instincts.

 sincerely, kathy.