Hi everybodyI was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in April 2016.I am on three weekly Herceptin and Perjeta plus Letrozole.I have tumours in both breasts, in lymph and lungsIts good to be here.My main problem is fear.

No worries @Bird. Do you have psychologist or counsellor? I know they're not for everyone. I was hesitant but desperately needed help so took the plunge. I've found it very helpful. I see a community funded psychologist (so affordable) who's been treating breast cancer patients for 12 years. There's nothing she hasn't heard. If this is a path you want to pursue, ask all your medical team who they'd recommend. It's important to find someone you 'click' with, so it might take some time to find the right person.Do you have a BreastCare Nurse? They can be incredible, and a great resource. Can you talk to her as often as you need? Do you feel better when you do?Staying in the moment is a key for managing fear. Easy to say but harder to do! BC brought me to meditation, via apps on my phone. There are lots out there; I settled on Headspace. The guy who does this had cancer himself so brings an understanding to his practice. There's even a mediation pack there for cancer.I'm not very good at meditating but it does do something. I find it hard to define, but each time it seems to create some space in my head that wasn't there 15 minutes earlier. And it does tell and teach you to stay in the moment, to take one day at a time, focus on the moment, to stay in it.Activities that occupy your mind are good. Playing music uses both sides of your brain; hard to think of anything else when you're playing an instrument.Good old fashioned relaxation, and distraction. Many find doing a big puzzle great for this! I found the distraction of a (not too heavy) TV show to be the only thing that helped me when I was frantic and distraught at the beginning of this BC experience. Anything to not be all up in my head and emotions.Are you a religious person? I'm not, but I know talking frequently to a minister brought my sister great comfort.I am not in your position and would never presume to know how it feels. What I do know is that no one knows the date of their death. It is good for all of us to focus on staying in the moment, to live our lives one day at a time, and make the most of every one of those days. Be kind to yourself, accept help, surround yourself with friends and family, or seek solitude if that's what you need. One foot in front of the other, and breathe deeply. Big, big hugs. K xox

Hi BirdI’m aso new here. But it seems like the place to be. Was motivated to join after going to the Pink Lady lunch in Sydney yesterday. I did most my treatment in Singapore so was a bit out of touch with the resources and support available in Australia. Best wishes Rachael x

hi Bird and Rachel sorry to have to welcome you into the forum.... do you have the hopes and hurdles kit ? https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/ and do you know about the group Living with Metastatic Cancer? http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/2-living-with-metastatic-breast-cancer Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. The what and how thread.http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1 Breast Care Nurseshttps://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx My Journey Kits and other resources. Hopes and Hurdles https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST. we are a really supportive bunch on here and there is normally someone around at all times to chat with. it is Ok so admit we have fears...

Hello and welcome. We are here to support you as we can. Kath x

Welcome to the forum. You are just high maintenance gals now. You are still the same you, just a bit slower. <3

Im new here | BCNA Online Network

31 Replies

Eastmum
Member
8 years ago
Welcome! The ‘warrior’ women on here are absolutely incredible. You will find it an invaluable place for support and advice. All the best! Xxx
Anonymous
Not applicable
8 years ago
The user and all related content has been deleted.
Kiwi_Angel
Member
8 years ago
Huge hugs to u both xoxoox
Brenda5
Member
8 years ago
Welcome to the forum. You are just high maintenance gals now. You are still the same you, just a bit slower. <3
jennyss
Member
8 years ago
Dear @Bird and @RachaelBB ,
Best wishes from jennyss
Sister
Member
8 years ago
Hi @bird and @RachaelBB . Welcome to the group. You'll find lots of support and info here.
primek
Member
8 years ago
Hello and welcome. We are here to support you as we can. Kath x
Riki_BCNA
Member
8 years ago
Hello Bird and Rachel and welcome to the online network. Thank you to everyone who has provided key information to link you in with BCNA resources. Please do not hesitate to contact the Helpline if we can assist you in any way.
SoldierCrab
Member
8 years ago
hi Bird and Rachel

sorry to have to welcome you into the forum....
do you have the hopes and hurdles kit ? https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

and

do you know about the group Living with Metastatic Cancer? http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/2-living-with-metastatic-breast-cancer

Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet.
It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time.
The what and how thread.
http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1
Breast Care Nurses
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx
My Journey Kits and other resources. Hopes and Hurdles
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/
BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258
If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.

we are a really supportive bunch on here and there is normally someone around at all times to chat with.

it is Ok so admit we have fears...
Zoffiel
Member
8 years ago
Welcome ladies.
@bird there is a group for those living with metastatic cancer - look for the 'groups' icon on the upper right hand side of the page.
None of us want to be part of this club, but we are all in it together.
Being frightened is normal. Horrible, but normal. We get it. Mxx

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