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Kimee's avatar
Kimee
Member
11 years ago

My Journey with Breast Cancer so far

Being diagnosed in February was the biggest shock of my life. Not only had I never been sick in my life but I had never had any type of operation so it was all very surreal to me. I was in denial for a few days and was waiting for the diagnosis to be changed everytime I visited the specialist.

First surgery was a Lumpectomy with Sentinal Nodes removed for biopsy. Unfortunately there were the smallest bits of cancer in these nodes so further surgery was required which meant removing more nodes of the Lymphatic system under the armpit. Also the clearance [margin] of the tissue that they took out wasn't great on one side so they also went back into the same op site again to take a little more. Couldn't believe my luck. Stay positive they kept telling me but it seemed everytime I tried that I just kept getting knocked down.

All the cancer is now gone so I am taking that as a positive.

I was then sent to the oncologist for treatment plan and further diagnosis. Result is not quiet a true triple negative Breast Cancer but very close to it. I put all my faith in the oncologist and belief that they know what they are doing and will give me the best advice for me.

I have since had 4 doses of Chemo drug AC which I have tolerated really well. There was no nausea which was one of my main concerns. I felt that it would be harder to tolerate nausea than being tired. At least when you're tired you can just have a sleep but nausea is just something else. Most days I go to work as this helps me to feel normal and take my mind off all the things that are happening to me.

I began dose 1 of 12 of my weeekly Taxol chemo treatments last week. This didn't quite go to plan as I had a Hyper Sensitive reaction {common they tell me]but the nurses acted so quickly that there was no time to think about it too much. The Phenergan was given and also Clarantyne and half hour later we were up and running again with treatment. Now we will have these as pre meds before all the remainder Taxol treatments.

I am a little nervous about the tingling in the fingers and toes that may or may not happen but I guess I will have to wait and see if that happens to me and deal with it does.

During my own journey my mum decided along with my sisters that they should all go and have a check done. Sisters are both fine but will be checked annually. Mum unfortunately was diagnosed with a breast cancer and has since been operated on and further treatment is still being decided. At this stage it looks like 4 small doses of Chemo plus radiotherapy. The one thing I have learnt is a greater understanding of peoples emotions when being diagnosed. It is certainly life changing.

I have also learnt that I am a lot stronger on the inside than I first thought when this began. I know I can do this and I am doing it with the biggest hope of never having to go through this again.

 

 

 

7 Replies

  • Hi Kimee, how wonderful that you have found your blogging to be cathartic .. and the support of other BC survivors is inspirational, isn't it. 

    I was only recently diagnosed and am booked for a bilateral mastectomy on 30 July - with chemo thereafer. So, in a sense, my journey is only just beginning.  A lot of waiting - yes .... a lot of planning and organising family and children and hubby time off work to be my carer etc etc - yes.

    The best advice I received (and embraced) came from the Breast Screen Qld doctor - she told me I must give myself permission to be selfish .... this has almost become my mantra.

    We are indeed stronger than we think ... and more beautiful than we believe. All the best with your recovery x

  • Hi Donna,

    Yes the journeys are very different for us all as well as the feelings and emotions we all have. Sometimes you feel like your on a rollercoaster which you are up and then down sometimes quiet quickly.

    I will hopefully be on the ride that is smooth sailing by the end of the year.

    Best wishes and thanks for the post

    Kim

     

     

  • Many Thanks Di,

    It's amazing how many hard it is to put ourselves first. We forget about ourselves so much but I often think as I not sick with nausea and I can get out of bed and keep going that everything is just normal, that is until it hits me how tired I am then have to stop and have a rest.

    I am planning to celebrate each milestone [end of chemo then end of radiation which we mean end of treatment. I would like to celebrate with all those whom have been there for me through all of this.

    I will stay strong.

    Cheers,

    Kimee

  • Hi Amanda,

    I read your story also last night and wish you all the very best.

    I never thought I would see myself blogging as I thought it wasn't for me but now I feel it is one of the best things I have done sharing mt story with others whom have or are going through something similar. The family will always be my number one supporters but tryimg to explain the symptoms of being forced into early menopause and why I am crying somedays when I don't even know myself is a little difficult.

    I know I will blog a little more often now as I know it will help get those feelings outto help me through to the end.

     

    Keep strong.

  • Unfortunately this journey with BC seems to chop and change, its all so different as I suppose we are all different.

    I am 8 months post all treatment and surgeries now and well on the way to reclaiming my life, things do change as the journey has changed us but its not all bad.

    Good luck to both yourself and your mother, I hope that you guys are a big support to each other.

    Sending you hugs

    Donna

  • Hi Kimee, my experience is very similar to yours its been 15 months since my diognosis, i had surgery, chemo and radiation, all my hair fell out, its a big shock but you will get through it and its a big relief once all over, you need to celebrate once its done, the advice i would give is that as women we are not used to putting ourselves first - being a bit selfish, this was really hard for me but this is the time to be selfish and put yourself first rest alot and only do what you can do say no if u don't feel up to it

    You will get through it

    Stay strong

    best wishes

    Di

  • Hi Kimee, 

    Thanks for sharing your story - I recently shared mine too "A lump in the road" ( it was hard but felt good afterwards and getting lovely replies is fantastic) - I get amazed how many different versions there are of the cancer journey but the emotions are similar and that is what we share so as not to feel so alone. I understood your journey only too well. You have been so brave! And your mum too!! My very brave girlfriend was diagnosed same time as me but her journey which started ok has now become a bit more tougher than expected. At least We get some meet so many amazing people including the medical staff. It is a club we didn't want to join but I have found that by taking advantages of all the interesting experiences being offered by various groups, it helps ease the emotional turmoil a little.  

    Good luck for the rest of the journey. i will be thinking of you and sending positive thoughts

    Amanda :)