Forum Discussion

LadyDemon's avatar
LadyDemon
Member
11 years ago

Roller coaster ride

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 28 August this year at the age of 44.  To say it has been a whirlwind is an understatement! 

I was intially diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at the end of May, I needed to change my diet and lose 13kg to get out of the 'at risk' category.  3 months down the track I had changed my diet, got rid of high blood pressure and achieved my goal of losing 13kg. 

They say things happen for a reason, by losing this 13kg I noticed some changes in my left breast - very itchy.  I thought this was just changes happening as I was in my 40s.  had a mamogram through Breast Screen and was confirmed as having BC.  Have since had a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy.  sentinel node came back positive with spottings of cancer, was back in 1 week later and had 19 lymph nodes removed.  slowly recovering from these ops, oncology appt this weds and are quite apprehensive as what to expect.

biopsy
lumpectomy
mammogram
  • LadyDemon's avatar
    LadyDemon
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thank you Wendy, I am glad to hear that you have come through your treatment.  I think we all have fear when it comes to seeing our specialists.  I suppose it is the fear of the unknown.  Wishing you you luck.  Jackie xx

  • gypsy's avatar
    gypsy
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Jackie

    You have come to the right place to get some support the ladies on here are wonderful and are there if you have any questions, just want to vent or are scared. This has been my year of dealing with BC after being diagnosed at the end of last year. Very similar story to yours and I am now thru all of the treatments and onto tamoxifen for 5 years. I go for my first check up next month with the Breast surgeon and am quite apprehensive about it. Hopefully it will get easier after that. Just take each  step at a time and before you know it you will be on the other side. Wendy xx

  • LadyDemon's avatar
    LadyDemon
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Lisa, my cancer is e & p +. Will need chemo, radiation and Hrt. They said as my lump was only 1.3cm is was unlikely to be in the lymph nodes, 5 of them came back positive. This one knocked me for a six as I was not expecting to go back in for the 2nd op inside 7 days from the last. Jackie
  • LadyDemon's avatar
    LadyDemon
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Lisa, my cancer is e & p +. Will need chemo, radiation and Hrt. They said as my lump was only 1.3cm is was unlikely to be in the lymph nodes, 5 of them came back positive. This one knocked me for a six as I was not expecting to go back in for the 2nd op inside 7 days from the last. Jackie
  • lisa256's avatar
    lisa256
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Your diagnosis sounds similar to mine. Im 44 also and live in Melbourne area. Is your cancer triple negative? Are you having chemo and radiation? Lisa
  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi there. Sorry to hear that you have joined "the club". It is a whirlwind in those first few months. There's so much information to get your head around, let alone dealing with the emotional turmoil that comes with it all. Good for you on your weight loss and starting to look after yourself better. It all helps. I've just had my 5th chemo treatment out of 6 and what I've learnt is that it is different for everyone and for me personally, ever treatment has been different. I was dreadfully ill after the first treatment and spent 5 days in hospital. Make sure you tell your drs every side effect or problem you experience as they will work to reduce these and will change things accordingly. They even change one of the chemos I was being given completely which has made a huge difference. Take someone to your appointment with you as it's a lot to take in. Ask lots of questions and if needs be write them down and take a list of your questions with you so you don't forget them. It's not pleasant but you will get through it. Take up every offer of help and use the resources that are available. Just know that you're not on you own. Good luck with your appointment. Let us know how you get on. Take care xox regards, Karen
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago
    It is the hardest part, waiting to find out what treatment you will need. But I think that you will handle whatever needs to happen so much better because of your recent health improvements. I had a mastectomy, chemo and radiation last year and think it helped me to cope better because I had just spent 3 months loosing a little weight too. I kept to a healthy diet (within reason) and walked as much as possible. I was determined to not put the weight that I had lost back on. Here I am 11 months after finishing treatment and I have lost even more weight and am probably the healthiest I have been in a long time. Just take it one step at a time. It is very tough but you can come out of it and feel really good again. Loosing that weight probably did save your life. You will cope better with what is ahead because of this. Keep in touch on here. You will get some terrific advice and support from the amazing ladies on here. Let us know how you go on Wednesday. Whatever you have to do it will be better once you know the plan. Take care. Deanne xxxx