Warrior Women
Hi, I was diagnosed with TNBC on the 5 November 2012, Stage 3, with no lymph node involvement but I had two lesions (4mm and 6 mm) and a DCIS, with a definition of multi-focal. I opted for a lumpectomy and I have good margins. As a researcher and academic, I hid in my brain, and undertook extensive 3 month research into the allopathic verus traditional health care options. I was in a world of intellectual pain! I have a blog site - warriorbynature@wordpress.com where I have reflected my journey into weighing up the options. I finally came to the conclusion that despite my prognosis that I needed to undertake chemo. I have had my first round with extensive side effects. Prior to undertaking chemo, I sought a second opinion, as my breast surgeon had proposed 'on the phone' a day or so prior to Christmas that I have a bi-lateral mastectomy. I was naturally outraged by his lack of emotional intelligence in delivering this information in this way. I delayed chemo over the Christmas break. Asking the 'hard questions' revealed that timing was preferred within a set window in order for you to be included against 10 years of statistics that had been collected! Hmm...unimpressed to say the least! I had a second opinion from the leading female breast surgeon in Perth, and I was advised that since a mammogram had originally picked up the legion, that it was likely that a mammogram would it again. My left breast was clear of lesions, my cancer had been removed in the right and no further activity had been noted. My chemo regime changed from FEC X 6 to DC X 4. I have had my first round of DC and I have been unfortunate to have had serious side effects. I am due to start my second round on Wednesday. I want to acknowledge the wonderful courageous women on this site. These women put many others to shame, including our politicans who mostly have no real idea of 'regular life'. I know this from my experience of working in Canberra as a senior policy officer under Julia Gillard. I am in awe of this collection of women for their unwavering love for their children, partners, and friends. For the way that despite all that is ugly and dark that light is found to smile, and to ease the emotional burdens of family members who witness our pain. I am truly honoured to be in such company. I wish you all the very best. Te xx
