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Katy_Sodapop
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Joined 6 years ago
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Re: TERRIFIED of Treatment
There will be no greater help than seeking one on one assistance from a counselor or psychologist. I work in this field with addiction and I'm a 6 and a bit year survivor of an aggressive BC diagnosis and when I wanted to stop treatment I had to seek professional help because I wouldn't be here without my port, the chemo, the radiation, the surgery and the 6 years of hormone medication ... Yes it's bloody hard and it makes you question everything you know or believe in as a human being but sometime we are too emotional and entwined in our anxiety/predictions/outcomes/feelings of uncertainty/unhelpful thinking habits and so we need a professional with the skills to be able to objectively help us make sense and cope as best we can7Views4likes0CommentsRe: To port or not to port...
Jovdp said: Hi, I have just found out that my WLE to remove 2 tumours wasn’t as successful as hoped and they didn’t get the healthy margin hoped for on one of them the, also the sentinel node biopsy came back as positive for cancer also. Surgeon has me booked in for surgery to remove first thing on Monday morning. Then will be followed up with chemo and then radiation. My problem is (apart from the above!!) I have dodgy veins which can be hard to find!!! When it comes to chemo I’m worried about becoming a pin cushion and worst still them not being able to get one at all. I mentioned this to surgeon and he has suggested a port.. When I then spoke to my breastcare nurse she suggested I should think about it with the risks involved etc and that if not really needed and if the chemo treatment plan doesn’t call for it, then not to do. Only problem is I have no idea of my chemo treatment plan yet as this all happened late Friday afternoon and surgery is first thing on Monday morning! Arrhh On one hand I can see the port will make it easier for chemo but then does that outweigh the risks of foreign body in body, infection ......? Is getting the port put in at a later date if they are struggling with the veins an option ? I would really appreciate any ones reflections of their own experiences? Just all feels very overwhelming today. Port was the best thing I ever did. I did one chemo without it and it was unbearable I didn't have any issues with it but I know it can be a thing. If you need chemo, bloods taken it's so good to have the access to a port18Views1like0CommentsRe: 9 years clear after second triple negative diagnosis.
mum2jj said: Hello lovely ladies. I don’t get onto this main forum very often as my time is taken up with the choosing breast reconstruction group. I just wanted to share my good news today after my check up with my breast surgeon today. I am now 9 years clear from a second triple negative diagnosis (10 1/2 from 1st diagnosis.) Such a great feeling and I really just wanted to let those of you newly diagnosed know that there is hope. I am truly grateful for where I am today and my heart as always goes out to those who aren’t as lucky as I am. Here is my happy thumbs up shot that I took after my appointment. Much love and cyber hugs to you all. Paula xxxx AMAZING!! I think it's so important to provide hope. I'm just over 6 years clear Well done, must feel so good19Views1like0CommentsRe: Decision about treatment
I didn't have a similar diagnosis but I found radiation relatively easy. Pain in the butt having to go into hospital 5 days of the week and I've been on Tamoxifen for a few months now and so far so good. Just thought I'd throw that in but like everyone says...it's so different for all. Just do your research and stick to your guns and it doesn't mean you don't change your mind and start treatment right?12Views3likes0CommentsRe: Altered staging
Cara_maree said: Hi. I’m 39 mother of 4 boys and was initially diagnosed with stage 2. I recently had a lumpectomy and auxiliary clearance and margins were not clear and found it had spread to a number of lymph nodes (11/15 removed). Based on pathology from tumour, my diagnosis was changed to Stage 3. I start chemo in 2 weeks, initially x2 weekly and will have a total of 16 treatments, followed by Radiation, then mastectomy, and then hormone treatment. .I was initially positive about my prognosis, but now not so much. Anyone else been in similar situation? Any advice welcomed. Hi Cara, sorry this is happening to you. I was 34 when diagnosed and early stage 3 however when I started seeing a different oncologist she told me I was actually 3C and so close to it spreading to other parts of my body. It was a shock but that was a little over 6 years ago and whilst the treatment will be intense and long there is a lot of hope. You will need a lot of help with your gorgeous kids though so learn to take it all. And definitely connect on here and call the BCNA helpline if needed x6Views3likes0CommentsRe: Getting ready for Chemo, any advice?
Sabina33 said: Hi beautiful women, I’m new here, I’m a 33yo mum with 3 kids, recently diagnosed with hormone +, stage 3, grade 3. Had a double mastectomy and lymph nodes removed on the 30/3, going to see the oncologist next week and start Chemo. Would love some advice on preparing for this, recovery from surgery has been hard but chemo is more daunting to me... Hi Sabina, Sorry you have had to join this club. I was 34 when diagnosed and pretty similar stage and grade....that's over 6 years ago now! Chemo was definitely the hardest for me out of all the treatments. My tips are.... Take your anti nausea meds Rest Rest Rest even if you're feeling on top of the world - it's the steroids that are lying to you Paint your nails & toenails a dark colour - I honestly believe in this as I painted my nails and forgot to paint my toenails and a month after finishing chemo all my toenails fell off Drink tonnes of fluids to flush the chemo out after you've had it Don't stress if you don't eat or drink as healthy as you thought you might (I thought this way)....eat and drink what makes you happy, keeps you hydrated, energised etc I lived on Savoy biscuits 24 hours of the day and always ate a bucket of hot chips when I was having my chemo Have you thought about cutting your hair shorter? Absolutely accept ALL of the help! Sometimes it's hard but a lot of your friends and family might not know what to say but they can show you by the way they help Goodluck my friend :)6Views1like0CommentsRe: Starting Letrozole, stomach gripes and other side effects
Caz1 said: Hi @Tinkat I finished radiation a month ago and have been on letrozole for six weeks. Haven’t noticed anything too bad with it. Joints sometimes a bit sore. Just had a bone scan and apparently I have osteoporosis so oncologist is possibly going to look at stopping it after my surgery. I take it early afternoon when my dog has his pills lol (or sometimes later due to forgetting lol) Like you I’ve tried to be positive since diagnosis in July but it’s been more challenging the last few weeks. I’ve had to be pretty strict on my meditation routine making sure I do it every day. I find that has really helped. Caz x Hi Caz, I hope you get your meds sorted especially if you have osteoporosis - I'm in the same boat! They can give you medication to help with osteoporosis but also apparently Tamoxifen is easier on your bones. I'm sure you are getting the best advice from your Onc. Meditation and exercise is so good for you right!7Views1like0Comments
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Young women & breast cancer
This group is for young women affected by breast cancer. In the context of breast cancer treatment, ‘young’ usually refers to women who are pre-menopausal. Here, you can connect with others who understand the unique challenges that come with a diagnosis at a younger age. We talk about things like fertility, pregnancy, early menopause, ovarian suppression, relationships, and the emotional impact of treatment and recovery. Whether you're newly diagnosed or further along in your journey, this is a safe space to ask questions, share experiences, and support one another. You are not alone during this uncertain and overwhelming time.
