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Vivianna
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Joined 9 years ago
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6 years cancer free...then I'm not
Hi all, just wanted to share a little about my journey and was also wanting some advice... My story begins in December 2016, found a lump in my right breast after running my first marathon (lost quite a bit of weight with all the training). fast forward 11 surgeries-lumpectomies, sentinel node biopsies, egg harvesting/preservation, bilateral mastectomies and insertion of silicone implants, removal of said implants, cesaerean section, hysterectomy, bilateral DIEP reconstruction and fat grafting and we get to 2022. I had my DIEP recon in 2021 (most horrific experience of my life-had to be resuscitated twice and in ICU for a week). After all that, I decided to celebrate the end of my cancer journey with my second marathon (great ocean road-bucket list and definitely recommend). Unfortunately, December 2022, have found out I have had a recurrence of the cancer (despite bilateral mastectomies and reconstructions) and it has now spread to my lymph nodes. I really don't know how to feel about this...so much has changed for me in the last 6 years since my diagnosis, I went from being happily married with no kids the first time around, to now seperated, single parent to a beautiful 5 year old that starts school next year, and a completely different job. I guess my question to you all is...is there anyone else out there who has/is going through the same? I know that I have both Chemo and radiation plus multiple surgeries in my immediate future. I feel...tired...like I really just don't know if I have the strength to endure this again. I am considering not going through any treatment and enjoying the time I have left with my son. I don't want to go through all the treatment and lose the quality of life I have now, especially if I could potentially die on the operating table anyway. I was 31 when first diagnosed and am 37 now, any thoughts?Re: i wish we could do this here!
Yeah i had the same experience! Multiple tries, multiple wiggling manoeuvres! I really wish there was something that would make access easier for everyone involved, i have a portacath now but the two times that they could of used it, the hospital didn't have the right access cannulars and the phlebotomist wasn't qualified to use it so more anxiety and more tears. Im hoping that tomorrow they will just gas me under so I won't have to endure more poking.33Views0likes0CommentsRe: Mastectomy and reconstruction tomorrow...trying not to freak out
Thank you everyone for your kind words and thoughts! We just got the call today that out of the 11 viable eggs only 2 made it to the frozen stage...im trying really hard not to get too down, we only wanted 2 kids so im praying my hardest that they will have no problems defrosting them. I know its silly bit it feels like we lost 9 dreams today6Views0likes0CommentsMastectomy and reconstruction tomorrow...trying not to freak out
Its exhausting, all of the tests, fertility preservation went well yesterday, they managed to get 11 eggs! Ive got my fingers crossed that there will be some survivors out of this batch, I know I'm strong but I can't do that again...71 injections/cannulations to date. It's suppose to get easier right? Im still waiting for it to. The most exhausting part is trying to keep it together for everyone else, especially my hubby. Im living a world made partly of quiet optimisim/depression/denial, hubby said to me he's waiting for me to fall apart and thinks it will happen once ive finally had the mastectomy... I don't really know what to think or how to feel about this? I really don't have any spheres of reference...im just trying to keep positive and only focus on one step at a time. I am a bit worried that Im having the mastectomy tomorrow but still haven't got an oncologist yet, probably should check on that! Anyway, hopefully things will go well tomorrow ❤841Views0likes34CommentsRe: Just diagnosed but cannot even contact a surgeon until 9th January. Stress levels high.
That is alot to think through Unicornkisses, I am also having to make the same decision...I think for me the full mastectomy with immediate reconstruction is the option for me, this means that I have the surety that the cancer won't come back in the breast and I get to keep my nipple too! Its such a huge decision but it sounds like you are on the right track to making an informed decision. Good luck to you ❤4Views0likes0Comments
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Work and breast cancer
PUBLIC GROUP - This is a space to connect around the challenges and questions that come with managing work and breast cancer. Whether you're navigating time off, returning to work, dealing with workplace conversations, or exploring your rights and options, you're welcome here. This group is open to the public (not just members of our online network) to help broaden access to important information, practical advice, and peer support.1 month ago17 Posts 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.Living with metastatic breast cancer
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