Survivorship: The Part We Don’t Talk About — But Should
I’m 11 years post my second breast cancer diagnosis, and I’m grateful every single day to still be here. I work five days a week, I show up, I contribute, and I keep moving forward. I’m proud of that. But I’ve also learned that survivorship is far more complex than anyone prepared me for. After Taxol, 5‑FU, and a DIEP flap, I now live with: permanent hair thinning, weight gain, early menopause, neuropathy, hand‑function issues, all‑over body cramping, heart failure, cataract, blocked tear ducts, damaged veins, and numbness from nerve damage. I’ve adapted. I’ve rebuilt not just physically but mentally/emotionally. I’ve learned to live in a body that’s different from the one I had before. But here’s the truth: we don’t talk about this part. Not with friends. Not with colleagues. Often not even with each other. We carry the long‑term effects quietly. We push through because that’s what survivors do. We’re grateful — deeply — but gratitude doesn’t erase the challenges. I’m sharing this to encourage honest conversations. Because survivorship is real work. Because so many of us are navigating long‑term effects in silence. Because speaking up helps others feel less alone. If any of this resonates with you, your experience is valid. We can be strong, grateful, and resilient — and still tell the truth about what survivorship really looks like.
Radiation with Old Implants
I am about to undergo radiation and am concerned about how this may affect my implant (approx 10 years old). I am aware that radiation can cause issues with the implant and had thought I could have a reconstruction down the track if needed, although I am now finding out that this can be tricky due to the damaged tissue. Does anyone have experience with this? I am also waiting on genetic testing which may push me down the mastectomy/reconstruction path instead (if positive) so I am wondering if this is going to be a better option.
Newly diagnosed - October 2024
Hi everyone! Diagnosed just 3 and a half weeks ago. Everything happened so fast. Just had a lumpectomy on Tuesday. 2 lymph nodes removed. I'm 58, mum had breast cancer in the past - she's ok. My tumour was estrogen positive and progesterone positive. HER2 negative. 2cm lump, contained. Radiation in 6 weeks and then endocrine therapy - hormone tablets. Recovering well. Emotions up and down. Doing the exercises given by the nurses. Too much going on in my life right now - brother-in-law has terminal brain cancer and my kids' aunty now has terminal cancer. Not sure how to cope right now with the other family members and myself too. It's like a bad dream you can't wake up from. I have to concentrate on my own health, stay calm and accept what is. Life is challenging isn't it? Nice to be here to connect with other women.