Saying Hello

[#1]

Hi I've got my "L" Plates on, this is my first attempt to send a blog and I'm probably the only person in Australia who doesn't have a home PC - I am using my work PC. I learnt about this site via my Breast Support Group and I can appreciate the honesty,understanding and support that I have read on this site so here I am. I am a breast cancer survivor and I have been on the rollercoaster ride that comes with a cancer diagnosis for a few years now. At times I have been proud of how I have handled the journey and "then" there are the crappy moments... but I guess that just makes me human. This is just a short message "Work Calls" but I hope to chat in the future.

[#2]

Hi there, This is my first time and first message i've sent since joining up about half an hour ago. Im also at work too, I cant seem to get motivated to do any work & pretty much wanted to chat to others going through similar experiences. So glad to hear your a survivor, and your right your only human. Life is one big rollercoaster! I hope everything works out for you in the end & you live a happy healthly life. My fingers are crossed. My mother has recently been diagnosed with melonoma tumor, which is right under her kidney - it isnt attached to any organ which is great. Though to hear her say she is scared that she will die if the treatment doesnt work, frightens me. I dont know what to do for her, one minute she says she wants this - and then changes her mind. She wants me to spend more time at home, in which i do. but overall i cant seem to make her happy. I pretty much joined this website hoping to get some advice/suggestions from other people dealing with the same situation as me.

[#3]

Hi Jadef, Your mum is probably experiencing a wide range of emotions, whilst you think you aren't doing things right, you are. You are listening to her and spending time with her and that is important. It is frightening to learn of a cancer diagnosis, believe me, you never quite expect it. I found ringing the Cancer Helpline 13 11 20 gave me a starting point. I was given a sympathetic ear and offered some much needed practical advice. Take things one step at a time. I always had my husband with me at Specialists appointments.. two ears are better than one.. whilst I took a notepad and asked questions, my mind tendered to wander and I didn't retain all the information but my husband did. You can be her second ear, it may not sound like much but it is a great help and it will make the decision process less daunting. Be supportive and be patient with your mum, but allow yourself time to experience your own emotions, its alright to cry, crying is an emotional outlet. There are times to be positive but it is impossible to be positive a 100%, all the time. And "Ditto" I have my fingers crossed for your mum and you. I hope everything goes well.

[#4]

Hello Reindeer :) Thank you for responding to my message! My mum has been feeling alittle better in the last few days, we've joked & laughed which is great to see, usually when i get home from work i can feel the vibe in the house & everyone be so down. My step dad always goes to the specialist app'ts with her..for the support & another ear like your husband does. My mum is waiting to hear back from the doctors whether she is eligible for a new treatment that is available, its a pill in which you take that will shrink down the tumor & has less side effects than chemo. Im hoping she is able to get this treatment, so its really just a waiting game until then.. but from reading other peoples comments, it seems as though waiting is the hard part! Thanks for the tips/advice - i might give the hotline a call, basically my mum said that if the treatment doesnt work then she will die.. i am not sure if she said that in the heat of the moment or if thats whats going on in her head, or if it really is the case.. The thought of losing my mum makes me feel sick. She is sooo young (43yrs old) and has a little 11 month old daughter. I know my mum is a fighter, and wont give up.. we all wont! Its hard for me to imagine what is going on through my mums head..I just wish the treatment would start & my mum to be better again!

[AmandaC]

Welcome Reindeer :) I to am a survivor and totally understand what you mean when you speak of the rollercoaster we survivors experience. BTW I know heaps of people that don't have computers at home, to be honest I am a slave to technology at times it would be a welcome change. Look forward to getting to know you! Amanda

[#6]

Thanks for welcoming me Amanda. I'm enjoying meeting people through this site. I can see how much help and support is offered. Along the way, if the telling of my experiences can possibly offer comfort or support to others that would make me even happier. Hope to speak to you again. Have a great long weekend, depending on which state you live in.... I wished my friend in QLD a good long weekend and she replied "Why are you giving me an extra day", I said "Oh well , that's one of the benefits of living in NSW".