March 2013
What a rollercoaster few weeks it has been. My loving uncle died on the 8 March, and I had my lumpectomy on the 12th. We buried my uncle on the 14th. And I got my results back yesterday. Good news. Clear margins and no node involvement. Best news ever!! My surgeon was happy. I am happy. My husband is ECSTATIC! It has been a rough few weeks, waiting for surgery, then waiting for results. I actually think the waiting is far worse than the actual surgery ... I'm a bit odd in that I really like being put under.
Anyway I guess now is where the rel battle begins. Mr Surgeon has told me chemo will begin in the next few weeks, the details of which will be decided by my oncologist, and then radiation. I read all these horror stories (and not too many positive stories) on how everyone handles chemo and radiation. I wonder if any of you reading this would like to share your own positive points. There has to be some, it can't be all bad. ( That is if there is anyone reading!!! )
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March 2013
Hi Leanne,
Thank you for sharing your story. I do have private health, and I know the surgeon has fitted me in as quickly as he can. I'm told he's the best breast surgeon in W.A, so I can only assume the wait is because of that.
I am blessed to have a large support network, of family and friends, and really it's only been in the last 48 hours that the enormity of what is about to happen has sunk in. I think a big part of me is more worried for my husband. In fact I know I'm more worried about him than me at this stage.
One question I have for you is how did the decision come about to go for a lumpectomy and radiation, instead of other, possibly more radical options?
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February 2013
I was diagnosed exactly one week ago today. Triple negative breast cancer. My appointment with the surgeon booked for twelve days later.
TWELVE days. I don't know if my days have passed so slowly as these last seven have. I have two small kids. Samuel has just turned 6. In fact his birthday was the day after my diagnosis. And Elizabeth is 3, turning 4 in April. So with just these two I'm busy. I have a wonderful husband, we've been married 13 months.
I'm a chef in a local restaurant, which runs two kitchens, we're desperately understaffed, I'm often working long hours, split shifts to accommodate the childrens needs. I'm active, I do fun runs, I'm usually the first up and the last to bed, with my days passing in a blur of activity.
And now the waiting. I've googled, I've talked to friends who have fought cancer, I've spoken to family....
I know I need to stay positive, but the saying is so much easier than the doing...
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February 2013
Thanks Louie. I'm feeling better this morning. It's not so hot here today, I think I may be able to get outside and take the dog (who is known as Bear the Brown Dog by those who love him) to the beach after school drop off.
I've never been a patient person. Not really good at waiting. I'm into instant gratification. Maybe that's as I'm a generation X'er? I want it all, now, and I want it MY WAY. Take that away from me and I'm just the same scared little girl I was 20 years ago?
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February 2013
Hi.
My name is Peta, I'm a mum of two young kids ( 3 and 6 ) and I was diagnosed on Thursday with triple negative Breast cancer. I'm 36 years old.
*waves* hi!
is there anyone out there in the same ( or similar ) boat? I would really appreciate any advice, support or whatever.
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February 2013
It was odd, being in the doctors surgery, hearing my long time G.P say the words, "I'm sorry".
What was he sorry for? It's not his fault. He didn't give me breast cancer. It wasn't some pill he made me take, or anything he ever did.
Then everyone I tell is sorry. My sister. My mum. My best friend. Everyone is sorry. I'm still just numb. Walking through a fog. Pushing my way through the jelly like day, waiting for the appointment with my surgeon in a weeks time.
Time has literally slowed down. I don't feel sick, I don't feel like anything should be different, but one day lasts for what feels like three. It's an hour from now I pick my two kids up from school, and each minute drags by, my brain is consumed with.... I don't know.
Certainly it's not the baskets of washing sitting to my right. Or the dog who is waiting at the door for his walk. Nor is my mind on the dinner I need to prepare, the beds to make or the floors to vacuum.
It's been 2 minutes since I started typing. Feels like half an hour. I'm not sure I can do this waiting business. Is this normal?
Am I ever going to have "normal" again?
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