Thanks, will do! ... View more

Hi Crystal,   Sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I had a breast cancer scare (that ended up being nothing) when I was a similar age to you and I was terrified.  Now I'm 67 it was still a shock but no where near as bad as how I remember being so scared in my 30's.   Here's a bit of a timeline so far: 9 June, first mammogram that showed a potential problem  21 June,  2nd more detailed mammogram and ultrasound  1 July ,1st appt to discuss with surgeon 7 July, lumpectomy surgery & 2 sentinel lymph nodes (1 was positive) (think I stayed 2 nights) 16 July Surgery to remove additional lymph nodes - stayed one night   Nurses visited daily for about 2 weeks at home.  Then physio and lymphodema monitoring at the hospital.   6 August appt with oncologist to discuss chemo and hormone therapy 17 August appt with radiation oncologist to discuss radiotherapy   i hope that helps.  All the best with your treatment.  If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask. Susie ... View more

Hi Colin, Thanks for your reply.  Sorry to hear about your diagnosis, but your positivity is encouraging and inspiring!   I like the idea that you are talking to your tumour and telling it to get lost.  I'm "lucky" that mine is breast cancer, at least it can be cut out fairly successfully, just have to contend with any stray cancer cells and the possibility of recurrence.  I have been amazed at the support group of nurses, physios, specialists, etc who are there to help, plus groups like this one.    I'm feeling a bit better - the swelling has gone down (with the help of some drainage) so I am more comfortable.     I agree that it is good to stay positive and try to watch funny stuff - I love watching Michael McIntyre and have watched a few old Fawlty Towers episodes lately.  I live near the beach and walk my dog there every morning and get a coffee - small pleasures, but good ones.   Outwardly I am coping really well with it all.  Inside maybe not so well.  On the plus side, my 3 adult sons now all ring me very regularly to check in and see how I'm going. Two of them are within an hour or so's drive (in opposite directions) and the third one had just taken off on a 6 month trip around Australia when I was diagnosed.  Another thing to be grateful for - they are all grown up, have jobs, have partners, and usually have enough going on that ringing mum more than once every couple of weeks is not top of their minds!   I hope all goes well with your chemo and the side effects are not too bad and I hope you have someone to support you through it. Keep smiling ֍ Susie ... View more