Topic: Ottawa?

Good morning,

I too am from Ottawa, and received my diagnosis smack dab in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness month (October 16th). Doing chemo first, as the ultrasound found a second tumour underneath the one that I had discovered.

Breast Cancer Action has a website .. http://www.bcaott.ca/ .. they have a library, exercise classes, and a lymphodema program (which is hopefully not something we have to worry about .. yet!)  They have speakers come in to talk about subjects, and raise awareness through involvement in community activities (sponsoring Dragon Boat teams for the races in June). The cost of membership is $30 for the year. Although the main office is by Mooney's Bay, there are satellite programs.

I have not joined yet, as I'm still working through the library at the General's Cancer Centre. There is as well, within the basement of the Centre, a gym which will put together an exercise program specifically for you (make sure to get your doctor's approval first). I am as well blessed with an absolutely amazing support network, which *apparently* had been there all along =] .. they came *out of the woodwork* with the diagnosis.

Yeah it's scary .. the first few weeks, I was a mess. Then a rather funny thing happened .. found a strength I didn't know I had, thanks =] in great deal to the people around me believing in me.

I'm not that much further ahead of you, just 2 short months *exactly* . Would be pleased to share and answer (if I can!) any questions.

oxox,=Deirdre

Hi Cheryl.  I have invasive lobular carcinoma.  They tell me it is 1.2 cm and a grade 1 on the biopsy on right breast.  My surgeon can't feel any lymph nodes.  I had my MRI on Saturday and am waiting for the results.  She noticed a thickening on my left, so I'm concerned about that as ILC has more chance of coming up in another breast.  Anyway, I don't have a treatment plan as yet, as I haven't had MRI results yet.  Surgery, I believe, is scheduled for Feb. 26th.  thanks for your support.  Hugs to you. 

Yes Micou you are right... I forgot about that group at the Civic because I live out of town and couldn't really use them.

Needtotalk ..  1.2 and grade 1 is good news... if you can call any cancer good news that is. The MRI will tell you what is going on on the other side.

I knew I had IDC on the left and the MRI showed something "suspicious" on the right. I opted for a bilat mast and have no regrets. Start yourself a file with all your test results and paper to write notes for doctor visits. You will get a lot of information thrown at you most of which you will forget if you don't write it down. I sat with my surgeon for 4 hours figuring out my course of treatment.

Once you start treatment start writing everything down daily (like a journal) so you can remember what to ask your doctors when you visit.

It is not a pleasure trip... but it is quite doable. You just need to follow doctor's directions closely and speak up if you have any problems.

If there is anything I can help you with just let me know.

Hugs

CherylG

I Cheryl, I am from the Ottawa area also and currently receiving Herceptin at the General Cancer Center. I was wondering how long you wait before starting your chemo. I found the time between my surgery and the start of my chemo extremely long and scary. I had my surgery at Civic on 30 Jan 07 and start my 3 weeks cycle (AC) on the 12 Apr 07 (11 weeks later) at the General. This was the waiting time as per my oncologist. 

Sig

Yep, I guess 3 months is the normal waiting time for Ottawa. I was actually scared because everything I read was saying that the later you start chemo after surgery then your chance of recurrence gets higher. Glad to see that your are still doing fine. Best of Luck to you also.

tks, Sig

hi, I am very sorry to heard this, it is reminding me when I got my dx last year, waiting time just made me (and still) crazy. I am from Ottawa also I saw the surgeon (civic) on the 18 Jan 07 then I had an MRI on the 23 Jan 07 (surgeon want this to see if my other breast was fine and to get the real size of my lump to see if lumpectomy or mastectomy would be better). it ended up that I had another smaller tumor away from my original one so for the safe side it was recommended to have a mastectomy. Then I had my mastectomy on 30 Jan 07. I found this web site way after my dx and did not know anything at all about BC and my options etc....I was never asked and did not know I could have a reconstruction at the same time. May be it is because I was not possible due to my cancer stage or whatever, anyway I just wanted my cancer removed as quickly as possible as I was devastated.

good luck and keep us posted. You will found a lot of good information and support on this web site.

Sig

I live just south of Ottawa.  If anyone wants to talk pm me we can see about setting up a date/time/place. 

Yep Sharon ... that's pretty much the norm here. I agree the waiting is horrible.

Stacey... sorry to hear your news. If you need to talk PM me.

That goes for everybody ... feel free to PM me anytime for anything.

I have signed up for the Relay for Life here in Lombardy June 13-14. I am team captain and we will be doing a Giant Garage Sale soon as a fundraiser. We are accepting gently used clothing and small appliance donations and 100% of funds raised go to the Relay and CCS. It's going to be a lot of work but it's payback time for me. I would have never been able to do the 33 rads without the help of the transportation unit of the CCS.

Well I have to go now... take care and be well everyone!

Hugs

CherylG

Hi Stacey,

Funny you met with Dr. Watters.  My last name is Watters and when I went for my pre-op last week, they thought Dr. Watters was doing my surgery.  I kept saying "no, I'm the Watters".  Anyhow, Dr. Stedman is doing my mastectomy and Dr. Guay is doing my reconstruction.  It will be at the Civic on April 7th. My diagnosis was on Jan. 29.

I am very happy with all of the medical staff - it's like a well oiled machine.  The waiting is the worst part and I wish it could have been sooner.  Now that I have a plan - I just want it done so I can start to put my life back on track.  All the best.  Michelle

Hi Survivour

I'm not from Ottawa area but have family there....in Kanata and Perth.

Welcome to the site but sorry you too had to find us. This site is wonderful and it's good to have others to talk to who know what it's like and you can share with.

There are quite a few ladies from your area as well as from across Ontario and Canada and everywhere else. It's nice to be able to connect.

I hope you are getting the best care possible and your journey through this won't be too difficult. Best wishes for your road ahead.....(((HUGS))) Viv

SURVIVOR.. where are you? I am in Smiths Falls. Who are your doctors? PM me if you need anything.

Sorry I disappeared ladies but I couldn't get in here at all. I still want to get the Ottawa people together just have a lot on my plate this weekend. Doing a garage sale for Relay for Life Sunday. If I disappear again and you want to get in touch please email me at JollyTrolly@live.ca

Hope you are all doing well

hugs

CherylG

Hi Siobhan

 I am not sure if you have had your double mastectomy yet but if not good luck. I had a mastectomy 2.5 years ago with reconstruction 9 mos. ago. If you have any questions, just ask me. I can try and help

asics girl

Hi Hemison

 you are on your stomach, head first. It lasts about 20 minutes if i remember correctly. I have had so many tests and mri, ct scans that I am getting them all mixed up now.

Aasics girl