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  • Tammy_M43
    Tammy_M43 Member Posts: 565
    edited September 2016

    Trish, great news about the job and the holiday! Well done👍🏻


  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 269
    edited September 2016

    Trish hope you are having an amazing holiday and huge congrats on the job.

    Chrissy how's the shop going? Hope sales continue to grow.

    Kylie when we first moved to the Central Coast we lived at Berkeley Vale. So not far from you. From there we moved to the Nth Gosford area. We only had one car then and dragging 2 kids out of bed at all hours to get hubby to the station wasn't fun. Gosford was easier.

    It's time for my 12 month check so I'm off to Tamworth tomorrow. Imaging tomorrow and I see the Dr on Thurs. We are staying overnight at our son's. The grandkids will be a much needed distraction. I'm getting a little anxious. Hard to believe I've been on this treadmill for a whole year.

    Hubby has been looking for a new job. Something closer to the kids and grandkids. He has an interview on Monday but we are really in two minds about it. It's quite a pay drop so that may be a struggle and hubby's dream house sold about 6 weeks ago. He had been watching it online and wishing and hoping that a job would come up while it was still available but it wasn't to be. Jobs and houses are not going to align perfectly so we need to compromise on one of them. I think I'm happy to live in a shoebox if it means precious time with the grandies. So many decisions. Sigh.

    Hugs to all. Donna.



  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited September 2016

    Hi Donna, the shop is ticking over, sales are not huge but numbers coming through are growing, sales I will assume will pick up as the weather gets better. Thanks for asking.

    Keeping everything crossed for you for good scans and an all clear verdict. You are not alone with the scanxiety.

    Goodluck to your hubby on the job front and finding another home that suits you both........being closer to the kids and grands will give you both something positive to look forward to.

    Today is my nothing day, just pottering and taking it easy.......lol. Tuesday is fast becoming my Sunday.

    Take it easy all! Love n hugs. Chrissy

  • shirleytai
    shirleytai Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2016

    Hi sisters,

    I am new here and I think I should say Hello. I am in Melbourne. I was diagnosed in July, had my lumpectomy in August and will have my first chemotherapy next week (very scared). My tumor was found in the right breast, however I recently feel a bit lumpy in the other breast which showed normal in the mammo two months ago. So what show I do? I become very suspicious since had cancerand at the same time scared to discover:(

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited September 2016

    Hi Shirley, welcome to both BCO and this thread. Having to face chemo is indeed a daunting task but you can do it, one treatment at a time, one day at a time. We all have different reactions to treatment but the most common is nausea, fatigue, loss of taste and nasty taste and of course loss of hair. Just to ease your mind a little, there are numerous meds that will be given to ease a lot of these side effects but if you still have trouble getting through please ask your onc for more meds or different ones meaning stronger if you need them. Don't be afraid to speak up, the idea is to kill the cancer not you. Making sure you hydrate well before, during and after will help your system to process and eliminate as well, rest when you need to and eat what you can when you can.

    If anyone one asks what they can do for you, don't be shy about telling them whether it's preparing a meal or throwing a load of washing in the machine and or dryer to putting the mop or vac over the floors.

    As to what you think you are feeling in the other breast, if your scans were clear just two months ago I wouldn't stress out about it but do mention it to your doc when you see him/her just to put your mind at ease. A lot of this journey is the fear that comes with cancer which is the fear of dying...........please don't overthink things, just remember you are in treatment and the job of treatment is to kill cancer cells.

    For most, this part of your diagnosis and treatment is still very scary as you are facing the unknown but just remember you are not alone, many have been where you are now and have come through and living fabulously normal lives and you can too. If you have any questions or concerns, just ask as there is someone who will help and support.

    Love n hugs. Chrissy

  • shirleytai
    shirleytai Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2016

    Thanks Chrissy for your reply and warming words. You are so right. I need to be strong. All the ladies here give me so much encouragement.

  • Tammy_M43
    Tammy_M43 Member Posts: 565
    edited September 2016

    Hello Shirley, there is lots of collective wisdom here! (((Hugs))

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited September 2016

    Hello Girls! I'm back!

    Sorry I haven't been on here all week, I started my new job on Monday, and the choir I'm in has taken up my nights with rehearsals, we are in an Eisteddfod today Smile It's been a very busy week, but I made it lol. I crashed on Thursday night when I got home, and again last night, but slept for 10 hours last night so feeling pretty good this morning.

    Shirley - welcome to our lovely group of women. I think by now you will have had your first chemo? Do you know what you are having? I'm just over four months out of my final chemo, it's a shitty thing to go through, but happy to give you any tips I picked up - both from this latest round of chemo and the earlier one five years ago. Do you know what type your breast cancer was? No matter how hard the chemo is, you do get through it. Here's me, four months out, and just started a new job. I've been off work for 10 months all together, and never thought I'd get to this stage.

    This group is wonderfully supportive, and will listen to you rant, cry and whatever you feel like doing. Don't be afraid to come on here and vent to us - we understand.

    Love to you all.

    Trish

    xoxo


  • Delvzy
    Delvzy Member Posts: 454
    edited September 2016

    Hi girls I have popped in to say hello. I have something called costocondritus atm which is very painful ( inflammation of the Cartledge between the ribs) I had it before I went overseas and the 30 hour flight did me in. Welcome to all the newbies I have just passed my 8 year anniversary since diagnosis judy

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited September 2016

    Hey Judy, good to hear from you! So sorry you have costocondritus that is indeed painful. Can you get some curcumin? That works well to help relieve the inflammation and if not that one then Boswellia Serata. .......it also helps to relieve the pain of the inflammation.

    Enjoy your holiday!

    Love n hugs. Chrissy

  • Tam007
    Tam007 Member Posts: 3
    edited September 2016

    I'm in nsw, have had ultrasound , mamma and biopsy( results wed but not looking good)

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited September 2016

    Hi Tam and welcome! Shit! I'm so sorry that you feel the need to join this site but really glad you found it. It's a fabulous place to let out your fears and trepidations, laugh, cry, meet some awesome women of all ages from all over the world and most importantly of all.........learn about this disease and treatments that are avaliable and be suppotrd at every stage.

    It's a terrible to be at the point you are right now, knowing but not knowing, fearing the report but wanting and needing to hear it anyway and wondering how your life and world will change when you hear the words, you have cancer.

    Take a deep breath, try to relax even just a little. It is what it is and the easiest way to get through all this is to take it just one day at a time, deal with what ever happens through out the day the best way you know how. Never forget that you are not alone and there are many extending their hearts and hands to help you get through. Never be afraid to ask questions and there are never any silly questions.

    Goodluck,

    Love n hugs. Chrissy

  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 269
    edited October 2016

    Congrats on the 8 years Judy. I just had my 12 month check in Sept. Scans were clear and physical exam good. Doc was so pleased he said he would be happy to see me again in 12 months but said he understands the anxiety and if I'd be more comfortable with 6 month visits that's fine. I opted for the 6 months at this stage. Still early days for me. I do see my Onc in between but I like my surgeon better. My Onc is just SO busy. Not enough time for all my questions and my surgeon is much more thorough with physical exams.

    Sorry you have found yourself here Tam007. What part of the state are you? I'm Nth West NSW. I know it doesn't feel like it now but it does get a little easier once your treatment plan is in place. You will find the best information and support on this site. Stay away from Google.

    Thinking of everyone. Hugs Donna.

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited October 2016

    Hi Delvzy - it's great that you've reached 8 years! Congrats! Tough about the costocondritus though, hope the curcumin can help you - it's done wonders for my knee.

    Tam - so sorry you had to find your way here to us. We are here to support you though, so feel free to ask any questions, rant, rave and cry. We are a wonderfully supportive group. Please let us know how you go with your tests, and we can help you navigate through anything if it turns out to be bc. (((hugs)))

    I'm going really well girls. I've just finished my third week at work, and getting through it much easier than I thought I would. I went out to a dog show today to do some photography, came home at lunch time because the weather was horrible, but had developed a horror headache (splitting pain and nausea) and went to bed. Up now and feeling a bit shellshocked, I haven't had one of those headaches for a long time.

    Trish

    xoxo

  • Tam007
    Tam007 Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2016

    thank u so much xxx

  • Tam007
    Tam007 Member Posts: 3
    edited October 2016

    I'm in Lake Macquarie area nsw xx

  • aussie12
    aussie12 Member Posts: 421
    edited October 2016

    Hi all

    I have my stoma reversal surgery on Wednesday. I have to drink that Colonlytely tomorrow to clean me out ( great fun having diahrea with a colonospy bag !!! ). I will let you all know how I go once I feel better from the surgery.

    Carol

  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited October 2016

    Wow Carol, that sure did come up quick! Keeping everything crossed that all goes well for you. ........just take it easy and heal. Oh yeah, that clean out stuff........damn, I never even thought about your bag and the consequence when you put a drink that causes diarrhea! Sure hopes it doesnt cause too many problems for you.

    Love n hugs. Chrissy

  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 269
    edited October 2016

    Lovely part of the state Tam007. We moved here from the Central Coast. I like the peace and quiet.

    Wishing you the very best for your surgery Carol.


  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited October 2016

    Carol, will be thinking of you tomorrow xoxo

  • Jennt28
    Jennt28 Member Posts: 1,095
    edited October 2016

    Hi all. Just a quick checkin to say hello.

    It's good to read that everyone that's been in here for a while seems to be doing well. And for those that are new - welcome and I'm so sorry you had to find us...

    I'm coming up 5yrs from diagnosis soon. I'm still struggling with some of these physical changes, but am generally doing well. Work is intense, and between that and challenges with the kids, there's not been much time for any social stuff.

    As some of you know from FB, we had a great holiday a couple of months ago. Since then I've had both daughters in ED and one of them there's THREE times in two months (and she says not the one with disabilities...). I've also been travelling for work.

    So, I'm permanently tired as I just don't have great stamina after the BC thing, but generally am OK.

    I won't make it to Melbourne in December unfortunately. Was there for work this week. Am there for work next month. And, with all this work travel I can't really dash off and leave hubby looking after our daughter with special needs alone anymore than I need to...

    Jenn

  • Trisha-Anne
    Trisha-Anne Member Posts: 1,661
    edited October 2016

    Jenn, great to hear from you, sorry about your daughters' health problems though, that's not good. Nearly at five years though - yay! I remember being tired a lot after my first dx, funnily enough, this time I'm feeling great! Not really sure why, but I'm not going to complain lol.

    About the Melbourne get together - it was supposed to be in November, not December, but Chrissy can't make it now, and I just don't have the funds to do it at the moment, so she's suggesting we might do it in March next year instead.

    Trish

    xoxo

  • kyliet
    kyliet Member Posts: 587
    edited October 2016

    Hi everyone!

    My new granddaughter arrived last week, and I got to be there! It was wonderful.

    Donna my son goes to Berkeley Vale High! I think it used to be pretty wild, but a great school now. I live 2.5 hours from my grandkids and it is so hard, but we have at least another 2 years on the Central Coast as DS goes into Year 11 next year.

    I am also up for 5 years in November, which is exciting. Need to get some scans done erk.

    My niece (she is only a few years younger than me lol) has just had chemo for Er- PR- HER2+ to try and reduce the tumour before surgery. It hasn't reduced so they are just leaving her on Herceptin and will look further in December. Not sure I understand this :( She lives in Port Macdonnell at the bottom of South Australia and her Oncologist flies around SA treating people in country areas. Chrissy you might know who this is??

    Sending hugs to everyone, I hope those having treatment are cooing ok.

    Welcome Shirley xx

    Hi Tam, you are literally just up the road from me. If I can be of any support let me know. You can Private Message on this board if you like xx

    Kylie x

  • Lucy55
    Lucy55 Member Posts: 2,703
    edited October 2016

    Hi all .have been reading back a few pages , and you all are very busy. !!

    Jen ..sorry to hear about your daughters health ..five years sounds wonderful. !!

    ,Kielet ..congrats on your new grand-baby. ☺and on your five years as well ..

    Carol..Thinking of you !

    Trish ..I would love to meet you all ..March sounds great !

    Smurf ...I had my 2 year scans this year ..and blood work ..my doctor also does the tumour markers , which scares me. !!! I think I would be uncomfortable just having yearly checks as well ..

    .My mammogram /ultra sound ended up scarey this time ..They showed a lump 😞 which of course they had to biopsy ..it ended up being B9..but the whole ordeal was terrible..All I could think of was " here I go again " !!

    Melp ..Yay ..thats great news ..So pleased everything is going well ..

    Chrissy ..How do you feel after the hysterectomy this far out ?? I am having a LAVH + BSO + anterior repair on the 17 th of this month ..feeling VERY scared. !!!

    So ..with the hysterectomy coming up it has given me a while new medical issue to continually Google and drive myself insane over 😵..I can't take codiene or morphine and pain relief issue afterwards id what's mostly worrying me .

    I guess I better think about getting out of bed ..I always hate making the move !

    Love to all , and welcome to our " newbies " ..





  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 269
    edited October 2016

    Ah despair. My female GP, who I really liked has left town. The only Dr I'm now able to see at that medical centre is the worst Dr in town. He is not kind, compassionate or caring at all. I have absolutely no rapport with him. Feeling so down about it.

  • Lucy55
    Lucy55 Member Posts: 2,703
    edited October 2016

    Smurf ...ugh ...I would change medical centres ??...They just send all your old records through for you..I definitely like having a female GP ...

  • Alyson
    Alyson Member Posts: 3,737
    edited October 2016

    Just dropping in to say hello. I will do some reading later to see what everyone is up to. I am doing fine BC wise but other health issues are a problem.

    Really enjoying having my grandchildren near by. They are now seven and five and the little one is just over one. Has them all around this morning checking up on Granny.

    Big hugs to all.

  • Smurfette26
    Smurfette26 Member Posts: 269
    edited October 2016

    Grandkids are such a joy. Glad yours are close Alyson.

    Lucy55 I live in a small town and most Dr's have closed their books. There is only one female GP left in town now and she only works from 9 'til 1. May not suit a lot of people but ok for me. I rang this morning and was able to get an appointment with her on Friday. Hoping there is a rapport.



  • chrissyb
    chrissyb Member Posts: 11,438
    edited October 2016

    Hi all!

    Lucy I answered you by PM. Hope it helped.

    Smurf, I hope you find that new GP compatible.......there is nothing worse than not having a doc that you can't relate to and feel comfortable with.

    Kylie congrats on the arrival of your new grand daughter! There is nothing like the feel of those tiny little warm bodies in your arms or the heavenly smell that all babies seem to have. Enjoy every minute of the time you spend with her while she is little as they grow oh so quickly!

    Aly it's good that your grandies are all close now as I know how much you missed them when they were over seas........just make sure you don't let them tire you too much......lol.....as if.

    Trish how are you feeling now being a few weeks back into the work force?

    Jenn, really sorry to hear that the girls have not been well and that you have been so busy! Hope things calm down a bit for you.

    Yes, about the get together.......it seems that there are many of the core group that cannot make it in November so I put forward the idea of cancelling November and making it perhaps late March next year. That will give us time to breathe and the weather in Melbourne won't be so hot at that time of year. It also gives us a chance to get over Christmas and New Year and gives those with younger children a chance to get back into routine after school goes back.

    If you are interested in a March get together can you let me know please?

    All's good here, busy as usual and hanging to see my sister's new baby (poodle) when she arrives from Sydney next week.

    Love n hugs to all. Chrissy

  • Tammy_M43
    Tammy_M43 Member Posts: 565
    edited October 2016

    Wow, lots of news since I've been away.

    Chrissy, count me in for Melbourne in March!

    (((Hugs))) to all

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