Providing free online community support to people affected by breast cancer

Forums » 'Click Chat' Advice .. from fellow Clickers

• jojo

  

  • 51 posts
  August 21, 2012 10:18:37 AM WATime

  Report

   

  Hi,

   

   

  Most people know who I am by now (if you're not familiar, I introduced myself in the forum). But one thing some may not know is that after my second year post diagnosis checkups, I dismissed myself from RPH's care and have not had any followup mammogram, ultrasound or specialist care since. I don't even discuss my diagnosis with my GP...

   

   

  I wouldn't recommend doing this to anyone, as I have since found out a bit more about my triple negative diagnosis, and I now have upcoming appointments on the 30th and 31st Aug.  I know its VERY important to have checkups and tests, but living my life without the stress has been wonderful!

   

   

  What I need your advice on, is now that I have my appointment, its drawing closer, I'm freaking out! What if it returns and I need more chemo? I'm more frightened of chemo than anything else... A diagnosis and surgery or rads I can cope with, but I didn't do so well on the chemo. I just feel like crawling under the doona and hiding :(

   

   

  How do you cope? Do you have relaxation techniques you use? What do you tell yourself (or do) to give yourself the courage to turn up at the checkup appointments?  What goes through your mind when you go for checkups. Is everyone else freaking out too or am I just a big baby :(

   

   

  Please help and let me know your experiences, as I think it would help to know I'm not the only one....

   

   

  Thank you xoxo Jo 

   

  This post was edited by jojo at August 21, 2012 10:18:37 AM WATime"

  Dx May 2005 aged 25, Triple Negative, 25mmx18mmx20mm grade 3 invasive atypical medullary tumour, Axillary Clearance 1/15 lymph nodes positive (sentinal node only), Lumpectomy, Chemotherapy (FEC), Radiotherapy, LB only, now Mama to Patrick born 12/6/2013.

• louise1952

  

  • 8 posts
  August 21, 2012 11:40:53 AM WATime

  Report

  Hi Jo - I can fully undestand your reluctance to go through chemo again. I recently had my follow up mammogram and ultrasound and chemo again was my biggest fear. But, you must attend you appointments an with a very open mind, try to think positive and focus on an all clear result. Don't even think about a negative result. No buts, stay focused on how good it's going to feel when you get an all clear and we'll worry about the negatives if and when it happens. Every one has different coping mechanisms to get through chemo but I tried to focus on just one day at a time convincing myself that I would feel better tomorrow and finally now I do feel great! I'll be thinking of you on the the 30th Hugs xxx Louise

  DXJUN11, LOBC grade2 2 tumours 16 of 20 lymph infect. LB mastec, chemo FEC & Taxotere, 25 Radiation t'ments

• Sandi

  

  • 7 posts
  August 21, 2012 5:58:48 PM WATime

  Report

  Hi Jo,
  I so feel your pain re chemo. That's my biggest fear too. But I keep telling myself I have to have my follow up appointments because whatever happens it is better to know. Even if it's back at least I know and can do something, anything! Not knowing would be so much worse for me.
  But having said that I am suffering the reverse problem from you - my first post treatment test isn't due until the end of January and the waiting is doing my head in.
  I think at the end of the day it comes down to faith. Having faith that the chemo did it's job and that my specialists all got it right. To think otherwise would be my undoing.
  Sending you love & positive energy in the hope it helps you get through xxx

  45 YO wife & mother. DX Nov 2011 aged 42, 17mm grade 3 IDC ER+ PR+ 6/14 lymph nodes +, wide local excision followed by right axillary clearance 23/11/11. 3 x FEC then 3 x Docetaxil, 6 weeks rads finished June 2012 & now 5 yrs Tamoxifen.