1st July - Diagnosis

So on 5 June, I was diagnosed with early, multi-focal breast cancer with 2 lymph nodes impacted. There are 6 tumours hiding in my 'uninteresting' breast. They are invasive so I am told I must have a mastectomy and Axilla clearance (removal of lymph nodes from the armpit).

And so I became the reluctant passenger on this freight train of breast cancer.

They signed me up for the Breast Cancer Network of Australia - my new club, gave me my exclusive sample bag, complete with journal and information volumes before I'd left the hospital. It's been fast paced with little space for catching a breath.

I have had bone scans, cat scans of my major organs and breast MRI to give me clearance of any secondary cancer. Yay! In the scheme of things, we celebrated with those results, quietly and I put my breast surgeon back on my Christmas list. At least she delivered the news fast!!! She's good at that, with the initial diagnosis delivered before John had even sat down.

Over the next 9 months, I will have 8 doses of chemotherapy, mastectomy (elective bi-lateral), radiotherapy and a hormone preventative course (for 5 years).

For chemo I have had 1 of the 8 doses. Friends say I came through the first one pretty well. I however feel like I'm in a constant state of 'hangover', we joke, 'without the good time'. I have chemo every 3 weeks until Christmas. 15 July is my next dose - looking forward to that calendar event!! Not.

For the technically inclined, or those familiar with the regime, I'm having 2 drugs administered 4 times Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide and then Docetaxil 4 times. The first 2 kill fast growing cells (cancer cells, hair follicles, fingernails, skin and mouth cells) so why my hair will fall out over the next few weeks (eyebrows and all). Great savings to be made on laser hair removal :/

Along with this journey came a visit to the local wig shop with 3 friends (mums from school - thanks girls) having a laugh, and cutting my hair to a short bob to get the kids used to my short hair. I thought I could defy everyone and keep my hair, my medical support team kept asking if I'd bought a wig yet?? Acceptance of things is coming slowly and quietly as I learn I will join this train ride!

The trick I've learned, and something my dear friend Lisa taught me was taking only the package that is being delivered, opening it, learning it, then wait for the next delivery without wondering what's in it. And especially only opening the package that is addressed to you. Cancer is unique for each person in so many ways, and other people's stories aren't mine. Even the good stories can be picked apart, and the differences then make you question - so does that mean it won't be a good outcome for me?

So, I am getting back to work slowly, my bosses have been great about everything. They are being very flexible and carrying my load of work when I cant (I'm the only one in the sales dept). And, ironically, their charity of choice this year was the Breast Cancer Foundation. My work email signature has had that we support Breast Cancer Foundation for the whole year!! 'Chemo brain' set in when I had to do my first sales call on my first day back, that was interesting!! They are a great group of guys. I now have blood tests and appointments with oncologists and social workers, with school holidays in between.

For peace of mind, I have been looked after by a great medical team at st Vincent's public in Melbourne. The multi disciplinary team includes oncologists, surgeons, social worker, psych social oncology and dietician. Also, a breastcare nurse.

Before, I distantly thought that the McGrath Foundation seemed to be doing great things for those women that get breast cancer, but wasnt sure exactly what!! First hand now, I have experienced the benefit of these McGrath Foundation funded Breastcare Nurses. From my diagnosis, to my scheduled scans, appointments and getting my films to different departments I never made one appointment - it was all done for me by Maryanne. She phones me each week to check on the kids, my wellbeing and follows up answers to my questions to any department. Each Tuesday, they all meet and provide feedback to have the full picture of my case.

Some of you have kindly offered assistance where I need it. Trouble is I'm not really sure what I need. I am not very functional around my chemotherapy days up to day 3 or 4 and they are intending on knocking me out a bit to relieve some of my initial side effects. Otherwise, I am working here and there and able to function at home, albeit a bit tired. I know I would want to assist someone in my situation too, so when I need something I'll shout out and there is a good resource on Breast Cancer Network of Australia:

https://www.bcna.org.au/sites/default/files/bcn_helping_a_friend_brochure_web.pdf