Members of the Tuesday Group
Click on the names to read the stories.
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Lorraine
BEGINNING OF MY JOURNEY Primary cancer diagnosed
1987, left partial mastectomy followed by 6 weeks radium.
In 1993 had surgery to remove a seed found at the old tumor site. For the first 10 years had checkups 3/12, 6/12 and then yearly thereafter.
DIAGNOSIS OF SECONDARIES Sailed along until approx 1998/9 when I began to be troubled with right shoulder pain and back pain. Over the next couple of years visited doctor, physio and masseur several times to be told I had arthritis and early osteoporosis. In the end I was often extremely tired, could not sleep because of pain. One morning I awoke in extreme pain and could not roll over or get off the bed. Back to doctor whom at my request ordered a bone scan which subsequently showed metastases right shoulder and collar bone, spine, both rib cages, pelvis and neck.
Needless to say, I was devastated. Commenced on Aredia, tamoxifan, and MS Contin for pain relief. In Dec changed to Femara. Had to cease employment, as I was just too sick to work, most days flat-out getting off the bed. Took 12 months for the treatment to start having an effect and a further 12 months before I felt any real improvement in my general wellbeing. In addition, during this time I had radium treatment to my right shoulder, collarbone and right hip, this eased my pain considerably.
ABOUT ME I have been married to David for 18 years. Best thing I ever did. We live on a cattle property which I was actively involved in until this diagnosis and I was also in full time employment as Director of Nursing for Blue Care, Mundubbera-Eidsvold Shires. Have reached the stage where I have just commenced casual employment, 7 hours per week. TERRIFIC!!! Feel I have been given some life back and the cancer is not controlling everything. Have wonderful support from my husband am sure I would not be doing so well if I did not have that support.
Heard on the wireless about this group, rang up and have been part of this wonderful group since. Have just learnt so much. The understanding , encouragement from all and your inspiring stories help me cope with my lot. You also relieve my isolation as living on a property, do not have contact with anyone except my husband or when I go to town to shop.
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Jenny
Story Coming.
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Helen
BEGINNING OF MY JOURNEY: On 8th Dec 2006, I was diagnosed with primary breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer with mets in the bone at the same time. It all began with a bad back pain followed by pain radiating to my left leg.
My GP sent me for a CT scan of the spine, thinking that I might have some disc problems. To our horror, the scan showed a few hot spots and a fracture to the head of the femur. My last mammogram was exactly 2 years prior. From there, my life took a complete turn. (a life changing experience that I did not asked for). Up-to-date treatments : open reduction & internal fixation NOF, radiation to NOF, 6 cycles chemotherapy, mastectomy and 15 radium treatments on the mastected breast.
ABOUT ME Was born in Malaysia with chinese parentage. Have been in Brisbane for the past 27 years. Live a normal family life with a good hubby and 2 beautiful daughters. When the girls were young, devoted all my time to being a mother and wife. As the girls grew up and left home to study in Melbourne, I worked as a administration officer in a Endoscopy Day Centre. Enjoyed every minute of working life after being a stay-home mum for 20 years. What a pity that I have to stop work now! I am a outdoor person with a love for movies, shopping, walking, travelling and enjoying FOOD.
I am a Christian and have been involved in teaching Sunday school at our church and teaching RE in a state school. During this crisis, I thank my God for being my strength and rock.
Beside Him, the love and support of my hubby and daughters gave me great comfort during these 10 months of “horribulies”(if there is such a word).
I am coming to terms with this ‘chronic illness’ and have started reclaiming back my life that was taken away from me so suddenly. Even though my physical body has slowed me down, I am glad my mind hasn’t. At times it can be frustrating that I can’t do the things I thought I could do but with determination and positive attitude, I hope to be there ONE DAY. Every day is a new day and a bonus.
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Mavis
BEGINNING OF MY JOURNEY First diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2006. Had chemo for 4 months, and then had my right breast removed in December 2006, and had more chemo.
DIAGNOSIS OF SECONDARIES All went well until April 2007 when I had a brain tumour removed, which was a secondary from my breast cancer. I started taking Herceptin in May, which seems to be going OK.
ABOUT ME I am 71 years of age, married with 3 children aged 41, 39 and 38. I have 3 grandchildren.
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Maria
Story Coming.
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Margaret
BEGINNNING OF JOURNEY
I was diagnosed in September 2005 with invasive ductal carcinomas in my left breast. A lumpectomy ensued followed by chemo and radiotherapy. The chemo was a challenge as I was hospitalised several times with complications. Hair loss was not a drama as I had invested in an auburn wig and really enjoyed the radical change of colour.
DIAGNOSIS OF SECONDARIES
After two and half years of Tamoxifen another mass in my left breast comprised of lymph nodes (18) and tumours on the liver were diagnosed. Another lumpectomy and auxilliary dissection, and insertion of a porta-cath followed. Just to make life more interesting I developed lymphoedema in my left arm! Out came the auburn wig again, but this time we had a champagne morning tea and our friends/family all had a go at tidying up the fallout.
I started on Taxotare but was unable to complete cause as again I became very toxic. Extra challenges included insulin-dependent Type 2 Diabetes and a DVT at the porta-cath site. Femarra was only successful for a short while as the liver mets continued to grow. I also developed “trigger fingers” on both hands and have had corrective surgery. Aromasen became my drug of choice but mets were recently diagnosed in my right hip and I am undergoing radium therapy for the pain which certainly has eased.
ABOUT ME
I am “glass half full/Pollyanna” person and try to enjoy life to the max. I am definitely NOT a BC survivor (as this has connotations of a battle), but a person living with Advanced Breast Cancer – like any relationship we have a good and bad days. Strange as it may seem I think I am a better person for my experience – more aware of others and Nature, more tolerant and hopefully a better person.
I am 68 years young – wife/carer, mother, mother in law, aunt, nana and soon-to-be great nana. Brian and I have been married for 48 years and are blessed with three children and six grandchildren. My family are the most important part of my life and are extremely supportive.
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Janelle
Story Coming.
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Sue
DIAGNOSIS OF SECONDARIES: The journey begins for me in December ‘08 when I was troubled with hip pain. Soon after I also discovered I had a slight indentation in my right breast. I had a routine mammogram booked, but my doctor suggested we try for an earlier appointment.
On the 29th of January ‘09 my world began to fall apart. After having a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy on the same day it was confirmed I had breast cancer. On taking the results to my doctor I knew immediately my hip was involved and asked her for a bone scan. On the 4th of February it was revealed I had bone metastases. My sacrum, hips, pelvis, ribs and back were involved. I required nailing of my right femur to prevent it from breaking, on the 18th February. I have 2 types of cancer. My left breast is Herceptin -ve. My right breast is hormonal dependant. I was commenced on Femara, Herceptin and Zometa. After 3 months the Femara was stopped as it was not working. A few new cancer spots on my bones was noted. I have been on chemotherapy since, and at present my cancer is being held at bay.
ABOUT ME: I am a trained nurse. I have worked the majority of my life looking after people and now people are looking after me. It’s been a roller coaster ride. I get up each day and try to do the best I can.
ABOUT MY FAMILY: I have been married for 32 years and we recently moved to Brisbane to be closer to my children. My son is 32 and my daughter 27. luckily they are adults now. I loved my work till I became sick and had to leave. I am pleased to be in Brisbane and be able to receive my ongoing treatment.
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Helen
story coming
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Margaret
story and photo coming
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