Just an update and to send everyone my best wishes. It is 12 months today since I was diagnosed. In some ways I have changed and in some ways I'm still the same. Small things still get to me but I'm beginning to get out and live and realise what I have and what is important to me. I'm gaining more confidence everyday. During my quieter moments I do still reflect on the past year and how I managed to get through. A lot of the people/friends that supported me during this time I hardly hear from which is disappointing. I'm sure they see me as "over" this and am well again therefore they don't need to be in contact as much. Disappointing but true. We are all busy I know. My true friends has stuck by me and again my work colleagues have been my strength as these are the people I see everyday.
I am scared it will return. This thought is never far from my thoughts. The nagging doubt is always there. I'm still having herceptin treatment every 3 weeks until October and of course am still on Tamoxifen. I still find going to the hospital every 3 weeks comforting as I see the nurses regular so that contact is maintained.
I hope everyone is travelling ok and that you are trying to get through as best you can. Thinking of you all often. If there is anyone in Perth( particularly the northern suburbs) who would like to meet one day or form a support group please send me a message. This is probably the only disappointing thing I have found is the lack of face to face support in Perth.
Your pink sister,
Alison xxxx
Comments
Hi Alison
Thank you so much for sharing with us. I am still going through chemo and then will have 7 weeks of radtiotherapy down the track and then will go on to a drug for so many years as well at some stage so I still got a ways to go yet. My journey started December 2011.
I am glad you are getting your life back in order. I find I pretty much keep to myself and only go out when I really have to so life is pretty quiet for me these days. I will get back to work after my radiotherapy is complete so I do have that to look forward to. I don't feel I would be able to cope with work currently but I do miss it and my work colleagues. My boss has become a very dear friend and is one person who does contact me and ensures that I am doing okay which is much appreciated. I know I could rely on her and her wonderful hubby if I needed to which is great. She is there for me but not in my face. I have lost friends along the way which is sad but it is times like these you find who your true friends and family are.
I live about 400klms north of Perth but I will be in Perth for 7 weeks for my radiotherapy starting in July so would love to catch up with you while I am there if that is something you would like to do. Please let me know.
I find it sad to here there is no support in Perth as I have been thinking that if I was living back in Perth at least I would have some support crew amongst other women going or been through the same journey. It saddens me to hear there is no support for you. Have you contacted the Cancer Council to ask them. I have a contact number of a co-ordinator who used to be up this way and is now based out of Perth and she would be more than willing to help you. She is a lovely lady.
Hopefully we can catch up or at least stay in contact. I would like that. I miss having that support as well.
Take care, well done and keep on truckin.
Mich xo
Hi Alison
Congrats on the 1 year mark.I've just had my 2year anniversary so we must have been diagnosed around the same time but a year apart. I think it's only natural to be worried that cancer might return- still pretty raw at the 1 year mark.With my first bout of cancer in 2003,I remember be confident at the 2 year mark.I felt it was a "one off"and I was surely cured.I still got abit anxious at mammogram time but forgot about it inbetween.Getting it back 7 years later has changed that confidence.Also a mastectomy is more of a constant reminder than a lumpectomy.I guess we just have to somehow live with this bc threat .There is comfort knowing that others feel the same. Having ALL the treatments as well as Hercepton has made it a long journey for you Alison. You have showed amazing strength.
love Tonya xx
Congrats Al
We done, you have done an amazing job. I so know how you feel about being scared it will come back. I started my tamoxifen last week, so far pretty good apart from headaches.
I wish we lived closer I know we would be great friends.
Do you have Facebook?
Thanks Penny!
I used to Facebook and maybe I should go back to it. I found I didn't want to share my info during last year and also found alot of people put such useless info on. I think you have given my reason to go back to it.
My Facebook name is Alison Bampton. Love to be your friend and I know we will meet one day. This BC journey has certainly been a blessing for me in many respect - meeting fabulous people such as yourself for one!!
Take care and I'm glad you are tolerating Tamoxifen. I am too. The hot flushes has really diminished. Weight gain is my worst side effect.
Love Alison xx