Hi there - thought I would google some discussion forums in the Ottawa area for Breast Cancer and came across this one.

I am a 37 year old who has had nothing but bad luck since August 2011.  Currently a single mother to a 13 year old son and a 14 1/2 year old daughter.

At the end of July, I told my husband I was not happy in our marriage and we separated.  I had been going through a lot of stress and really not sure that was a good decision on my part because now I am regretting saying those words and he has moved on and I am left picking up the piece to something I brought on.

Two weeks later, I was let go from my job.  I had not been there long but loved my job.  I was running a home daycare until January 2011 and in February went back to work.  My own children (my teenage daughter especially) was giving me a lot of grief even before the separation - defiance, attitude, being disrepectful, temper tantrums - so it was mainly having to deal with her why I chose to close my home business.  My huband supported that decision and the decision to go back to work.  So in February I started working.  Sadly was let go middle of August.  I found work three weeks later that I hated, so one month into the job I quit.  However, the very next day had an interview and the day after that was hired.  Another job I enjoyed and everything was falling into place.

On October 3rd I found a lump on my own.  October 10th saw my family doctor who sent me for a mammogram and an ultrasound which were both done on October 13th.  A week later he called me to inform me that those results were not assuring to him that he would then refer me to a surgeon for an MRI and possible biopsy.

On November 15th I had my MRI.  A few days later the surgeon's office called saying I would need the biopsy.  So on November 24th I had the biopsy done.  On December 8th I was told that the lump was cancerous.

December 21st went for a lumpectomy.  The surgeon had asked me if I wanted a mastectomy however I could not accept that and chose the lump to be removed only.  The healing process was fast, pain free and did not stop me from doing anything.  Christmas was rather depresing - no job, and lots to think about.

On January 19th I had my follow up with my surgeon and was informed that:
they took 5 lymph nodes.....found nothing.  He took tumour which was about 2-5 cms plus some muscle.  They believe they got everything.  It was a medium grade ductal cancer.  The cancer was so close to the skin thats why they are doing radiation and chemo-up to 6 mths.  It was a stage 2.  

So now I am scheduled to meet two oncologists on February 6th and 7th to discuss treatment options.  I expecting radiation but not chemo.  And at the same time I am looking for work, but its an awkward position to be going on interviews not knowing if I can fully commit to a job at this time.

So I thought I would share my news and see if anyone has insight on what I can be looking forward to over the next 6 months.