http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi Welcome to the breast cancer group. I'm the self-appointed welcome wagon.

I trust you will find a great bunch of supportive people here. Let's start with introductions.
Colleen


]]> en-us Tue, 15 May 2012 14:58:04 GMT http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=189461#tr__189461 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=189461#tr__189461
My name is Tanya and I am 37 and have my 2nd chemo treatment Thursday. Thinking of you today, the first one is always so scary just because you can never know what to expect, only what may or may not happen, because everyone is so very different. Good luck and let us know how things went when you feel up to it. Staying calm and positive is the best way to walk in there today. Positive vibes sent your way.

Tanya]]> Tue, 15 May 2012 14:58:04 GMT Tanner http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=189451#tr__189451 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=189451#tr__189451 Tue, 15 May 2012 14:07:43 GMT journeys http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=189410#tr__189410 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=189410#tr__189410 Mon, 14 May 2012 21:31:55 GMT journeys http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=189013#tr__189013 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=189013#tr__189013 Thu, 10 May 2012 16:50:03 GMT ellen http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=188749#tr__188749 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=188749#tr__188749 Tue, 08 May 2012 13:27:35 GMT Shidagak http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=188362#tr__188362 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=188362#tr__188362 Thu, 03 May 2012 19:35:59 GMT positive focus http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=188160#tr__188160 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=188160#tr__188160 Wed, 02 May 2012 15:41:03 GMT Narsook http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=188096#tr__188096 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=188096#tr__188096 Wed, 02 May 2012 02:25:53 GMT positive focus http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=187500#tr__187500 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=187500#tr__187500 Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:59:58 GMT Linnypoo http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=182792#tr__182792 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=182792#tr__182792 I finished pre-op today and that was an emotional journey in it's self. I will keep your words close as I head into a new chapter of my life...
Thanks again...
Sondria]]> Wed, 21 Mar 2012 19:30:49 GMT juno2010 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=182431#tr__182431 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=182431#tr__182431
Thanks for sharing and for your good wishes. You are right this is such a personal decision. I'm glad it is working out well for you.
I agonized over this decision and finally decided not to do immediate reconstruction. I was given my diagnosis on January 30 and I did not want any further delays to get this done and going for reconstruction would have meant an extra week of more of waiting. I think my age and having lost 2 sisters to cancer has influenced how I feel. Also, I could not wrap my head around having a 10 hr DIEP surgery and I did not feel implants were for me at this time. I just want to get over this surgery and see how I feel without breasts. My surgery is scheduled for March 29 and the long wait has been difficult. Tomorrow I go for my pre-op appt..  I have very supportive family and friends and that really helps.
All the best to you.
Songbird]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 01:01:33 GMT songbird http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=182428#tr__182428 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=182428#tr__182428   I also am 46 & had a bilateral mastectomy Feb 1, 2012.  It was a good choice & I am so happy with the resuts.  Please feel free to ask any questions about this.  I wish you comfort & control in your feelings  & decisions at this difficult time.  We are all so different in our situations & outcomes, so it is so good to be able to communicate about this journey we all are on...I bet you are stronger than you think  :)  .

Felicity]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:31:18 GMT Felicity http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=182427#tr__182427 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=182427#tr__182427 Did you decide about reconstruction or not?  I hope you are feeling content with your decision.  It's such a personal one.  I'm 46 & i went for  a bilateral mastectomy when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in only one breast as chances of spreading were fairly high ( & I honestly wanted even looking breasts-- vain or not-- & I am very happy with the reconstruction process so far!) I now have "tissue expanders" under my chest which look kind of like breasts  :)  so I can live with them until I get my silicone implants.  If you have any questions, feel free to reply. Best wishes to you.  

Felicity]]> Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:24:18 GMT Felicity http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=181899#tr__181899 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=181899#tr__181899
My name is Michelle.  I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2011 when I was 39.
  
It's hard to believe that it has only been 6 months since my diagnosis.  With love and support from family and friends, I finished 6 chemotherapy treatments on January 12.  My mastectomy is scheduled for April 3.  I will then have radiation and breast reconstruction.  Although I have accepted the fact that I will lose a breast, I know that I will be very emotional. 

I am looking forward to getting and giving support as we fight this disease together.]]> Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:44:02 GMT Girl Lee http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=181870#tr__181870 http://cancerconnection.ca/groups/breast_cancer_survivors/discussion/2010/12/17/welcome-come-say-hi?tr=181870#tr__181870 I had my mastectomy last Friday.  Trying to get around all your feelings and emotions is hard.  I know that doing my breathing exercises and trying to stay occupied helped me.  Just remember, even when you do not think you are in control, you really are (just cannot see it).  I would never have said this a few months ago, but time does heal all wounds physically, emotionally and spiritually.  Please keep in touch and will be thinking of you next Friday.

Fran]]> Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:08:52 GMT Fran