Hi Jonnie, you will not be alone in here, I have read lots of lovely posts
of support.On the positive side, you did not go undiagnosed as you would
have in US.
Have you already started chemo ???
If so, perhaps you can talk to your nurses and get more help , support from
them

I can understand your feeling of loneliness, I too have just been diagnosed,
and while my investigations were taking place my husband continued to book a
6 week trip to visit relatives abroad, he did not think to postpone or
cancel it:-(

On hearing my diagnosis, he just said I may come back early.

So like you I too am still shell shocked and hurt and lonely and most of all
frightened, I also am a survivor of the hardships life throws at us.

I go for my op on Wednesday, then will have to wait for further news on my
treatment afterwards. I do know I will be having radiotherapy

I have no doubt that we shall both get over this in our own ways, so think
positive and try to keep smiling.

I am thinking of you, and send you hugs and prayers, you are not alone

Madge

Hello Jonnie,
I am so sorry you are having to do this on your own. I had the support of a
loving husband, other family and friends and there were still times when it
felt like a very solitary journey.  I'm very glad you found this group.
There are many kind, wise folks in here with a wealth of experiences (both
cancer related and life related).  You are not alone when you can write to
this group.

Do you know how long you will need to remain in Australia?  Is there a
prescribed length to your chemo at this point?  Is there a social services
department at the hospital where you are being treated?  Perhaps there is
someone who would talk with you (not a psychiatrist, but a social worker).
I hope your Dr. is able to find a good psych Dr. also, and that the
antidepressants kick in soon. They can take as much as a couple of weeks, as
I understand.

It's been a long time since my diagnosis, so I'm not a good resource person
regarding treatment.  I'm sure some other group members will weigh in soon,
and may have some good practical suggestions.  In the meantime, I'm thinking
of you Jonnie and hoping that you get maximum benefit with your treatment
and few side effects.  When you want a place to talk, the group is here.

Hugs,
Barb

            Hi, jonnie...pls don't think you are on your own...Most of us
have been down this road..or a loved one has...But I have to say I felt very
isolated at times...still do.....Still wake up nights in a cold
sweat.....still have the breathlessness,  which my  G.P  asssures me is
anxiety, but which I still worry about..that it is the cancer spread to my
lungs....Still feel in the night for any lump, bump or clump,  that might
mean that I'm about to do round 2 with 'the beast'   Sounds stupid to
others....Husband Bob seems to think they are monitoring me so I don't need
to worry.  But my next appt with onc is in August...an awful long time
away....   I really feel for you and hope you get suport from these lovely
people , who were so good when  needed them...and still are when I get
panickie (sp?)>
                                           cyber hugs to you ((((jonnie))))

<deletions>

Hi, Jonnie,

I'm so sorry you're going through all this, and on your own for the
first time, too!  My heart goes out to you.

I had some similar kinds of experiences:  Over about a two-year period,
I lost my husband of 21 years to esophageal cancer, both parents-in-law
(with whom I was close) died, father was blinded in a fall & had to move
to assisted living (I'm an only child & my mom had died a few years
before of BC), then I got diagnosed with BC myself.  Later my dad also
died.  Sometimes it feels like things are just piling up, and you think,
"OK, now what's next?"

Everything you're feeling now is very, very rational -- who wouldn't be
depressed & thrown for a loop?

But, I'm sure you're going to be OK.  You're doing all the right things,
and that's really important.  You're in there fighting.  You're not
giving up.

I'm sorry to say that I don't know much about the Australian medical
system, but here if the doctor wouldn't or couldn't recommend a
psychiatrist, I'd suggest calling a government community health
organization or a cancer organization and asking about referrals, or to
ask them about other places that might be able to give you referrals.

Having gone through BC without siblings, spouse, or children myself, I
know it can be hard being on your own at such difficult times.   I was
lucky, in my case my sisters-in-law were WONDERFUL to me.  I also
reached out to friends, and many of them were extraordinarily
supportive.  Even people I didn't know very well (such as co-workers)
offered to help me when they heard what was going on.

Another thing you could check into is breast cancer support groups (the
live & in person version).  Your cancer center may have information, or
perhaps you could get information from an agency or charitable
organization that focuses on cancer.

Also, here in the US, some American Cancer Society chapters have
something called "Reach to Recovery" where they match you up with a
volunteer who had breast cancer and who is somewhat similar to you (age,
family situation, etc., as much as they can match).  Maybe there's some
kind of program like that where you are.

Doing something active that you can manage, even during treatment, can
help with both health & mood, too.  Things like going for walks, or
working out (within parameters your doctor might set) at a gym, doing
yoga, bike rides, etc.  It reduces stress, reduces fatigue, helps with
mood, and helps you feel stronger.  Research is also finding that
exercise reduces or delays recurrence.

This breast cancer experience won't be easy, but it may not be as bad as
you fear.  Taken one step at a time, it's manageable.  No one *wants* to
do it, but -- especially for the kind of strong person you are -- you'll
get through it.

And this group is great, if you need help, need to vent, need ideas or
feedback, etc.  Just come here & post.  Please let us know how things
are going with you, as the situation progresses.

Welcome, and please know I'm beaming positive thoughts your way.

Ann T.
Remove 'dontsendspam' from address to reply by email

Yes, good for you to realize you need support. Are there any breast cancer
support groups near you? They could point you in the direction of an MD who
takes your concerns seriously, Alex

Hi Jonnie,

I too have just returned to Oz after living in China for eight years,
where my last annual check up in December, they told me I had a
fibroid.  Also had another doc in Oz tell me it was probably a fibroid
and that was two years ago!  i have now been dx with a grade 1 and will
start post op treatment next week.  I too am going it alone in Sydney,
and have had a rough few weeks.

But,  the docs here are fantastic and I have found the service to be
pretty good, and feel pretty happy with the treatment and input that I
have received from my surgeon and the rest of the team.

I highly recommend the Gawler foundation.  They are a group based in
Melbourne and they do retreats and workshops.  try www.gawler.org

Next time I am in Melb would be happy to call on you too..really!

Jenny