Ottawa?

needtotalk

Ottawa?

needtotalk

Hi there.  I was diagnosed on Jan 16th and would love to find a support group in the west end of Ottawa around Kanata.  Is there anyone out there from this area?

Thanks!

CherylG

Hi Needtotalk... Sorry you have to join us but welcome to these boards.

There is Breast Cancer Action Centre in west Ottawa .... let me look it up and I will get the information to you as soon as I can. They are great. I live a little out of town so it wasn't convenient for me to get there much.  What stage of diagnosis are you at?? Have you met your surgeon or oncologists yet or have you just been told by your doctor so far?

In the meanwhile these boards are a great support  and just FULL of information and caring ladies. I can be your "local" support group if you like... I was diagnosed June 05 and completed my treatments (surgery, chemo and rads) August 06.

This is pretty scary until you get a treatment plan in place. Once that happens you feel more in control and less scared. I wasn't lucky enough to find these boards until halfway through treatment  and I felt very alone in the beginning. PM me if you want and we can exchange email addresses and phone numbers if you like. It's a long road, a road that I have walked. Take my hand and I will help you down the road to recovery. Hang in there.... this is quite doable... I will help you all I can.

Hugs

CherylG

deirdre1551

Good morning,

I too am from Ottawa, and received my diagnosis smack dab in the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness month (October 16th). Doing chemo first, as the ultrasound found a second tumour underneath the one that I had discovered.

Breast Cancer Action has a website .. http://www.bcaott.ca/ .. they have a library, exercise classes, and a lymphodema program (which is hopefully not something we have to worry about .. yet!)  They have speakers come in to talk about subjects, and raise awareness through involvement in community activities (sponsoring Dragon Boat teams for the races in June). The cost of membership is $30 for the year. Although the main office is by Mooney's Bay, there are satellite programs.

I have not joined yet, as I'm still working through the library at the General's Cancer Centre. There is as well, within the basement of the Centre, a gym which will put together an exercise program specifically for you (make sure to get your doctor's approval first). I am as well blessed with an absolutely amazing support network, which *apparently* had been there all along =] .. they came *out of the woodwork* with the diagnosis.

Yeah it's scary .. the first few weeks, I was a mess. Then a rather funny thing happened .. found a strength I didn't know I had, thanks =] in great deal to the people around me believing in me.

I'm not that much further ahead of you, just 2 short months *exactly* . Would be pleased to share and answer (if I can!) any questions.

oxox,=Deirdre

CherylG

Deirdre

Who are your doctors?? I had chemo at the General and rads at Civic. Surgery was Queensway Carleton. All 3 hospitals on one diagnosis!! You are right there is a lot of support ... the only problem is that you need to know where to look for it. Being out of town I wasn't able to use much of the resources available.

Needtotalk

what is your diagnosis and do you have a treatment plan yet?

Would be pleased to answer any questions you both may have.

Hugs

CherylG

needtotalk

Hi Cheryl.  I have invasive lobular carcinoma.  They tell me it is 1.2 cm and a grade 1 on the biopsy on right breast.  My surgeon can't feel any lymph nodes.  I had my MRI on Saturday and am waiting for the results.  She noticed a thickening on my left, so I'm concerned about that as ILC has more chance of coming up in another breast.  Anyway, I don't have a treatment plan as yet, as I haven't had MRI results yet.  Surgery, I believe, is scheduled for Feb. 26th.  thanks for your support.  Hugs to you. 

micou

Hi Needtotalk,

I am from Ottawa East and was diagnosed 4 years ago.

This is probably the most difficult time for you. Hang in there. It does get better, even if right now, it does not feel like it ever will...

It's good to ask for help and to look for support. BCA is a great place. These boards too. While I was undergoing treatments, I got a lot of questions answered here. One thing that really helped me was a support group I attended at Civic. I think it was organized through the Breast Health Centre (Civic). I met great ladies there and it felt good to share our experiences. They also organized very useful workshops. I don't know if they still have these but yo may want to look into it.

Good luck and do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions or just want to chat. Take care.

Micou

CherylG

Yes Micou you are right... I forgot about that group at the Civic because I live out of town and couldn't really use them.

Needtotalk ..  1.2 and grade 1 is good news... if you can call any cancer good news that is. The MRI will tell you what is going on on the other side.

I knew I had IDC on the left and the MRI showed something "suspicious" on the right. I opted for a bilat mast and have no regrets. Start yourself a file with all your test results and paper to write notes for doctor visits. You will get a lot of information thrown at you most of which you will forget if you don't write it down. I sat with my surgeon for 4 hours figuring out my course of treatment.

Once you start treatment start writing everything down daily (like a journal) so you can remember what to ask your doctors when you visit.

It is not a pleasure trip... but it is quite doable. You just need to follow doctor's directions closely and speak up if you have any problems.

If there is anything I can help you with just let me know.

Hugs

CherylG

ottawagirl

Hi needtotalk,

I'm from Ottawa too, other end though.  I live in Orleans.  We make it out to Kanata for the odd Sens game!

I was diagnosed on Jan. 29/08.  I was pretty much in a fog for the first couple of weeks, but I'm better now that I've "got a plan". Not that I have any answers, but I know what I'll do if and when I do get answers.  Sounds strange but it's working for me somehow!!

How is everything going??

Michelle

Sig

I Cheryl, I am from the Ottawa area also and currently receiving Herceptin at the General Cancer Center. I was wondering how long you wait before starting your chemo. I found the time between my surgery and the start of my chemo extremely long and scary. I had my surgery at Civic on 30 Jan 07 and start my 3 weeks cycle (AC) on the 12 Apr 07 (11 weeks later) at the General. This was the waiting time as per my oncologist. 

Sig

CherylG

Surgery for me was Sept15th and chemo started Dec 13th. It seems to be the norm up here. I was actually glad to have the time to recuperate before chemo. And I didn't have any complications due to the wait.

Best of luck!

CherylG

Sig

Yep, I guess 3 months is the normal waiting time for Ottawa. I was actually scared because everything I read was saying that the later you start chemo after surgery then your chance of recurrence gets higher. Glad to see that your are still doing fine. Best of Luck to you also.

tks, Sig

StaceyR

Hello Ottawans,

I just got my news today that I have IDC and I meet with a surgeon next week.  Can you tell me roughly how long after the initial consultation you got in for surgery?  I have many questions, but I know I won't get many answers until I meet with the guy and have more tests done. 

Sig

hi, I am very sorry to heard this, it is reminding me when I got my dx last year, waiting time just made me (and still) crazy. I am from Ottawa also I saw the surgeon (civic) on the 18 Jan 07 then I had an MRI on the 23 Jan 07 (surgeon want this to see if my other breast was fine and to get the real size of my lump to see if lumpectomy or mastectomy would be better). it ended up that I had another smaller tumor away from my original one so for the safe side it was recommended to have a mastectomy. Then I had my mastectomy on 30 Jan 07. I found this web site way after my dx and did not know anything at all about BC and my options etc....I was never asked and did not know I could have a reconstruction at the same time. May be it is because I was not possible due to my cancer stage or whatever, anyway I just wanted my cancer removed as quickly as possible as I was devastated.

good luck and keep us posted. You will found a lot of good information and support on this web site.

Sig

CherylG

Sorry to hear this Stacey. I was dx in late June 05 and I saw my surgeon in August because he was on vacation all of July. Had my MRI end of August and Mastectomy Sept 15. You will feel much better once you meet the surgeon and have a treatment plan. It goes pretty quick after you meet your surgeon. Where will you be treated? Who is your surgeon? I had Dr Mirsky .... he was so great. We sat and talked over 3 hours to come up with my treatment plan. If you need anything please PM me I would be glad to help in any way I can.

Marple

I live just south of Ottawa.  If anyone wants to talk pm me we can see about setting up a date/time/place. 

Marple

I received wonderful care but........felt the waits were a bit inhumane.  Dx in Feb.  Surgery in Apr.  Chemo June to Sept.  Finished rads in Dec.  All in the same year mind you.  So from finding the lump to completion of tx.........11 months.

CherylG

Yep Sharon ... that's pretty much the norm here. I agree the waiting is horrible.

Stacey... sorry to hear your news. If you need to talk PM me.

That goes for everybody ... feel free to PM me anytime for anything.

I have signed up for the Relay for Life here in Lombardy June 13-14. I am team captain and we will be doing a Giant Garage Sale soon as a fundraiser. We are accepting gently used clothing and small appliance donations and 100% of funds raised go to the Relay and CCS. It's going to be a lot of work but it's payback time for me. I would have never been able to do the 33 rads without the help of the transportation unit of the CCS.

Well I have to go now... take care and be well everyone!

Hugs

CherylG

StaceyR

I met with Dr. Watters at the Breast Health Centre yesterday and I guess I'm on track for an MRI and lumpectomy sometime in April.  He seemed methodical and thorough, so I hope things go smoothly next month.

ottawagirl

Hi Stacey,

Funny you met with Dr. Watters.  My last name is Watters and when I went for my pre-op last week, they thought Dr. Watters was doing my surgery.  I kept saying "no, I'm the Watters".  Anyhow, Dr. Stedman is doing my mastectomy and Dr. Guay is doing my reconstruction.  It will be at the Civic on April 7th. My diagnosis was on Jan. 29.

I am very happy with all of the medical staff - it's like a well oiled machine.  The waiting is the worst part and I wish it could have been sooner.  Now that I have a plan - I just want it done so I can start to put my life back on track.  All the best.  Michelle

Survivor2008

hello everyone,

I am new to this site.  You seem like a great group.  If I may introduce myself:

I live in the amalgamated Ottawa but the area was originally south Rideau Township.  I am 42, married (14 years), mother of two (son aged 13, daughter almost 10). 

I discovered a lump in my right breast this past winter, saw GP for initial exam in January followed by U/S and mammogram, was referred to surgeon and had lump taken out mid-March.  Pathology report came back March 31 - IDC, 1 cm, Stage 1, Grade 2, 0/0 nodes, ER+/PR+ HER2/neu-, failed to clear margin.

MRI and another u/s followed.  New lump found only in MRI - same breast, same quadrant.  Now slated for MRI biopsy of new lump.  Anticipating lumpectomy (to re-excise original tumor and to excise new lump), sentinel node biopsy and rads. 

I am hoping no one has to go through this awful experience alone because it's hard even when surrounded by wonderful friends, family and co-workers. 

God bless all,

Kaylie

Anonymous

Hi Survivour

I'm not from Ottawa area but have family there....in Kanata and Perth.

Welcome to the site but sorry you too had to find us. This site is wonderful and it's good to have others to talk to who know what it's like and you can share with.

There are quite a few ladies from your area as well as from across Ontario and Canada and everywhere else. It's nice to be able to connect.

I hope you are getting the best care possible and your journey through this won't be too difficult. Best wishes for your road ahead.....(((HUGS))) Viv

sunshine2003

I'm also not from Ottawa but have a personal connection there.  It was right after running on the National Capital Race Weekend that I was diagnosed - 5 years ago - I've come every year since to race - coming to celebrate this year also, in the half marathon.

We love Ottawa - The Greatest National Capital! 

Janet 

CherylG

SURVIVOR.. where are you? I am in Smiths Falls. Who are your doctors? PM me if you need anything.

Sorry I disappeared ladies but I couldn't get in here at all. I still want to get the Ottawa people together just have a lot on my plate this weekend. Doing a garage sale for Relay for Life Sunday. If I disappear again and you want to get in touch please email me at JollyTrolly@live.ca

Hope you are all doing well

hugs

CherylG

siobhan

I was wondering - since there has not been much activity how you are doing.  I am facing a double mastectomy as a preventive measure and wish I had someone to talk to about it

asicsgirl

Hi Siobhan

 I am not sure if you have had your double mastectomy yet but if not good luck. I had a mastectomy 2.5 years ago with reconstruction 9 mos. ago. If you have any questions, just ask me. I can try and help

asics girl

hemison

Hi all,

 I'm new to this - great board - all your posts are so helpful!

However, I'm due for an apt with Dr Watters next week, who, I am told, will order an MRI.  Slight snag that I'm intensely claustrophobic, and even a picture of one of those machines sends me into a panic attack.  Getting me into the same room as one will be hilarious...  Please can someone tell me which way around they put you in, for a breast MRI, in Ottawa? Supine or prone?  Feet-first or head-first? I'm assuming the first MRI is breast-only?  Or do they do a full-body scan?  

Many thanks indeed! 

asicsgirl

Hi Hemison

 you are on your stomach, head first. It lasts about 20 minutes if i remember correctly. I have had so many tests and mri, ct scans that I am getting them all mixed up now.

Aasics girl

Lianne

I like to think I'm an Ottawa girl.  Born and raised in this city but live in  Aylmer now.  I am BRCA2+ and plan on having my prophylactic procedure done as soon as I can have it arranged.  I would love to meed up with you strong and wonderful women.

CecilPap

Hi,

I'm from the Ottawa Valley and soon will be moving to Ottawa. Dx with ductal carcinoma, lobular carcinoma, also one lymph node was infected. Had a mastectomy and now waiting for the pathologist report. Very scared, worried about treatment or what else they might see. Have two young children. Hoping to be strong for them.

NannaBaby

Hello Girls!

I too am in the Ottawa area (Winchester).  I first noticed a lump in my left breast back in September 09.  My doctor suspected fibrocystic and hormones.  In December it got worse, and I went back to the doctor, he ordered a mammogram, but all I could get was an US.  The radiologist suggested it may be a cyst or abscess and it should go away with antibiotics.  It didn't go away, it got bigger.  Finally in May I got to see a BS at the Civic, who did an US, Mamo, biopsy, MRI and chest Xray all in one weekend! I was diagnosed the next week, on May 28 with IDC.

It took a long time for me to see a BS because my young age (28), no one thought cancer would be possible I guess? I was refused the mammogram back in Jan. because I was too young! I even had the doctor's order for a mamo, but they still said they wouldn't do it! I wish I could tell everyone not to go to that clinic because they are incompetent! But, I probably shouldn't. I think it's because of them that I had to wait so long to see a BS, because they made it seem like my lump wasn't a big deal.

I get all my chemo treatments at the General.  I haven't yet met with anyone to share experiences, I'm shy.  I have been emailing a few girls in the area, most are in their 60's so I'm not sure I relate to them so much...

My treatment plan is neoadjuvant AC4 + T4 (my 3rd AC is tomorrow), then surgery (hopefully a BMX), then rads.  I want to do everything possible to reduce my chances of recurrence! I have many years ahead of me! I want to grow old and gray with my loving husband.  I wish to have kids someday Bio or adoption...

Anyways... I am doing well considering the circumstances.  I have more good days than bad.

Keep in touch.