Young survivors in Manitoba?

Hello Nanka,

I am from Winnipeg, 46, diagnosed at 39 when my kids were 3 1/2, and 18mons. I had bilateral mastectomy with immediate recon, chemo, and then removal of ovaries and hysterectomy due to having the genetic mutation BRACA 2. Recurrence in 2009 more chemo and then radiation, then dx with mets in 2011.  So, obviously we have had a different experience with treatment.  Are you from Winnipeg, rural area, single, married, kids?

Recently, Oct 27 there was an Info Cafe held at the Breast Cancer Centre of Hope.  This was held by the Younger and Wiser committee, and was attended by about 24 people.  It is always a great way to learn a little from the speakers and have fun meeting with others who have gone through a diagnosis of breast cancer at an early age.  Watch for the next one and try to come out.  Lots of meeting with others who 'get' what you have gone through without a lot of explanation.  Having said that I'm not sure how old you are but there are a lot of resources available through Hope and CCMB.  Young women support group(Pt and family services), peer support (Hope), and if you are younger than 35(i think that is the cut off age), there is a young cancer survivor group consisting of younger people with different types of cancer.

I will get off my soapbox for now and disclose that I am one of the members of the Y and W committee, so I am biased.  Evaluations always support my humble opinions in fact.

Having said all that I am uncomfortable with the word survivor as I will eventually not live out this stupid disease.  However, someone at hope recently pointed out to me that indeed I have survived many things in my life since being diagnosed, so I definitely agree with that!

Hope more come a long and reply here, I know there are more...

Maybe you could tell us your story?

Diane.

Hi Michelle,

Sorry I did not get to meet you on Saturday.  It is always a struggle to get enough time for a presentation, with enough time to mingle. I was the one with the grey hair at the back with the committee members.  Glad you enjoyed it.

I won't be there on the 2nd.  Is it the support group for younger women?  It is a great thing to get involved with, if that is indeed what it is...

Does the fact the the cysts are getting bigger mean a biopsy is in the works? done? or are they just going to watch it?  Not knowing is really hard, the waiting is the worst isn't it?

Let me know how the 2nd goes.  Hope to meet you in person at the next Younger and Wiser session.

Diane.

Hi Michelle,

Peace of mind is very important for me right now. I just had a bone scan recently I thought was going to show progression...but it didn't. It completely changes my focus, my mood and I am more myself.

Having said that, if you see both your surgeon, and GP and are ok with not doing an ultrasound, then that is your piece of mind.



I was diagnosed in 2006, stage1. I am BRAC 2. Recurrence, 2009 lymph nodes only. Then bone mets in 2011. I am stable right now, with some aches in my bones some of which have been radiated with gd pain control. My kids are 10 and 7 right now, they keep me grounded and yet keep my life busy.



Happy Halloween,



Diane

Hi Michelle,



I am 45, I'm from rural Manitoba. I was diagnosed August 2011. I had a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. 11/14 nodes were positive. My first CT showed a questionable spot on my right femur. I had a bone scan before surgery which didn't show anything, so it was presumed that the spot that showed up CT was nothing. After surgery and the results, my oncologist decided to do a PET scan and MRI which showed the spot on my right femur again. Oncologists decided to give me the benefit of the doubt and proceed with chemo. I did 3 rounds of FEC, then more scans which showed the spot on my leg had increased. So it was bone mets. Only good thing was I got to stop chemo. I had radiation on my leg at the end of April. I'm on tamoxifen and pamidronate. I just had all my scans and get the results next week, which are going to be good. The Power of Positive Thinking! I hope.



I was also at the meeting on October 27th, which I really enjoyed as there is no support groups in my community. I was worried I was too old to fit in in with the younger women. But I am so glad I went. I just wished I lived in the city to attend regular meetings.



I understand you having a gut feeling, I had the gut feeling that mine had spread. Wanting an ultrasound for peace of mind is so reasonable. Having cancer is definately a rollercoaster. The only thing is I hate rollercoasters.



I have three children, but mine are teenagers.



Thanks for starting this topic.



Angela