As most people know, the Pink Ribbon is the symbol of breast cancer. Sadly, I am now a member of the pink ribbon club, receiving a diagnosis several weeks ago. This is certainly not a club I sought to join, but I now join the ranks of all those other brave and courageous women to join in this particular battle. I read that the risk of breast cancer increases as women age, with 75% of all cases occurring in women over 50 years.
Robin and I have been on holiday in our caravan over the last couple of weeks, trying to clear our heads as we waited for the surgery date to tick around. Almost like a recuperation holiday in advance, we could say. On Wednesday I go to have my lumpectomy surgery, with other treatment to follow.
The good news is that the lump is quite small and “very treatable”, I have been told. On the other side, I had bowel cancer 10 years ago, so I am well aware of the challenges of radiation and chemo treatments.
So please, wherever you may live, keep up with the mammograms. Here in New Zealand at attaining the age of 69 they are no long free, but I am just grateful that I decided it was time to have another and we were happy to pay the cost. If I had left it for another year or so, or not bothered at all, it could well be a different scenario several years down the track. We must all take care of yourselves.
21 comments:
Hugs, Jenny.
You will be happy to know I just had the new 3D mammogram. Though I wasn’t happy to be called back for an ultrasound, it seems everything is fine. I’m so sorry you are having to go through this. We will be thinking of you from afar. Hugs!
Not the news we want to read . Will you be in Palmy or Wellington for the surgery? If closer, maybe I can visit, does Robin need a bed for a night or two? Hugs and more..XXX
Thank you so much ladies, for your good wishes and kind thoughts.
Jenny
I follow your blog and our young family are camper vanners so often take tips from your travels. Wishing you all the best as you go through this. Kind regards lee-Ann Newton Wellington
All the best to you Jenny, and thanks for your past support for my blogging aspirations. x
Oh golly, what a shock! We have just had a second member if our Sweet Pea group come through surgery for the same thing.
I wish you well and will hold you in my thoughts.
that's it....I'm off to have that mammogram I hav been putting off, thank you for sharing Jenny and all the best for what lies ahead.
Dear Jenny, so sorry to hear your news, I wish you well as you embark on your journey. A journey I've been on for 12 months with my 35 yo daughter, she has finished chemo, no radiation required, now waiting for breast reconstruction. Please take good care of yourself....luv Annette xxxx
Jenny, I had several cancer events but thanks to early detection doing good. You will make it through. Your blog followers need to see you throw the dice for your projects. Hugs and kisses from Illinois, USA....geri
Many thanks again for all the other messages of support received from you all. I do appreciate you taking the time to write a message. I could not personnally contact you all, as some do not display email addresses or are non-reply bloggers.
And yes Geri - I can't wait to get back to throwing the dice again - perhaps next week if I feel able.
Jenny
My thoughts are with you. Glad you had a break before it all begins.
Joy, In Wanganui.
Long time lurker, First time poster. Good luck Jenny, will be thinking of you
Thank you Joy, it was lovely to meet up with you last week in Wanganui.
I'm thinking of you from across the ditch. I'm sure Robin will take good care of you. Hugs
Dear Jenny, so sorry to hear your news, you were so supportive of me when I had my surgery and I still use my lovely pink heart shaped cushion you sent me. Do hope you need minimal treatment and make a rapid recovery. Lots of Love, Marie from Western Australia.
Thanks again, for all the other messages not previously acknowleged. I appreciate you all taking the time to write.
The surgery went well and after a very noisy night in hospital, I was pleased to come home. All being weel, I plan to give that dice a gentle roll next week!
God Bless you!. My prayers will be with you. All the very best for your surgery.
Love,Jyothi
It certainly is no news nobody wants to hear. You must be so grateful that you chose to have a mammogram outside the free-time. NZ needs to step up and increase the age limit. Positive thoughts for the rest of your treatments. I became a pink ribbon statistic last year, but I reckon with positive vibes and a strong commitment to healing you make yourself a stronger person. Quilting is great for the soul :)
Oh Jenny, I am so sorry to hear it, it is a hard journey, with (as you know) lots of ups and downs. I am finishing my radiation treatment this coming Thursday at Wellington Hospital. I understand you have lots of support, but if you want to chat please contact me at any time. All the best with this journey. Listen to your body and do what it tells you to do xx
Oh Jenny, I am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. How fortunate to have had it caught in time though. How right you are to remind us about check ups. Here in Canada every two years for over 60 and happily still free. I am only too familiar with the diagnosis having a hubby who has had multiple cancers and he is a survivor...cancer free for almost 10 years now. And that is the good news about cancer these days. Treatments keep improving. Good luck, be brave. Though I'm half the world away, I'm sending you thoughts of strength and courage.
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