Hi my name is Karen and this is my breast cancer story. Initially I started to write about my journey with breast cancer for my family and friends so they could get an understanding of how I truly felt from the inside. As my story progressed I thought i
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Hi my name is Karen and this is my breast cancer story. Initially I started to write about my journey with breast cancer for my family and friends so they could get an understanding of how I truly felt from the inside. As my story progressed I thought it may be of help to others.
My Story
This Story is written to thank everyone for all there kind words,
support and comfort in a time that it was most needed
I will cherish this and hopefully be able to pass it on to others who follow in my path.
My Story / Introduction
Now at the age of forty my life has taken a huge turn, and so I have decided to write about my life since being diagnosed with breast cancer. Why? So that the people around me and other people will have more of an understanding of what it is like to live with cancer from the inside.
My Story /History
Before I can start my story of how I coped with having breast cancer, and the treatments that I have undergone. I think it necessary to give you a little insight to who I am and my history regarding breast lumps.
My Story / Diganosis
I will never ever forget that day as long as I live, and I am determined to live a very long and eventful life. Lee and I were sat in the waiting area of the breast clinic for what seemed like eternity.
My Story / Telling The Family
Then my phone rang! My heart stopped. "Oh my God what do I tell her, I can't tell her"! I said turning to Lee. It was my mum ringing. "The Truth" Lee replied.
My Story / Coming To Terms
My mind was going into overdrive when all of a sudden it dawned on me that I had Cancer and that 'Cancer Can Kill' I started to cry once again but this time it hurt. I felt that I couldn't breath and honestly didn't think that I would stop.
My Story / CT Scan
I was passed through the big donut several times. The radiography spoke to me from the other room using a sort of intercom. On each passing through the donut I was told to hold my breath. The machine made a very weird buzzing noise.
My Story / Results Are In
Once again Lee and I are back in the waiting room of the Hospital. Holding onto Lee's hand I tried to stay calm, my stomach churning and talk about butterflies, I think I had a full conservation in there. In my mind I was telling myself over and over again that it hadn't spread.
My Story / Oncologist
I was both excited and nervous to meet the oncologist. I was excited because I felt like I was now starting my path to surviving cancer. I was nervous because this was to be the first part of my treatment
My Story / First Hair Cut
In preparation for the chemo I have decided to take charge of my hair. Lee and I called round to see his mum Maureen and asked her if she would mind cutting my hair. After a discussion of how to cut it and how short to go she agreed and it was decided that I would have a short (jaw line) inverted bob.
My Story / Visiting The Family
Lee and I took a drive up to see my family in Doncaster. Yup! I'm a Yorkshire girl. Well the reason for the trip is that Lee and I feel that if my family could see me in the flesh, Face to Face they would see that I truly am coping with this cancer thing and not hiding behind a phone.
My Story / Before The Chemo
I am back at the hospital in the Oncology waiting room, waiting to have my biopsies taken. Maureen had come along with me as a bit of moral support. This was to be a regular thing that I would have to get used to. Sitting around in waiting rooms. I was told to come a little earlier so that I could have my blood tests taken before having my biopsies. My first blood test of many.
My Story / First Chemo
Well here at long last! The day has arrived for my first chemo. I must admit these last couples of weeks have not been easy; I have had good days and I have had some low days, but overall the good have outweighed the bad considerably. The positive thoughts have come to the front of my mind more and more, which in turn has left very little room for any doubt or negativity.
My Story / Wigs Galore
Flicking through the brochures I realised that the stigma attached to wigs was not as it used to be. Thankfully the days have gone that you could spot a wig from a mile away, always looking too thick and styled more for the older woman. I was amazed of how many different styles there were. Lee and I picked out a couple that we liked and thought that I would suit;
Usefull Websites
Lot of Usefull Websites with upto date information
Race For Life
Next summer over 235 Race for Life events will be taking place across the UK, so there�s bound to be one near you!
You can register your interest online to take part now at www.raceforlife.org
Race for Life 2009 launches in January with more details on how you can enter.
Media Coverage
Keep Warm: Karen's story
Karen Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer last year - now she is struggling to pay her winter fuel bills
Guestbook
shirley brown from Doncaster Left an Entry of: thoughts r with u xxx
On Friday 12th December 2008
Karen's Breast Cancer Forum
Welcome to the Breast Cancer Story Forum. This forum is to enable people affected by breast cancer to give and receive support, and to share information and experiences with others going through the same thing. Having breast cancer can be a frightening experience. Everyone has different values and opinions so pease respect this at all times.
My Story / First Chemo Effects
How did I cope with my first chemo? Well I have to say very very well indeed. I was surprised by the way I dealt with it and how it actually affected me. My Oncologist had told me that with my first chemo I shouldn�t really experience much side effects, these would mainly be the hair loss and tiredness that would increasingly get worse over time.
Lyke Wake Walk
Hayley has been Karen�s friend for many years, and was shocked and upset when she heard Karen had cancer. We decided to do the Lyke Lake Walk for charity and Karen didn�t hesitate in recommending MacMillan Cancer Support.
My Story / Chemo and Hair
I have noticed that my hair is becoming very dry. It�s not coming out yet, I know for sure as I am constantly giving it little tugs to make sure that it is still intact. Is this dryness a sign though that it is going to start falling out. Wouldn�t it be weird if it just went dryer and dryer turning me into a Worzel Gummidge look alike before it did fall out with the frizzy sticky out straw like hair.
My Story / Chemo and Hair prt 2
Friday 22nd June and it is exactly 2 weeks since my first chemo. Getting ready for work that morning; well trying to get ready more like. I had my make-up on and while styling my hair, I finished up in quite a mess. As i said earlier, I need a bit of hair wax to be able to style my hair and unaware of why, my hair just wouldn�t go right. As i reached again for the jar of wax it was all there plain to see why i was having difficulty. My hands were resembling a pair of woolly mitts.
My Story / Chemo and Hair Prt 3
my hole head was nearly revealed to the public outside as I got it caught in the car door, the wig did a full 60 degree turn on my head which I had to quickly adjust it, checking in the rear view mirror.
Lee was oblivious to what I was up to and by the time I walked back into the bathroom I had cello-tape wrapped around my hand with the sticky side facing outwards.
�You�re not serous� Lee laughed. �Yup� I said as I placed the cello taped hand onto my head and quickly pulled it off.