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Hi everyone, I'm Natasja and I was diagnosed with multifocal ductal carcinoma on 29 November after finding 2 tiny lumps in my left breast. At 39 I never imagined to have to go through this. Telling my 3 kids (ages 14, 11 and 8) was the hardest thing, but I'm so lucky to have an amazingly supportive husband and family. I had actually found the first lump about 2 months before, but like a lot of women, hoped it would 'magically' disappear. Of course, when I found the second lump 6 weeks later, I started panicking, but still couldn't work up the courage to get them checked out. Then I saw Connie from Love Your Sister (I'm hoping/assuming you are aware of her and her amazing brother Sam and what they do for breast cancer) on TV and decided to stop being a whimp and dragged my sorry self to the GP the next day. Nine days later, after an ultrasound and an FNA, I was told I had breast cancer. I really wish there was a breast care nurse with every woman/man when they are told the news. I walked out thinking I was going to die within a year. Then when I went to the breast clinic at RPH the next Friday all the nurses were so positive I could have kissed all of them. They are true angels. That includes you Glenys :) Anyway, turns out I had 4 tumours, 20mm, 9mm, 7mm and 5mm. During my (left) mastectomy they also found 4mm in 1 lymph node, but thankfully the other 14 were clear. My operation was in January as it was 'only' a grade 1 cancer, hormone+ and HER2-. Best I could've hoped for I've been told. No need for radiation (WOOHOO), but need 4 rounds of chemo (I had my first session today) and then 5 years of hormone treatment. So far the truckload of medication I've been given to prevent side effects is doing its job! My biggest fear is nausea. I told my oncologist I would like to keep my record of only ever throwing up once in my life (May 1997, not that I keep track or anything). Praise the scientists who came up with anti nausea medication!!! The nurses told me to take it easy for the next couple of days, as hard as that is when the steroids make me feel like the Duracell bunny. Or else I'll come crashing down on day 3...So I thought I may as well introduce myself...quietly...on the couch...while drinking my calming cup of tea. Next step for me is to look for beanies and scarves (I already have a wig). Any suggestions on where the best place is to get them?
Natasja x
The Click Breast Care Nurse 
The Click Project Coordinator 
Daughter-in-law and niece of breast cancer "thrivers"!
Hi Natasia
There's a wig shop called Curley Sue - they have all sorts of styles to buy or rent. I felt that the wig I had was far too hot in summer. Try a pure silk scarf - they look great and feel great.
All the best
Anne
52 year old 5 years post diagnosis, lymphoedema right arm.
