Hello from Australia

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   A very warm hello you all from Australia.. 

I feel as I know many of you well already as I have been visiting these boards and watching your journeys since November, 2009. 

My story goes this way;
In November 2008 I became aware that I carried the BRCA 1 mutation. As I was 52 at the time ,I had no hesitation in having a oopherectomy. I then decided to go down the prophylactic mastectomy path however time was against me- as part of the work up for that surgery, I was diagnosed with IDC in November,  2009. Bi Lateral Mastectomy followed in December. Pathology was 1.67cm TNBC SNB clear. Four rounds of AC followed and then 12 weekly Taxol. Radiation was not recommended.
Fast forward to November 2010 when I discovered a lump on my chest. CT scan revealed a recurrence to my Rotter's node with all other areas clear. My breast surgeon described the recurrence  as "vanishingly rare". Surgery to remove the node followed, together with a full Level 1 clearance. Even though my underarm nodes were not affected the surgeon had to remove them in order to gain acess to the rotter's node. 
In December, 2010 I commence six cycles of Carbo/Gemzar. After the first three cycles were competed my practitioners decided to intersperse radiation which I completed at the end of May. Just last week I commenced Cycle 4 of the Carbo/Gemzar. 

What has prompted me to finally introduce myself is that I wanted to say what an incredibly supportive and compassionate group of people you are. I have been to many dark places over the 18 months - places I know are familiar to many of you -  and I have played the "What if" game in my head too many times. 

For the most part though, life is good - just a whole lot different than how it was before. 

A highlight has been the comfort and insight I have found reading your stories and sharing your many ups and downs. Donna ,our stories are very similiar and I feel I know you especially well -Denise with your incredible knowledge, and of course the irreplaceable Steve with your wisdom. compassion and concern for all. 

In Australia we have a charity called "Wrapped with love". People knit squares which are made into blankets and then sent to needy people world wide. Many hundreds of blankets are sent around the world each year. You all remind me of that - wrapping each other with love, keeping each other warm and protected.

Best wishes and love to you all.
Kim