Newly diagnosed

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SLD230317
SLD230317 Member Posts: 6 ✭
in Newly diagnosed
I've retyped this post so many times I wasn't sure what to say. I got my results today and I feel numb. I've been quite calm, not many tears, but I know it hasn't hit me yet. At this stage, it's early breast cancer but I meet with the surgeon tomorrow. We are new to where we live and apart from my husband and two young children, we have no family support nearby and haven't made many friends yet so feeling a little isolated, so I need to take advantage of any support I can get. Thank you.
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  • Pammy46
    Pammy46 Member Posts: 162 ✭
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    Hi 
    Im so sorry you are here.. the beginning of this journey is a whirlwind I was diagnosed in December with stage 1 grade 1 
    i have had 3 tumours removed and just finished radiation it's only been 4 months but I feel like it's been longer we are all here to support you let us know how it goes Tomorrow 
    pam xx
  • sheryn
    sheryn Member Posts: 22 ✭
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    Hi 
    Im sorry  you have joined us.. I too only joined in early february and yes what a whirlwind and I too really haven't still let anything out only small tear here and there.
    The everyone here have been great with their suppose and help with my journey. Where are you from? 

    I start my chemo tomorrow and not looking forward to it but here we go for the next stage.

    Good luck and ask lots of question. Which i didnt do at first but have learnt since.

    hugs xxxx
  • Afraser
    Afraser Member Posts: 4,371 ✭
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    Best wishes for tomorrow. You will have many questions, but there will be time to get them all answered, not necessarily at once. There are lots of people here who can help, advise and listen. Your medical team are there to guide and help. It will all seem a huge labyrinth of activity and confusion at first, but take it slowly, breathe deeply and things will become clearer. One step at a time, you can cover a huge amount of ground one step at a time! I am four and a half years from where you are now, well and getting on with my life. You can get through this. Take care. 
  • SoldierCrab
    SoldierCrab Member Posts: 3,445 ✭
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    SLD230317      

    Do you have a My journey Kit? 
    https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/ 
    do you have a breast Care Nurse 
    https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx
  • primek
    primek Member Posts: 5,392 ✭
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    Welcome @SLD230317 and sorry you have had to join us. It can be a shock when you first hear the news. I was able to see my results in private so had my tears well and truly over before seeing the Dr. I know when I found my lump I was calm and pragmatic. ..I knew it was cancer I just needed the evidence.

    So the next few weeks will be a lot to take in and we are here to support you as best we can. Ask anything. No question is dumb. 
    Kath x
  • nikkid
    nikkid Member Posts: 1,766 ✭
    edited March 2017
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    Hi @SLD230317 - so sorry to hear your news. We have all been there! It is a surreal time, especially when you feel so well. The next few days and weeks will seem like a crazy whirlwind but know that you are in control of the choices you make. Ask lots of questions (here, of your surgeon, breast care nurse etc), take notes and do what is best for you.

    Having a BC diagnosis can send you into a spin - but you will do so well. Already you say you're calm, this is a great start. Allow yourself to feel sad, confused, even angry....and know that we will walk beside you. 

    Thinking of of you tomorrow Nikki xxxx
  • AineG
    AineG Member Posts: 53 ✭
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    Hi 

    Good luck tomorrow!    I've just hit six months and happy to report I'm back to "normal"  - new normal and better normal.  I too have small kids and they helped me keep it real and stay in the moment.  As scary as it is, treatment is so much better and your team will guide you through.  You'll have lots of questions and lots of choices, whatever choices you make one piece of advise that helped me was "go with what you feel is best for you, when you look back in ten years time, this will be just a moment in time".  

    Good luck
    Aine

  • Brenda5
    Brenda5 Member Posts: 2,423 ✭
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    Welcome, but sorry you are in our forum. Your breast care nurse will be the one to hit up for local support as that's their job, the middle man/woman between specialists and you. If possible take someone with you to each appointment as two sets of ears are better than one.
  • SLD230317
    SLD230317 Member Posts: 6 ✭
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    Thank you all for you comments. Saw the surgeon this morning. Unfortunately in typical 'ME' style, my case is "complicated" so it looks like a mastectomy for me this Wednesday. It's surprising me that I'm feeling very calm and controlled in my emotions. I know that may not always be the case. My husband has ordered 'My Jouney Kit' and I'm waiting to hear from the bfeast care nurse. Thank you again for taking the time to comment, it helps. 
  • SoldierCrab
    SoldierCrab Member Posts: 3,445 ✭
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    I am typically individual also  @SLD230317
     
    So know even though I am complicated I have come through this roller coaster and I am living and well. 
    hugs and glad you are getting in touch with the Breast Care Nurse. she will be able to help you with answering questions and getting some supports in place for you. 
    Do you children go to preschool or school, Please let them know what is happening so they can support you. 
    Cancer council also has some support services if you contact them they will be able to let you know what services are available in your area. 
    Do you have the option for someone to come and help you when you get home since you are not near family now? 
    Hugs 
    Soldier Crab 

  • AineG
    AineG Member Posts: 53 ✭
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    Hi SLD

    I know it's probably not what you wanted to hear today, but I had a double mastectomy just over six months ago and I'm already back playing football :) .  Like you I had only my partner for support and of course the kids! (My family are overseas).  Oddly being home from work for an extended period, I got to spend a lot of time with them and that was a real highlight for me.
    My advice, cry lots, take the drugs and hug your kids.

    Good luck with the next part of your journey, you'll be out the other side before you know it

    Aine
  • Afraser
    Afraser Member Posts: 4,371 ✭
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    Not what you wanted but now you know what you are dealing with. Recovery can be quite quick, and I certainly had very little discomfort. Once that's done and the pathology is clearer you can focus on the next step. Feel free to ask anything about what to expect, what to take etc. Lots of people here with immensely practical experience. We'll be thinking of you.
  • SLD230317
    SLD230317 Member Posts: 6 ✭
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    Soldier Crab - we have one in pre-school (4 next month) and one at school (9 this Sunday). My husband and I are going to speak to them but trying to decide if we tell them this evening and then the birthday celebrations will take our minds off it or wait until her birthday is over and talk early next week. Unfortunately at the moment I don't have anyone to come and help. My family are back in the UK and my husbands family in WA. 

    Aine - my decision over the weekend is if I have a double mastectomy or not. Your input and experience would be valuable.

    Thank you ladies
  • Pammy46
    Pammy46 Member Posts: 162 ✭
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    Hi SLD 
    if your breast cancer is early is there a reason for the mastectomy? 
  • SLD230317
    SLD230317 Member Posts: 6 ✭
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    Hi Pam, yes it is early bc but I have two small lumps and have quite a few DCIS'. They would be looking to remove 9cm but there is no guarantee they would get them all. Having the mastectomy would put my mind at ease rather than worrying some had been missed. 

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