Best Of
Lost and unsure
Hello everyone,
I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with triple negative, when first told I was absolutely blindsided and emotional mess for 2 weeks, now I feel nothing, like this is not real I don't feel like I have breast cancer is this normal reaction. I am working everyday and really exhausted through not being able to sleep. I feel confused
Neene
I was diagnosed 3 weeks ago with triple negative, when first told I was absolutely blindsided and emotional mess for 2 weeks, now I feel nothing, like this is not real I don't feel like I have breast cancer is this normal reaction. I am working everyday and really exhausted through not being able to sleep. I feel confused
Neene
Neene
5
Introduction - Erana from BCNA
Hi everyone!
My name is Erana, and I am the Consumer Engagement Coordinator at BCNA. I work with our wonderful Consumer Representatives and oversee our Review and Survey Group.
In the coming months, you may notice a few posts from me highlighting external research and survey opportunities that you can participate in.
These opportunities have been thoroughly reviewed and approved by BCNA to ensure it is of high quality, relevant to our Policy & Advocacy Strategy, organisational priorities and will lead to tangible benefits for those affected by breast cancer. While we typically share them through our Review and Survey Group communications, we thought it would be beneficial to also share them here for those who aren’t currently part of the Review and Survey Group. If you'd like to join the group, feel free to sign up here Review and Survey Group.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to send through a comment or message and we'll do our best to respond as quickly as possible.
Thanks,
Erana 
5 Years on...
Diagnosed 2018. All clear now. Would like to thank this site for all the informative information and support. I had a mastectomy, chemotherapy and reconstruction. Just wanted to say thank you for everyone's support here. To everyone who's just been diagnosed or struggling, there is help, just reach out. That's what happened for me. Hugs. Julie
Harvey1903
12
I am scared and feel lost
Hello everyone, I am newly diagnosed with ER+ breast cancer. I am still awaiting appointment for specialist/surgeon to do series of tests to determine the stage. I have type 2 diabetes as well. Does anyone here have the same situation? I am scared and anxious and don’t know what to do.
MelVE
5
Scared about the side effects of treatment
Hello everyone,
I'm 35 with two young girls- I was initially diagnosed with LCIS just after a routine scan- but after my mastectomy surgery 2 weeks ago, the pathology has come back that I have HER2+ estrogen and progesterone + Lobular carcinoma, but thankfully no spread. It was a real shock as I was not expecting this news, thinking I would only have to have the mastectomy and that would be it.
I am starting chemo, immunotherapy and hormone therapy in a few weeks.
I'm 35 with two young girls- I was initially diagnosed with LCIS just after a routine scan- but after my mastectomy surgery 2 weeks ago, the pathology has come back that I have HER2+ estrogen and progesterone + Lobular carcinoma, but thankfully no spread. It was a real shock as I was not expecting this news, thinking I would only have to have the mastectomy and that would be it.
I am starting chemo, immunotherapy and hormone therapy in a few weeks.
After what I thought was going to be a relatively straight forward recovery after my mastectomy and 6 weeks off work the oncologist said I am now looking at 6+ months off due to the upcoming treatment.
I am feeling a bit overwhelmed and sacred about the effects of the upcoming treatment on my overall quality of life (and caring for 2 young children!).
I will likely lose my hair with the chemo- the oncologist mentioned I could try the cold cap therapy- for those that have had it has it made a significant difference (the Dr said it takes a long time each chemo session to put on and off!)?
I would also appreciate any insight into how to approach looking for some counselling support as well- would it be best to go through a GP or...?
Thank you for reading, I'm so glad there is a support network like this available- I feel very alone so far. xx
I will likely lose my hair with the chemo- the oncologist mentioned I could try the cold cap therapy- for those that have had it has it made a significant difference (the Dr said it takes a long time each chemo session to put on and off!)?
I would also appreciate any insight into how to approach looking for some counselling support as well- would it be best to go through a GP or...?
Thank you for reading, I'm so glad there is a support network like this available- I feel very alone so far. xx
Caity
5
Stage 2, Triple Neg
Late September I got my diagnosis at age 48–stage 2, metastic triple negative, and started chemo a couple weeks later. I’ve been doing well mentally until now when I’m so tired I can barely raise my head. I need to work and my job is wonderful and supportive but on these tired days I find it too easy to be bleak. This is a double whammy since I’m usually upbeat, dark but good humour. I think I’m struggling to accept that my body won’t work properly for a bit. Going to the bathroom feels like a workout. Anyone else have a bit late onset of these feelings of overwhelm??
I’m new to this group and just want to be surrounded with people who “get it”
Diagnosed Today
Hi all,
I'm new here. I'm 48.
I had my last Mammogram in November 2022, and was due for my next December 7th....however....
I went to the GP in November after feeling a breast lump for 10 days which I was hoping was hormonal. It didn't go away so I got it checked. GP didn't seem concerned but she appreciated that I was and ordered mammogram & ultrasound. Appointment was in 2 weeks.
On Wednesday 4/12 I had the scans, the mammogram lady went quiet, later with the sonographer I said 'I'm just not sure if it's in my head or if I'm being hyper-vigilant' He said 'I'd say you're being the right amount of vigilant', then told me he would go and get the Dr who would need to check me. The Dr started telling me that I'll need a biopsy and that the statistics in Australia in particular are very successful for treating breast cancer. He went on to say that he'll get his report to my GP straight away and if we decide to use them for biopsy they'll get me in straight away and to contact my GP.
So I drove home and on my way I stopped at the GP, the receptionist could not get me in till the next day to see the GP. I left in tears and went home. I decided to do some work and 2hrs later I got a call to say the GP wanted to see me immediately. I drove back and saw the GP who gave me a referral for urgent biopsy. I went straight to the local ultrasound place to see if they could book me an appointment at their sister site, that I attended earlier that day. They said they'd need to speak to their Dr and would call me.
Within an hour they called me, and said their Dr would come to my local clinic and do the biopsies there for me the very next day, saving me the 45minute drive.
Thursday 5/12 I had the biopsies of my breast and lymph node done. That was pretty smooth sailing and the Dr said he didn't want me waiting a week at the other clinic so came up here especially for me. All the staff were SO lovely and I'm eternally grateful for their care and concern - however the urgency is absolutely scared the crap out of me 🫣
Today 10/12 I got my biopsy results and am officially diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
An hour after j left the GP, the local Cancer Centre phoned me, so I have:
I'm new here. I'm 48.
I had my last Mammogram in November 2022, and was due for my next December 7th....however....
I went to the GP in November after feeling a breast lump for 10 days which I was hoping was hormonal. It didn't go away so I got it checked. GP didn't seem concerned but she appreciated that I was and ordered mammogram & ultrasound. Appointment was in 2 weeks.
On Wednesday 4/12 I had the scans, the mammogram lady went quiet, later with the sonographer I said 'I'm just not sure if it's in my head or if I'm being hyper-vigilant' He said 'I'd say you're being the right amount of vigilant', then told me he would go and get the Dr who would need to check me. The Dr started telling me that I'll need a biopsy and that the statistics in Australia in particular are very successful for treating breast cancer. He went on to say that he'll get his report to my GP straight away and if we decide to use them for biopsy they'll get me in straight away and to contact my GP.
So I drove home and on my way I stopped at the GP, the receptionist could not get me in till the next day to see the GP. I left in tears and went home. I decided to do some work and 2hrs later I got a call to say the GP wanted to see me immediately. I drove back and saw the GP who gave me a referral for urgent biopsy. I went straight to the local ultrasound place to see if they could book me an appointment at their sister site, that I attended earlier that day. They said they'd need to speak to their Dr and would call me.
Within an hour they called me, and said their Dr would come to my local clinic and do the biopsies there for me the very next day, saving me the 45minute drive.
Thursday 5/12 I had the biopsies of my breast and lymph node done. That was pretty smooth sailing and the Dr said he didn't want me waiting a week at the other clinic so came up here especially for me. All the staff were SO lovely and I'm eternally grateful for their care and concern - however the urgency is absolutely scared the crap out of me 🫣
Today 10/12 I got my biopsy results and am officially diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
No idea what most of it means but basically
👻 Invasive Carcinoma NST; and
🐝 Metastatic Adenocarcinoma
🍃 ER/PR Positive
🍂 HER2 Positive (Amplified)
🍃 ER/PR Positive
🍂 HER2 Positive (Amplified)
An hour after j left the GP, the local Cancer Centre phoned me, so I have:
Medical Oncologist Appt: next Monday
Radiology Oncologist Appt: next Thursday
I don't understand what NST means, and it wasn't staged on pathology...is that usual?
I haven't told my children, and am hoping to hold off till after sons' birthday and grandsons first Christmas.
One thing I have to say is that I am SO incredibly grateful for the swiftness of care I've received and am receiving.
It's a crappy club to be a part of 😭 but I look forward to 'meeting' you all xx
I haven't told my children, and am hoping to hold off till after sons' birthday and grandsons first Christmas.
One thing I have to say is that I am SO incredibly grateful for the swiftness of care I've received and am receiving.
It's a crappy club to be a part of 😭 but I look forward to 'meeting' you all xx