Best Of
Re: New Diagnosis - Navigating
Hi @nicmaree, so happy to hear that your op went fine and that the medical team were very supportive . I think that is probably the most important part of your treatment done!
It seems natural to me that you should be so tired. You're doing really well to keep up with the exercises and the small walk each day. Self-care and a little indulgence too is just the ticket.
My mother had breast cancer (2 occurrences, over a decade apart) and my sister and I were told it wasn't genetic, I think that was because of mum's age - but then I turned up at almost 55 with two cancers, one in each breast. So I've been referred for genetic testing.
But I also was on low dose HRT a few years, and went through a lot of stress last year. Then I thought, did I have too many glasses of wine with my dinner over the years....there's so many things to suspect. I realise it can be helpful sometimes to know why, but I've decided not to worry about it anymore, unless of course there is genetic information turned up. Especially I don't want to blame myself, or anyone else. I'm just focussing on getting better and a future with a new perspective
You will find lots of support on here, such a lovely group of people
You will find lots of support on here, such a lovely group of people
Steri Strips have come off after 3 days. Do they need replacing?
Hello again. I had surgery late on Wednesday for a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, the steri strips that covered the incision (dissolvable stitches) for the lymph node under my arm pit have come off. Should I be getting these replaced? Why does everything seem to happen on a weekend? TIA
Re: New Diagnosis - Navigating
@HelenlovesSnoopy and @SuzyS and @arpie Op was last Wednesday and home Thursday. My specialist, the doctors, nurses and my anaesthetist were all so supportive and lovely. The lump and 3 lymph nodes removed but won't know anymore until I get pathology results on Thursday. I'm constantly tired (I didn't sleep much in the 2 week lead up to the op). I'm doing the exercises given to me by the breast care nurses and a small walk in fresh air each day. I feel like everything is out of my hands now. I'm in a holding pattern, just waiting. I'm trying to be positive and think good thoughts.
I am swollen and sore but should I be so tired?
I have been reading other posts and I can say that I have dense breast tissue. I have been having regular mammograms and ultrasounds for 20 years since I was 40 years old and not once was I told that dense tissue was more susceptible to breast cancer. The reason I had the checks for so long was because my aunt, my mother's sister, had breast cancer and a mastectomy many years ago. I was told that the line didn't follow that way.
I was also not aware the connection between stress and cancer until I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I am swollen and sore but should I be so tired?
I have been reading other posts and I can say that I have dense breast tissue. I have been having regular mammograms and ultrasounds for 20 years since I was 40 years old and not once was I told that dense tissue was more susceptible to breast cancer. The reason I had the checks for so long was because my aunt, my mother's sister, had breast cancer and a mastectomy many years ago. I was told that the line didn't follow that way.
I was also not aware the connection between stress and cancer until I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
nicmaree
2
Re: New Diagnosed
@nomadd I found out I had bc 10 days ago and had my lump and lymph nodes removed yesterday. I can sympathise as my head is still all over the place but my surgeon has been amazing and talking to her has put me in a much better place than I thought I'd be right now. Also had a chat to a Breast Care nurse while i was in hospital, which was helpful as well. I know there is a long road ahead but it doesn't seem quite as daunting now.
Hopefully your surgeon will be able to do the same for you. One tip I got, which was the best, was write down any questions you want to ask them about in an exercise book (or similar) so you don't forget any of them in the appointment. Was the best thing I did.
Good luck with your journey
Deb 🙂
Hopefully your surgeon will be able to do the same for you. One tip I got, which was the best, was write down any questions you want to ask them about in an exercise book (or similar) so you don't forget any of them in the appointment. Was the best thing I did.
Good luck with your journey
Deb 🙂
deb1962
2
Re: What a whirlwind
@deb1962 - You've had a rough trot of it xx. Please consider joining the private group for Triple Negative members ..... you can discuss stuff in total privacy - and keep up with the latest on TNBC.
It is totally normal to feel brain overload & even overwhelmed ..... maybe give our helpline a bell tomorrow & have a chat - 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri) .... and check out Charlotte Tottman's podcasts, which are really great x. Start at No 13 for the first series, then go to No 1 for the 2nd series
https://soundcloud.com/search?q=charlotte tottman
There are currently trials in the UK & USA on a vaccine that is proving beneficial - but so far, it has not started in Australia. Maybe, mention this to your Onc & ask if there is any lobbying by them to have it brought to Australia? (See link below)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/215246#Comment_215246
Definitely stay away from Dr Google (difficult tho it is) as everyone's case is individual & unique and often info is outdated or not relevant to your diagnosis ....
Take care & all the best xx
It is totally normal to feel brain overload & even overwhelmed ..... maybe give our helpline a bell tomorrow & have a chat - 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri) .... and check out Charlotte Tottman's podcasts, which are really great x. Start at No 13 for the first series, then go to No 1 for the 2nd series
https://soundcloud.com/search?q=charlotte tottman
There are currently trials in the UK & USA on a vaccine that is proving beneficial - but so far, it has not started in Australia. Maybe, mention this to your Onc & ask if there is any lobbying by them to have it brought to Australia? (See link below)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/215246#Comment_215246
Definitely stay away from Dr Google (difficult tho it is) as everyone's case is individual & unique and often info is outdated or not relevant to your diagnosis ....
Take care & all the best xx
arpie
1
Re: New Diagnosed
@nomadd all of the above advice is so accurate. Like all of us the buzzing will settle. At this stage its one day at a time. And distracting that brain with pleasurable things is the way to go. Remember to breathe. And DO NOT GOOGLE OR SEARCH your symptoms etc go to reputable sites like here and cancer council site.
Let us know how your travelling. Be it good or not so good. Often just typing out your concerns on here can be helpful.
Let us know how your travelling. Be it good or not so good. Often just typing out your concerns on here can be helpful.
Re: New Diagnosed
Hi there @nomadd, My name is Ann and I live in Melbourne. I am very sorry to hear of your diagnosis. It is a tumultuous time. It is an awful shock and at BCNA, you are among a strong group of women who continue to support each other from diagnosis to on going treatment. During this time of diagnosis and testing, it is so important to have self care and self compassion. My daughter drove me to the beach on the weekend before my biopsy. It cleared my head and helped me surf the emotions that were like a roller coaster. For me, trusting a good medical team was essential. I went to the Melbourne Breast Unit that is a multidisciplinary team. You will be given a clear treatment plan and this is what I held on to throughout.
I rang the BCNA and Cancer Council Helpline and both offered me tremendous support. I would also recommend finding a Breast Care nurse close to you. They are really wonderful and are clear communicators and have been through this many times with other women.
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
All the very best and thinking of you on Monday
Warmly
Ann
I rang the BCNA and Cancer Council Helpline and both offered me tremendous support. I would also recommend finding a Breast Care nurse close to you. They are really wonderful and are clear communicators and have been through this many times with other women.
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
All the very best and thinking of you on Monday
Warmly
Ann
Re: Risedroneate sodium tablet
As to Prolia injection.
My sister has Osteoporosis and she's due for her 3rd Prolia injection. They are every 6 months. No side effects present!
My sister has Osteoporosis and she's due for her 3rd Prolia injection. They are every 6 months. No side effects present!
Re: New Diagnosed
I know how you feel. I am also newly diagnosed although already went through the lumpectomy. Try to get some information from BCNA although the breast surgeon is the one who has to provide you with all the relevant information and guide your through the treatment. When I feel down, I browse through the BCNA podcasts and information, doing light house chores, watch movies and look for any other destructions not to think much of my cancer. I really try to focus on healthy eating and exercise although I like resting the most. I have to go for re- excision as the cancer/margin is still there. My lump was 8 cm ( initially just after 5 cm) and 15 lymph nodes removed. Still my surgeon said that it is curable . Who knows what is ahead, but I know I need to deal with it and try to have a positive attitude if possible.
GorgyS
6
Re: New Diagnosed
I can sympathise. I got a call back from a routine mammogram, second mammogram found a 2cm tumour. My world had been turned upside down, please know you’ll be okay. Lots of great advice here from the lovely ladies helped me. My appointment with the surgeon gave me all the facts and put my mind at ease, because at least then I had a plan. Not knowing what to expect was the hardest part for me. I decided on a lumpectomy and radiation. Surgery was on Wednesday. It’s a long day, yesterday pain wasn’t too bad. It’s slightly worse today. Not going to lie, it was a shock looking in the mirror after the operation, but not as bad as I expected. As the surgeon said, this is a lifesaving operation. Hopefully this puts your mind at ease a bit.