Best Of
Re: High Grade DCIS
&MrsPP I saw Emma Clarkson for a second opinion and she is absolutely amazing ! You are in good hands 100% she has a breast care nurse that you could reach out to ! Good luck !!!!!!
alex76
1
Re: High Grade DCIS
@MrsPP
Losing a breast means different things to different people - and all those reactions are perfectly valid. Your GP may have meant well, and may consider losing a breast doesn’t compare to losing a leg or an arm, but it’s not her breast and her opinion isn’t yours!
Losing a breast means different things to different people - and all those reactions are perfectly valid. Your GP may have meant well, and may consider losing a breast doesn’t compare to losing a leg or an arm, but it’s not her breast and her opinion isn’t yours!
A practical course is to consider what you want and are able to do. Do you want immediate reconstruction? There are groups in the network that can advise on reconstruction options (and costs) also on staying flat ( I had a single mastectomy and no reconstruction). You can of course wait and make a decision later when recovered from surgery and able to gauge how you feel about being mono-boobed.
You can make a list of questions. Do you have a breast care nurse? She may be able to advise also.
Most find the mastectomy itself pretty straightforward and usually not painful. Reconstruction can be more demanding.
Most find the mastectomy itself pretty straightforward and usually not painful. Reconstruction can be more demanding.
Most of all, you want to know that your surgery is successful, the cancer is gone and what treatment is recommended to ensure it does not return.
An occasional scream may be fully warranted - none of this is easy. As @tina_m2 says, it takes time and gentleness with yourself. Best wishes.
Afraser
1
Re: I am scared and feel lost
Hi @MelVE,
Re your query about what to eat , I am being treated at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre ( St Vincent’s Hospital Darlinghurst) and it has a wellness centre with nutritionist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist etc).
You have to pay but your GP can do a plan and it gets subsidised.There is a similar wellness ever attached to The Mater on the north side.
I saw an exercise physiologist and she really helped me I didn’t see the nutritionist as I knew what to do - I cut out most ultra processed foods , ramped up the fresh fruit and vegetables ( organic preferred), more fish and leaner meat and chicken.I was never a McDonald’s/KFC kind of person but they should definately be “ no go” areas.
Also I had a real sweet tooth so I virtually eliminated sweet biscuits, cakes, dessert etc and have fruit and unsweetened yoghurt instead .
I still have dessert if I go out to a restaurant.
Also cut right down on alcohol ( full of kilojoules anyway).
I never drank soft drinks but ramped up the water and peppermint tea .
I lost the 10 kilos I had put on over 30 years of marriage and have kept it off.
I know some food/drink is definately not indicated if you are on chemo but your breast care nurse/oncologist would be the best bet for that advice , also any vitamin pills or supplements you should let your medical professionals know about as they can also be contra indicated.
Take care , and definately stay away from Google - there is so much into on this BCNA website you can stay here and get lots of answers .
When you have time look at ( listen to ) the Dr Charlotte Tottman podcasts - I found them very helpful.
Re your query about what to eat , I am being treated at the Kinghorn Cancer Centre ( St Vincent’s Hospital Darlinghurst) and it has a wellness centre with nutritionist, exercise physiologist, physiotherapist etc).
You have to pay but your GP can do a plan and it gets subsidised.There is a similar wellness ever attached to The Mater on the north side.
I saw an exercise physiologist and she really helped me I didn’t see the nutritionist as I knew what to do - I cut out most ultra processed foods , ramped up the fresh fruit and vegetables ( organic preferred), more fish and leaner meat and chicken.I was never a McDonald’s/KFC kind of person but they should definately be “ no go” areas.
Also I had a real sweet tooth so I virtually eliminated sweet biscuits, cakes, dessert etc and have fruit and unsweetened yoghurt instead .
I still have dessert if I go out to a restaurant.
Also cut right down on alcohol ( full of kilojoules anyway).
I never drank soft drinks but ramped up the water and peppermint tea .
I lost the 10 kilos I had put on over 30 years of marriage and have kept it off.
I know some food/drink is definately not indicated if you are on chemo but your breast care nurse/oncologist would be the best bet for that advice , also any vitamin pills or supplements you should let your medical professionals know about as they can also be contra indicated.
Take care , and definately stay away from Google - there is so much into on this BCNA website you can stay here and get lots of answers .
When you have time look at ( listen to ) the Dr Charlotte Tottman podcasts - I found them very helpful.
Re: I am scared and feel lost
Hi MeIVE - I hope all goes well with your treatment. I have added more vegetables and healthy protein to my diet (also I avoid alcohol; cut back on ultra processed foods) and have included strength training. I feel this has helped in my recovery from breast cancer treatment. An exercise physiologist is helping me with strength training. I think it is important to get guidance from evidence based authoritative sources and check with your oncologist about your specific situation.
Beginner
1
Re: Christmas Funnies ....... put them up here for a laugh!
Not a 'funny' this time - but something 'special'!! 
If you can find yourself some bright red Bottle Brush Blossoms & leaves .... give this a go!
It really does look stunning!!! Just make sure the bottles have an excellent tight seal first - or maybe put the bottles onto a tray!!
Using 3 sizes of bottles & putting them in a group (the smallest one in the front of the 2 other ones) looks magic.
ENJOY!
Another lovely coloured Bottle Brush
If you can find yourself some bright red Bottle Brush Blossoms & leaves .... give this a go!
It really does look stunning!!! Just make sure the bottles have an excellent tight seal first - or maybe put the bottles onto a tray!!
Using 3 sizes of bottles & putting them in a group (the smallest one in the front of the 2 other ones) looks magic.
ENJOY!
Another lovely coloured Bottle Brush
arpie
2
Re: Diagnosed stage3, grade3, her2 positive
I’m very glad chemo is done! Sadly I ended up getting an infection under one of my ‘chemo nails’ and landed myself in hospital for 6 days with surgery to have the nail removed which was a real shame because I was feeling pretty good and looking forward to a week off everything before the surgery I just had😅
which is something to keep in my mind. Keep your nails short and clean and use hardner. Some people paint theirs but I wanted to be able to see if there was a problem - and even then I missed catching this one!
During chemo I really focussed on one day at a time, walking, yoga and trying not to look too far ahead or read too much about anything to do with the cancer. I wfh a few hours a week and was lucky to have good flexibility to do so.
which is something to keep in my mind. Keep your nails short and clean and use hardner. Some people paint theirs but I wanted to be able to see if there was a problem - and even then I missed catching this one!
During chemo I really focussed on one day at a time, walking, yoga and trying not to look too far ahead or read too much about anything to do with the cancer. I wfh a few hours a week and was lucky to have good flexibility to do so.
Everyone’s experience is slightly different - a diary will help you so you can map out how you feel each round. Helps you to be prepared and give info to your team if you need some help. There’s lots they can do to help minimise any side effects you might get and they want you to get through with as little impact as it’s possible to have si never hesitate to ask for help with anything.
Chemo isnt fun but is absolutely doable - youve got this!
FeR
2
Re: Diagnosed stage3, grade3, her2 positive
Hi @J_Nelly
sorry to hear of your diagnosis - it’s a hard and stressful time but you will get through it!
I was diagnosed mid July with triple positive dc - same as @Suki, also 47 years old. Finished my 6 rounds of TCHP mid November and this week had my surgery.
I second all @Suki’s advice.
sorry to hear of your diagnosis - it’s a hard and stressful time but you will get through it!
I was diagnosed mid July with triple positive dc - same as @Suki, also 47 years old. Finished my 6 rounds of TCHP mid November and this week had my surgery.
I second all @Suki’s advice.
I didn’t cold cap either - have some growth starting now 5 weeks post chemo. I’m probably glad I didn’t as I didn’t want to add time to the infusions but I’m sure others who have will be able to advise you better.
When it comes to exercise, walking daily (whatever you can manage) and yoga (if you don’t have a current practice gentle stretching or mindful movement) was hugely helpful. Reminding yourself to breathe is an excellent way to stay centred and helps both physically and mentally. Insight timer has free meditations.
the cancer coach I saw recommended prioritising protein and I ate as well as I could but I did find it hard - protein didn’t taste great for me - plant based was a bit better than meat based. She also told me that at the end of the day eat whatever you feel like or can. It’s temporary and you can focus on your diet when the chemo bit is over.
sending you positive thoughts and big hugs xx
the cancer coach I saw recommended prioritising protein and I ate as well as I could but I did find it hard - protein didn’t taste great for me - plant based was a bit better than meat based. She also told me that at the end of the day eat whatever you feel like or can. It’s temporary and you can focus on your diet when the chemo bit is over.
sending you positive thoughts and big hugs xx
FeR
1
Re: Friday Update 20th December 2024 (BCNA Christmas Closure Details)
Wishing everyone at BCNA a very Happy & Safe Xmas and New Year - and a special thank you to all the Mods and support staff for all your help this year xx
arpie
1