newly diganosed

sheryn

HI,  I really dont know what to say,  

 2 weeks been diagnosed with bc  in my rb and have really not talked to anyone. its all happened way so fast. I feel fine....even my gp did not know when i had to go get a referral to the oncologist surgeon. 
 the doctor said i had a chose either full mastectomy or lumpectomy.  I have for decided on lumpectomy in my rb. 
Really dont know what im in for? I  just want it to all  go away. The doctor did say I would have radiation after but didnt say anything about chemo. I would like to make sure its all gone.
Sorry this  sounds confusing but I am just not sure about anything. I go for surgery this friday. 

xxxx

Pammy46

Hi Sheryn
sorry you have joined us but we are all here to support you I was diagnosed November and also right breast I have had surgery in dec and am now 3 weeks in to radiation the waiting is so hard but you will have answers soon and you will find a way to be strong 
plaease keep coming on here for support 
pam xx

primek

Hi Sheryn.
It is such a shock at the beginning with everything happening so fast ...and yes most if us are well when diagnosed as the cancer is picked up early.

Have you a pathology result yet from biopsy?

A lumpectomy usually includes radiotherapy as this then gives results much the same as a mastectomy if margins are clear 

Chemotherapy decisions are based on your pathology. So what type of cancer you have. How fast it is growing. If in lymph nodes and it's  size all have bearings on the decision. Sometimes this isn't fully known until after surgery.

You will most likely have a sentinal node biopsy. A dye or radioactive substance will be injected day of surgery near the tumor and the closest nodes to it will be removed for testing for cancer cells. Sometimes the surgeon takes more as they can sometimes tell if nodes have cancer cells by their appearance.

Have you a breast care nurse? If through a public hospital their should be one assigned, ring the reception if where you were seen. If through private I am sure the staff from the practice would have contact details. The breast care nurse can give you some support and advice especially before and after.

Failing that there is this link to find one.

https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx

Anything else you want to know about please just ask. Have you got the My journey kit? You can order a hardcopy on here. It's  free. But you can read some of it online until it arrives.

The link to order it and read about things is below.
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/my-journey-kit/

Have you told family or friends. This is a tough journey and it is easier with support from others. It's hard to tell them but such a relief when you do. 

We are here for you.
Kath x

socoda

Hi Sheryn, It's so overwhelming when you are first diagnosed and so incredibly scary. I'm sure we have all cried rivers of fear in the lead up to surgery. It does get soooooo much better though. After your surgery you will have to wait between 7-10 days for the pathology to come back and once that has then that is when your treatment plan will be finalised. Those 7 - 10 days will feel like forever but you will get there. Wishing you all the best for Friday. Let us know how you are going. Xx Cath

sheryn

Thank you for all  the information and support, 

Yes I was called in after my mammogram and on the same day I had a biopsy and yes pathology results this was all done in 3 hours of arrival. Very overwhelmed with the visit. The nurse did say it was cancer but thats all she said. 2 days later is when I seen the doctor and where we decided on a lumpectomy. Yes he did discuss the SNB  to. 

I just feel I should have asked more questions but don't know what! 

Yes Pam I was diagnosed on my birthday.. well that was an interesting day! 

xxxx

RNSW

Hi, all the other ladies have given great advice. Even though it's alot to deal with but you will get through it we have all unfortunately been there. I had lumpectomy a year and a half ago and i am going great you will too. Thinking of you xo

primek

It takes 10 days for your biopsy result to be finalised so you will know more soon. Hope all goes well tomorrow. It's hard to know what to ask at the time.  Write a list before your next appointment of things you woukd like to know.

Brenda5

LITHGOW1950

So sorry you have joined us but the ladies, as you will already have have read, are brilliant & caring. Try and take one day at a time. It's hard enough getting your head around the diagnosis let alone what will happen next. And it  you have been bombarded with damn awful news. As I recall my GP found the lump in my right breast (I never felt it) my breasts were both sore. Following test etc the GP referred me to a breast specialist surgeon. We have a few nurses in our family so on their advice I made my decision of what specialists to use. He was excellent....straight to the point. He recommended lumpectomy which I did have.  At this stage he knew the stage, grade and that I was Triple negetive. All meant nothing to me!!! Somehow I was referred to a BC nurse who arranged all the information I was sent. And also explained so much to me and my husband. This arrived almost immediately. After two operations to gain clear margins ( and dye put in before the operation) no nodes involved. I saw the oncologist. Who organised the chemo....in my case 6 months of it (but remember we are all different) and then I saw the specialist who organised the  Radiothreaphy.  
As you  will realise there is so much to take in. Be gentle in yourself and you must start putting yourself first. Make lots of notes of questions and if possible always take someone with you.  
Keep us posted.
Anne-Marie

LITHGOW1950

Sorry I made a few errors in that post.  I meant to explain to take someone with you for all your appointments.

primek

Thinking of you today.

melclarity

@sheryn I just wanted to see how you went today, hoping it all went well. Until they have pathology you wont know what it is or what the treatment will be. Generally DCIS, Stage 1 - Grade 2 they may opt for lumpectomy and radiation then hormone therapy. Im ER+ only so there are a few different combinations you could be, I had a recurrence in 2015 and it was Stage 2, Grade 3, because of Grade 3 which is aggressive my Oncologist says its automatic chemo. When I had DCIS I had radiation after a lumpectomy, so sit tight til results are in, you are in my thoughts. Hugs Melinda xo

Now curly

Hi, 10 months on from diagnosis and rushed decisions and treatment, I'm doing Ok. You've been given some great advice and you'll get great support here. Pleased for you that you signed up early, I wish I had instead of thinking I would manage with the support I had. The knowledge here is invaluable, coupled with your nurse and medical team, any fears should be allied and emotions supported. Now that you've started fighting this hopefully you're feeling more positive. My thoughts are with you, hugs, Linda

sheryn

Home today after fridays op. Long day I ended up last on the list. But Doctor was happy with the way it went. Thats all I know.
Im home with the drain so healthing one day at a time. Thank you for your encouragement. 

melclarity

Sheryn glad you are home and resting up!!! keep us updated as things unfold, now time to rest as much as you can. Hugs Melinda xo

Sparkles

Hi Sheryn
your journey sounds so much like mine! I was also diagnosed on my birthday. Have had a lumpectomy 2 weeks ago. It has been a whirlwind ride, but all the advice above is so true. Take one step at a time, he kind to yourself, take someone with you to appointments, read the information you received from BCN, and no 2 journeys are the same. 
I have been really lucky with my surgeon, Chem oncologist and meeting my rad oncologist tomorrow. Chemo starts 3 March and having a Portacath inserted on Thursday. All of the medical folks have been so kind and understanding and have explained really well what is happening and what is next. It is amazing how quickly you start using the lingo!
i hope your results are good and that you start feeling a bit more in control soon.
hugs and strength from me to you.
Lesley