Hello just diagnosed

Kombigirl

Hello everyone, I'm From Brisbane.
I had my diagnosis given to me by my GP on Monday, who confirmed BC.
Last week I had a CT with contrast scan for my lungs.
A mass was seen on the breast which I already had reported to my GP and which I was scheduled to have tested the following week.
They brought my Mammo and US forward to last week.
I had a core biopsy of the lump (local hurt like hell!) and biopsy of a lymph node.
Here are some parts of the pathology reports:
Invasive metastatic carcinoma grade 2 to 3
Mass 32x23x29cm
I have been referred to the Mater public hospital and I'm waiting to hear back.
My question is how long did you have to wait to see the specialist and then how long to set a date for surgery?
I have a trip to Holland with my mother scheduled for late October and I don't know whether to cancel the trip or bring it forward and go now.
Any info would be highly appreciated.

Moosie

Hi there

i had  a similar experience with my diagnosis is April this year. It all happen so quickly. My us and core biopsy was on a Friday and within 14 days I had seen my GP, surgeon oncologist and started chemo. I’ve just finished chemo and will have a mastectomy on 16 October. From my experience it is a long process but it usually starts really quickly. Good luck. 

Kombigirl

Thanks Moosie. Good luck with your surgery.

Zoffiel

You should get to see a surgeon pretty quickly. What they will want to do and when is almost impossible to predict, but that's a fairly large lump of nasty and I'd think it will attract some prompt attention.

It's probably worth investigating what your options are if you do need to cancel. We are all different but if you are advised to act quickly it may difficult to enjoy a holiday with a toxic tit. Unfortunately, once you are on the cancer bus it can be difficult to time a rest stop. That said, heaps of people go on holidays during treatment and delays in starting treatment are common enough for reasons that can't be controlled. Your mental state will have a lot to do with the decisions you are comfortable making.

 Good luck. Marg

Kombigirl

Thank you Marg, I do hope they attend to it quickly. I'd hate to think I've done nothing with my time but sit around worrying.

Tasneem

Hi Kombigirl,

I was in a similar situation as you since the last 7 weeks. My family & I too had booked our overseas holiday but the surgeon advised us to cancel our trip & he even gave me a letter so I could get my refunds of my air tickets. Things move pretty fast. It is 3 weeks since I had my mastectomy and will be starting my treatment next month. The surgeon advised me that I could travel in 6 months time. So hopefully will do next year but for now I am focussed on getting better.
Just one word of advise - please stay positive & you will come through this phase easily.

Kombigirl

Thank you Tasneem, It sounds like I should cancel the trip. It just all seems so slow at the moment, particularly because I'm not at Uni cos it's a non contact week. Good luck with your treatment. Ange

steplightly

Hi Kombigirl. This diagnosis does not take into consideration our plans at all.  It just drops on us at the most inconvenient times.  Important to take care of you right now particularly in the early stage of diagnosis and ultimate treatment combinations.  As Tasneem said things do move fast from diagnosis to the start of treatment. This will be all very challenging to digest and process initially and then each step will present new things.  One step at a time, however a trip overseas may add new challenges and delay things. Best to speak to your treating doctor. This network is a great place to off load with and gain support.  Keep focused and stay positive.  Deep Breath as you dive in but you do not dive alone. Hugs
 

Kombigirl

Thank you Steplightly, yes you're right, it came just when Mum and I were going to share bonding time in her homeland. Now it looks like we'll spend bonding time at the hospital. She's 82 now so hopefully after all this is done and dusted we can do the trip.

Kombigirl

Just got the call to see the specialist on the 9th of October. 2 weeks from my diagnosis so that's good. The trip is definitely off now.

Afraser

I was two days from biopsy results to surgery - so no time for anything really. I don't regret it, I was glad to have treatment as soon as possible. I can imagine how disappointing it may be to cancel your trip but I agree with Zoiffiel, it may be less enjoyable with uncertainty. But then again, the trip may be very special for your mother and timing may be all. You will know much more after your next consultation. Very best wishes.

primek

I was 1 week to see a surgeon as it was over Xmas /NY. My surgery was scheduled 20 days later (I had bilateral mastectomy and immediate reconstruction ) and started chemo within 6 weeks....so hmm...I think you well might need to postpone your holiday.  Kath x

Cyclo

Hi kombigirl I was diagnosed 1 week before a walking  holiday in Tasmania just before Xmas 2016. My surgeon gave me the option , surgery or holiday , and I chose surgery as I wouldn't have been able to stop worrying about BC and how I would manage. Surgery was only a few days after diagnosis. I finished treatment in march and have been recovering very well. I'm about to have a holiday to japan on Sunday and I'm really glad I can leave BC behind and that I feel really well.  Good luck with the specialist.

onemargie

Hi there kombi girl I'm north side of brissy and had my surgery within two weeks of my diagnosis at Redcliffe hospital. I'd ring the mater and ask for a date. You will need to see the surgeon to see what he or she recommends regarding your surgery and will also need to see the oncologist to see what he or she recommends treatment or not  then you will know what you can do about your holiday. I started my chemo I think it was two weeks after my surgery from memory.  It it will depend on what the oncol says  Hope this helps. Margie ❤️

Kombigirl

Thank you everyone. It sounds like its all going to be quick. Best wishes to you all.

nonkyboy

Hi @Kombigirl, I was diagnosed in early June and had surgery three months later on 13th September. In between the biopsy and surgery I had multitudes of scans, X-rays , blood tests and specialist appointments so definitely the time was filled.  I'm a little complicated as I have many other chronic illnesses not related to the breast cancer that all needed to be stable before surgery could go ahead. I find out my diagnosis from my surgery post surgery next week. It's been a very long 3.5 months.I would advise you to hold off on your plans at this stage until you see your surgeon. If you are only going overseas for a couple of weeks they may be happy to hold off on surgery but if it's for a long period they may advise you to cancel. At least once they see you they can give you a letter so you don't lose your money on the tickets if that's the case. All the best xx Lesley