Hello to all. I am new to this . I was diagnosed on Friday the 31st August with breast cancer. My story is as follows, In May I got a bad case of shingles which was on my left side of back went around under my arm and over my left breast. This was very painful. Rash cleared up but was left with bad nerve pain. So from May to August had this nerve pain. Then one night recently went for shower got a very strong nerve shot in left breast grabbed breast that is when I felt lump. Made appointment to see Dr next day, then went for ultra sound, mammogram, biopsy all that day. I also have had mammograms every 2years since I was 40 I am 64yrs now. My last mammogram was 1year ago. They say it is near my chest wall but not attached and is 10mm in size. Going to see specialist in 2 weeks. In both minds about getting boob removed . I guess Doctors will let me know more. All crazy things running around my head. Dr google is doing my head in. My partner has been really good as his mum had breast cancer many years ago. My daughter also has had her dealings with cancer lost her 14 year old son to a brain tumour. so she is a good support. The thing I am struggling with is emotions what to do what to think all over the place. I have died 100 times in my head. Feel things should move faster with Doctors etc. Just feel very lost and empty. Sorry if I went on a bit.

Try the McGrath Foundation website. However there's a wonderful BCNA helpline staffed with lovely nurses. Give them a call to have a chat right now. You don't have to have a specific reason, tell them you've just been diagnosed and I bet after you've talked you'll feel better. 1800 500 258. K xox

Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. It can be a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. Navigating the online community formerly the what and how thread. http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/navigating-the-online-community-formerly-the-what-and-how-thread Breast Care Nurses https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx My Journey Kits and other resources. https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/ BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258 If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. BCNA’s helpline will now be open from 9am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Fridays.

It's all very difficult at first. When you know more, it actually gets a bit easier! Dr Google will only do you harm so give him up! Cancer is immensely variable (quite clever really although none of us like that part!!) and one person's symptoms/side effects/outcomes don't necessarily apply to someone else. Main thing is to have a medical team you trust and then take their advice. I was 67 when first diagnosed, no family history of any cancer. I mark 6 years clear next month, am still working and living a normal life. It's very natural to have your brain ranging over every possible 'what if' imaginable. It also does little good, you can waste a lot of energy worrying over things that won't happen. Trick is to try and do two apparently very different things simultaneously - take one day at a time, but look far, far ahead to putting this all behind you. Being positive doesn't necessarily make you better but it helps no end as you go through all the stuff to get better! Glad you have support, that's a huge plus. This network is full of people who can provide sensible, reliable information, listen to you when you feel down, and cheer you on the way through your treatment. Best wishes.

@Anjke Nine months on and I still find it hard to believe that this happened to me, that this is my life. It is indeed very surreal.

Hi Gal, you will get a lot of support here. I only joined last month and have found it very valuable for information, after all, these ladies have been through this or are going through it. I decided to start sketching again after not doing it for many years. Perhaps try something new. It requires a bit of focus, gets the endorphins going, a bit like exercise. It stops your brain going into overdrive. Also headspace app is good for meditation. My Daughter suggested it to me. It's very easy to use and the guys voice is ok to listen to as well (bonus) haha.Wishing you well and ask away on here for advice.

Confussed and scared | BCNA Online Network

50 Replies

Gal
Member
7 years ago
Thank you Flaneuse I will do that.
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@Gal It might be a good idea to post that query as a separate, new discussion. Your query would then be noticed by everyone scanning new discussions.
kezmusc
Member
7 years ago
Hey @Gal

Chemo scares the bejesus out of everyone at the start and the whole thing is one big stress ball rollercoaster.

Great news on the nodes and margins though. I had to go back for re excision as well and 5 nodes involved.

Once you know which treatment you're on there will be plenty of tips and advice on here for you.

Chemo stinks but a lot of the time it is nowhere near as horrid as what your brain manages to conjure up. Some people get through it without too many major dramas at all.

xoxoxoxo
Sister
Member
7 years ago
I know you are shaken by the idea of chemo but it's really good news that it's all gone and not in the nodes.
arpie
Member
7 years ago
Hi @Gal .... as you say, some good news and some not so good ..... a great that your nodes and margins are clear! That is always a bonus.

Once you know your treatment plan you’ll have a clearer idea of how you’ll be affected ..... don’t go buying a heap of stuff just yet ....

In the mean time, Keep doing what you love doing as much as you are able .... the silly thing is that even after surgery, we don’t necessarily ‘look’ of ‘feel’ ill ....

Is subsidised accomodation available for you where you will be having your treatment (in Cairns?) Others on the forum may have suggestions on where to go. I was lucky that Port Macquarie Hospital has accom attached for patients and their family. Your BC nurse may know too.

Will be thinking of you at your next meetings xx
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
Sounds like you were right on the border of not having chemo as an option. But better to be safe than sorry I reckon. It's no fun but you'll get through. Lots of people here to help you. When you know what type of chemo (AC-T, TC etc) you can so a search here and find people who've had the same treatment.

Excellent to hear of clear nodes and clear margins! That's one more than me. I had to have a re-excision for margins.

Of course you're stressed! Take some deep, slow breaths. It will help calm your nervous system. Hang in there @Gal. Once you get going with your treatment it gets emotionally easier in many ways. Find some good distraction, get some exercise, keep company with your besties and you'll be right. K xox
Giovanna_BCNA
Member
7 years ago
Hello @Gal
Thanks for keeping us updated regards your progress. Understandably you are feeling stressed and most likely overwhelmed with it all. Its a lot to wrap your head around and takes time to process. Dont be too hard on yourself. Make sure you write your questions down and take someone with you to the oncology appointment. Dont hesitate to call our helpline on 1800 500 258 if you would like to speak with a cancer nurse. Wishing you all the best.
Gal
Member
7 years ago
Hello lovely ladies, just a bit more info on my breast cancer journey. I visited my surgeon yesterday for the results of my lumpectomy operation. Some good news and not so good I guess. It is an invasive carcinoma size 20mm, grade 3, no special type. It is HER2 - ER - PR Stage group 1B. I am waiting now for a visit with the Oncologist to discuss my treatment. Dr said I will need chemo first then radiation therapy. My tumour was close to my chest wall but not attached so had a wide local excision, it was very high up on my left breast. Margins were all clear and it hasn't travelled to my lymph nodes which is a plus. I had myself psyched up for radiation therapy but not chemo. It was in the back of my mind maybe I will need it but was hoping not. Hope this is making sense, I am a bit stressed at present. I have spoken to my breast care nurse and wish I could bring her home with me. I also have been to The Cancer Council for information about accommodation, wigs, scarfs etc. Everyone has been so supportive just amazing really. I also received my journey kit from BCNA in the mail today, very impressed with all the information. Cheers xx
arpie
Member
7 years ago
@Gal - all the best with your recovery from surgery & on the 26th for your results and future treatment options.

Yep - take one day at a time, & take care! Wonderful that you have a strong support network. Thinking of you - the waiting can be quite tedious! xx
Flaneuse
Member
7 years ago
@Gal So pleased that you're comfortable with where you're at. To be confident in your surgeon is a huge plus. Taking one step at a time is a huge challenge, and if you can manage to do that, well done! Great that you're blessed with a support group. From now on, put yourself first, and take care. Fran