Confussed and scared
Gal
Member Posts: 27 ✭
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.
0
Comments
-
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.5
-
Hi Gal. I'm sorry you find yourself here in the club that nobody wants to join. This forum is fantastic. It's warm, supportive and an incredible source of information. It is an astounding hive mind, and we even have some laughs!
Your tumour will be classed as small, and if there are no others and no spread to your lymph nodes, will be classed as early breast cancer. This is of course a good thing, so take some deep breaths and try not to cross bridges until you come to them. I know it's easy to say (type!) but we've all been there and it really does help. Try to stay in the moment as best as you can.
More information will be known when your tumour is removed. The size may change and the pathology will show how aggressive it is, as well as how hormone responsive it is. This will contribute towards what your treatment plan will be. Be guided by your doctors, and your gut. You know what you are capable of living with, and without.
Don't worry about the speed of things, it makes little to no difference at this stage, other than on our mental health. It's wonderful that you already feel so supported. Breast cancer treatments have changed and refined a lot in the last decade, let alone since your mother-in-law had it. Your husband will observe a lot of changes.
@AFraser is absolutely right, ditch Dr Google. If you've got any questions, ask here. The internet is a scary place, there are only a few sites that I trust. Macmillan in the UK is good but steer away from any American forums. Their healthcare is vastly different from ours. The Aussie Cancer Council is excellent, as is the entire BCNA website.
Have you got the My Journey kit yet? And access to a breast care nurse? Both can be a tremendous help and support.
So in the next couple of weeks you need to distract yourself. What works for you? Walking, swimming, any exercise is good as it's a kind of meditation and releases endorphins. I watched a lot of stupid sitcoms. If you don't have Netflix or Stan now might be a good time to sign up. Company helps, so rustle up your friends to take you out and divert you. You can focus on improving your day to day health, cleaning up your diet, cutting back the booze (presuming that needs doing of course! You may already be perfect!). The healthier we are going into surgery the better. Try to focus on your hobbies as long as they keep your mind occupied. And of course, meditation. I downloaded the Headspace app onto my phone and have found it really helpful. And I am NOT a natural meditator...!
Odds are you'll be OK Gal. Big hug, deep breaths and hang in there. We'll be with you every step of the way if you want us to be. K xox5 -
Thank you so much for your kind words. I live in Far North Queensland. I only found out on Friday so I am still getting a grip on it. Cheers.0
-
Thank you Kmakm. I haven't got a My journey kit yet also not sure how to get in touch with a breast care nurse. Not sure if they are up this way. Yes I have used Headspace at times so will continue to use it more now. Cheers0
-
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 xox4
-
@Gal - I endorse what the other ladies have said. Be kind to yourself. Don't expect too much of yourself. Don't expect to find solutions immediately to all the questions that are whirling in your head.
This forum will be your lifeline, especially if you live in an isolated area. Use key words to search for threads on topics you're worried about, or just start a new thread to ask a question. People will point you to other threads if there's a lot of previous discussion on them, on what you're asking about.
The Cancer Council also has excellent telephone counselling service. 131 120.
Will you be going private or public?
It's also important at this stage to acknowledge that you'll need to accept the support of good friends and family (choose those who'll be good for you). Let them love you and help you.
Fran xox
3 -
Thank you Flaneuse. I know it is crazy to try and find solutions so fast just stresses you out more. I think I will be going private as the specialist I am seeing only works out of private hospital. See her in 2 weeks. Cheers Steph
0 -
Welcome! Everyone has pretty much said it all. If you can, take someone with you to appointments as it's always good to have another pair of ears. If finances are an issue, tell your doctor.
3 -
Welcome. Everyone here can relate to how u feel and it’s such a great comfort and place to get some advice and also laugh and cry xoxox1
-
Hi @Gal Sorry to hear about the shingles! That is incredibly horrible & painful. As others have said, SO sorry to see you here, but you've come to the right place for support and information. Like you, many of us had had regular mammograms right up to being diagnosed (mine was just 6 months prior & showed nothing amiss!) HOWEVER ..... if you have Dense Breast Tissue, a mammogram doesn't always pick up on cancers .... so maybe ask if this is the case with you? It is good to be aware, as it is an ongoing issue - and tell your friends about it too, as other tests suit Dense Breast Tissue more!
Try & keep busy over the next 2 weeks, whilst you wait to see your surgeon - just keep doing what you LOVE DOING .... With a bit of luck, your surgeon may do 'public' patients as well as private .... definitely worth asking, as going entirely private can be quite exxy, depending on the fee gap (I am out $6,000 and counting - and others have been more.) Then after your surgery & treatment, any $$ you've saved can be used on a wonderful holiday to celebrate the end of treatment!
I went to Norfolk Island on a Ukulele Festival Trip to celebrate the end of my surgery & radiation! It was great fun.
I went private in Jan with my surgery (cos I wanted it out then & there ....) but if I needed more surgery now - would probably go public. I am 65, never had kids, no history of cancer EVER in my family. (Ours was all heart attacks!) So Sorry to hear of your daughter's loss. That would have been incredibly hard on not only her, but you too.
I recorded all my early meetings on my phone as well as having my sister in law with me - she was brilliant as an extra set of ears - as it is amazing how quickly you may forget what was actually said!
How far north are you in Qld? One of our ladies is in Burrum Heads?
Take care, take lots of deep breaths - and if someone tells you to start drinking crushed up pineapple leaves (or anything else silly) feel free to tell them where to put it!! (I reckon it is VERY important to keep a sense of humour thru all this as well! Cos I bet you'll be amazed at the number of people that you'll be flashing your boobs at over the next few months .......)
Take care - big hugs coming your way! xxx Roberta3 -
Hi Gal, Me too as a recent diagnosis. I was lucky to have my surgery very quickly. When I was first diagnosed my main thought in checking was the difference between localised excision vs mastectomy. For smaller leslions it seems there is not a lot of difference in outcomes and my surgeon said even with a mastectomy I would have radiation anyway so I did opt for the localised excision. At least it is a day case and no drain tubes need to be left in. Now I am waiting on the final pathology, especially with relation to the sentinel lymph node to find out which direction my treatment will take. Lost and empty seems a good description of how you feel. I found it carthartic to write down in a similar post how I came to this point. It still feels unreal the it is ME undergoing this diagnosis and treament, like an out of body experience. Wishing you all the best Gal and finding a Breast Care Nurse would be a great help to you. They are awesome!2
-
Thank you ladies for all your suggestions much appreciated. Will let you all know what happens in 2 weeks fingers crossed.1
-
Hi Arpie. I am south of Cairns. Cheers Steph1
-
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.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.4 -
I think we have another member here from Cairns. Maybe she'll give us wave.1
