Pre lumpectomy meeting with surgeo. What happens?

Janec

Hi All
I am just working myself up into a mess over what happens at my first surgical review pre lumpectomy? Anyone have advice on what the routine us, please?

arpie

Hi @Janec ... Welcome to the club that no-one really wants to join!  Here, You can raise ANY issue, and get helpful replies from those who’ve gone before you.  Nothing is off limits.  We have ‘private groups’ for some more personal discussions .... so feel free to join any of them, if they suit you.

We are happy that you found us - as we were in the same boat not that long ago. The members here are just wonderful and will provide you with as much support as you need.  Just ask away!

My surgeon was terrific and had a lovely calming nature ... he introduced himself, asked what I understood of the situation at this point in time .... then did an ultrasound on me to confirm ‘the spot’ .... then chatted about the options.  He was very reassuring, very pleasant.

Try not to overthink it - it just mucks with your brain and being a bit of a mess is totally normal.   Do you have a good friend or family member to go with you to these early appts?  Physical and mental Support is just so good. My sister just. Law came with me.  Also consider recording it on your phone, as it is very hard to remember everything that has been discussed.

Write down any questions you may have .... tick them off as they are addressed. Make notes.  

Try not to use Dr Google too much (difficult tho it is) as there is just so much conflicting information out there (and much of it is REALLY OLD & OUT OF DATE), and every BC case is totally 'unique' and it will only scare the pants off you!

Check out this post re your hospital time .... https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/16442/prep-for-surgery/p1

take care and all the best for your appointment xx

Janec

Thank you @arpie. My husband is coming with me & my breast care nurse will be there too. I think the waiting has taken it’s toll as it will be nearly one month from diagnosis to consult. I worry it will get bigger or spread! Thank you for your encouragement & care. We will all get through this somehow.

arpie

Terrific @Janec ... great that hubby will be with you xx. Nothing much should be happening in the month since diagnosis.   Mine ‘started’ in Oct/Nov and not confirmed until early  Jan and I had the surgery in mid Jan. (If you click on my name you can read my ‘general story’.) 

the waiting REALLY SUCKS and we all want it GONE ASAP.  That is 100% normal as well. As you are regional and may well need to travel to specialist appts and hospital and maybe need accommodation as well ... check out this link for info or reimbursement on travel and accommodation costs. Make sure you claim as it all added up!! https://www.health.qld.gov.au/cq/services/travel-assistance

i am regional NSW and use it every time I have to travel. See if there is subsidised Accom at your hospital so your hubby can stay there. And also, possibly for later on, if you need radiation. (The need for this will be determined from your biopsy results.)

if you get really sad or worried re how fast it is happening ... please ring the helpline here and chat with some wonderful folk here or ask  the Cancer Centre or your GP about  coping mechanisms ..: keeping busy worked for me. I just went from suing every day!! 

Shoot me a message (the envelope when you click  On my name) if I can help !!  Xx. You are not alone in this! 

Take  care xx

Janec

Thank you @arpie I am going to Rockhampton for my tx that’s a 1200km round trip! I always claim patient travel if we have anything like this. Just claimed quite a bit for two weeks in Townsville for a cochlear implant stay of two weeks. I am aware the cancer council has accommodation for myself & a support person. Such a great help for us isolated people. Everything seems to be moving so slowly! But finally only a week to go to my first surgical consult. Thank you so much for all the info💕💕

Janec

@arpie where abouts in NSW are you??

MicheleR

Hi @Janec,

My surgeon was also lovely. He wanted to examine me. Looked over my mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy results. He organised for me to have a breast mri, ct scan etc. I think it depends on your surgeon a bit. Sometimes a breast care nurse will also assist. 

Usually they dont tell you everything at once as its too overwhelming and if they want more tests that can determine further treatment. 

Its pretty common to be a bit shocked, worried. You can ask any questions you want. 

I found the first 2 weeks very full on, a lot of testing and feelings of uncertainty. Once things get going you feel more comfortable.

Michele

arpie

Hi @janeC  -  SO glad you have a BC nurse as well ... mine, sadly, was missing in action! When my husband had his cancer surgery in 2010, his Cancer Nurse was wonderful, co-ordinating all our appointments, et.

I am in the Mid North Coast NSW .,..in a small town between Newcastle & Port Macquarie, on the coast - so if you are ever down this way, give me a yahoo & we can meet up! 

Oh my gosh - with your Cochlear & now BC experience - you'll be just about 'over' anything medical!!    Terrific that the Cochlear helps tho!!

Yes, it is a bit of a train wreck to start off with, but once the shock has worn off, it 'sort of' becomes a bit easier,  The busier you keep, the easier it becomes!  But ask away, any question you have!   You'll get honest & 'tried' answers to all questions! xx

Janec

@MicheleR sounds like I might have to stay in the big smoke longer than the days we had planned. Our accommodation is booked so we come home the day after the consult! My appointment is at 3pm the letter states I beed two hours to spare as I may have to go to different departments. I guess  that mean more mammograms or/& or ultrasound. I can’t have an mri as I have a cochlear implant.