Waiting game

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  • Zoffiel
    Zoffiel Member Posts: 3,372 ✭
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    @Siewli PET scans can be a bit daunting--such mixed emotions where you hope the news will be good, but are terrified it will be bad.
    I don't know what info about the test you have been given, but one of the most important things is to be relaxed..  which is something you have to fake on the odd occasion.
    You will need to be really still for about an hour. Try to concentrate on that, rather than what the results might be. The people doing the tests are absolute pros who will not give you the slightest clue about what they think. So don't look for any of that. 
    Breathe slowly--I use a counting game where I start counting backward from 27 to 0. Then 26 - 0. Etc until 1-0.  One long inhale and exhale per number. If I slow right down, that program can take me over an hour. It's surprisingly relaxing and distracting. But the, I'm a massive nerd. Why 27? If you finish the count, do the maths. :)
  • Siewli
    Siewli Member Posts: 73 ✭
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    @Zoffiel Thanks for the tip of counting down.
  • lovemoon
    lovemoon Member Posts: 38 ✭
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    @Siewli I can totally understand what’s happening with you. While I was diagnosed with DCIS in early April, My surgery (double mastectomy) won’t happen till next Friday. I have been experiencing all sorts of pains including in the breasts, armpit, tingling in my legs, worrying and worrying as I wait. All the waiting and waiting is so stressful… I do find that doing some cardio exercises help to release the anxiety. Doesn’t have to be high impact kind of exercise, just some low impact exercises are really helpful. Take care! xxx ❤️
  • Ausmum2
    Ausmum2 Member Posts: 57 ✭
    edited May 2022
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    @siewli I had two lumps one 70mmx49mm and one 49mmx35mm side by side in the same breast (and two sets of negative biopsies) a “fatty necrosis” on ultrasound and swollen lymph nodes - before a “that’s odd” got then putting me on an MRI and yet, here I am 12 months later (double mastectomy - histo is TNBC grade 3 cells - , 16 chemo cycles and 5 weeks radio) sitting on the other side and going back to work :) 


    take it gently and slowly, don’t overthink it and “offer it up”….

    right now, just taking it one step at a time, whilst easier said than done, is a set of skills that will stand you in good stead…and may prove to me more than useful ahead..


    I found being determined to find the joy (no matter how tiny or how simple) in everyday helps.  


  • Mez_BCNA
    Mez_BCNA Administrator, Staff, Member, Moderator Posts: 876 ✭
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    @Siewli Just thought I'd add to the already wonderful and supportive comments from other members. As you know alot happens in a hurry when you’re diagnosed with breast cancer and the Cancer Council have developed 'Your guide to best cancer care' that may help you with what questions to ask your health professionals to make sure you receive the best care at every step (Also gives you timeframes for each step):

    https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/breast-cancer-english#_ga=2.172040547.1725638755.1652225004-1243466662.1632374541

    Reach out to our Member Support Team if you need further support or have any questions. Take care.
  • lovemoon
    lovemoon Member Posts: 38 ✭
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    @Siewli good luck with your PET scan. Yes, whenever we can do something, we’d feel better. It’s like at least we can take back some control. We never want to be in this fight, but since we are here, let’s put up a good fight! xxx Sending positive thoughts your way❤️
  • Siewli
    Siewli Member Posts: 73 ✭
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    Not feeling well.
  • Siewli
    Siewli Member Posts: 73 ✭
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    Should I hang in till I see breast specialist this afternoon or go hospital emergency? I m so in dilemma.😭
  • VSP
    VSP Member Posts: 10 ✭
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    Hi there Siewli,
    I hope you are OK.  I’ve just seen this last post.  I’m not sure what you are experiencing and I’m not a health professional but I believe in NSW you have Health Direct, a 24 hour call line where you can speak to a nurse.  The number is 1800 022 222.  I’m in Victoria and have used the Nurse on Call line (our equivalent) here when someone has been ill to get advice about what to do next.  Of course if you think it’s an emergency, then call 000.  
    Take care
    S.
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 7,586 ✭
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    @Siewli - SO sorry you are not feeling well - if you are feeling REALLY ill or in fear of passing out at ANY TIME  - please call an ambulance/000.

    If you are just feeling 'crook' ... please ring the number that @VSP has given you - they will talk you thru it & advise you one way or the other xx

    take care. 

    Great that you are seeing your BS this arvo - I hope it goes well with your results. xx

    Make sure you have a buddy with you (hopefully to drive you there too) for both physical and mental support xx

    All the best
  • Siewli
    Siewli Member Posts: 73 ✭
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    @VSP n @arpie Thanks for all the response. I got my PET result n lymph node result, so I'm in Stage 3. 😔PET scan shows only right lymph nodes n right breast have cancer cell..other part of the body is cleared. I m kinda at ease that my treatment plan is out now. Remove right breast n right arm lymph nodes, then follow by chemo n radiotherapy.
  • Cath62
    Cath62 Member Posts: 1,279 ✭
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    Hi @Siewli, glad your ok and also that you have your Treatment plan. Now that you have a plan it will feel better. You have a path to follow and it's going to be fine. You will feel a bit more control back. Please take one day at a time and one treatment at a time. Prepare for each treatment and work with your medical team to get through it all. Best wishes 
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 7,586 ✭
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    Hi @Siewli - great that you are feeling OK again - this disease is a real roller coaster (particularly in the early days xx) particularly with the emotions.  Whack up any questions here & we'll do our best to support you xx

    Having a treatment plan will help settle you. .... was there any word on the Breast Care Nurse yet?  I hope you get linked up with one soon.

    In the mean time, maybe check out this post - it has a lot of info on 'other things' we get up to on the forum - your garden, art & crafts, pets - even some funny bits, for a real giggle.  There are links to what to take to hospital with you, as well as 'tick sheets' re questions to ask your team & monitor how you are going xx 
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

    take care and all the best  xx
  • Siewli
    Siewli Member Posts: 73 ✭
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    @arpie Thanks for the info. I haven't got a breast care nurse assign to me yet. But I did look up Mcgrath foundation for a breast care nurse in my area, and ring her up. She will ring me up this Monday n touch base with me. I just wondering is there a Stage 3 discussion group that I can join in BCNA?

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