Lost

Number2

So far pathology etc result of grade 3 invasive carcinoma NST .ER- PR- HER2 pending. Got results via zoom at my request because I was on the road.Off to GP today for referrals then into BSQ tomorrow for info session. Trying to navigate my way through the lingo 😩. Not sure whats ahead…..feeling lost.

arpie

SO sorry to see you joining our select little group here, @Number2 xx   We all still remember that day that we were told 'You've got cancer' .... and it is a bit like a cricket bat to the head   You don't remember much after it! 

We'll do our best to help you thru this .... it sounds like you've already had your surgery? Or are these results from your biopsy?  See if they can send you through a written report on your pathology results - and if you've been assigned a Breast Care Nurse, you can ask her all the questions ... but feel free to put stuff here & those with similar results will be able to help you understand it all, in plain English.  

If you feel a tad overwhelmed, please consider calling our Helpline to have a chat with a sympathetic person xx. 1800 500 258 - Mon-Fri, 9-5.  Just talking to someone should help calm the nerves & prepare for the 'next step'.

Check out this thread for lots of 'general' info about the forum - including some other threads that may be helpful to you.  Some 'off topic' threads may give you a bit of a giggle, or if you are into art & craft, pets or gardens, you can show off your bits there xx  We have lots of informative threads too .... and some 'tick sheets' down the bottom that may also help you self assess your mental & physical health - that you can print off & take with you to your appointments - sometimes it is easier to give them the 'ticked sheet' than to actually talk about it, when it is all so 'fresh' .... it does get easier, with time tho xx 
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care, remember to take it just one day at a time, one hour, if necessary .... try not to get ahead of yourself with the 'what ifs' ..... and definitely stay away from Dr Google.  A lot of info there is just plain outdated, or not relevant to your own diagnosis xx. Whack up any question that you have, here & we'll do our best to give you an honest answer .. as we've 'been there' and 'done that' .... and understand what you are going thru just now.

Wishing you all the best xx

Number2

Thanks for that arpie. No I haven’t had surgery yet, those results are just from the biopsy. Referral to breast surgeon went off today so now the waiting game begins.

Number2

From general info looks like i may be having chemo radio surgery , but not sure in what order still waiting to see surgeon to find out. But can anyone give me a rough idea of how long the process takes so i can plan for return to normal ? Hopefully. We have a family holiday planned for may 2025

iserbrown

Hi!  Sorry to see you here!
All treatments are specific to the individual.   Some sail through, others suffer side effects.

https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/treatment/

The link may help to understand 

Chemo radio will be arranged through an Oncologist. 
As to how many treatments and when and how long, a decision by your medical team.  Once you have a plan you will feel in control.  As to how you sail through treatments will determine when you can cope with the holiday!

Take care
Best wishes 

Tri

hi @Number2 I am so sorry to hear about this diagnosis for you. 

Understandably you are wondering about how this could change your plans in 2025. 

I echo @iserbrown - it’s a frustrating wait for you because the duration of your active treatment will depend on your results. 

It will be tailored to take into consideration many things including your pathology (noting you have had a biopsy already) your family history, and a CT scan/or MRI or PET scan along with the size and location(s) of your breast cancer.

When I was diagnosed I remember being astonished there was so much variation in the types of breast cancer and therefore so much variation in treatment. I really didn’t absorb quite how long I needed to make space for my specific treatment in my life. 
If it helps I can share my treatment timeline.
The main thing was my diagnosis as HER2 positive (only 15-20% breast cancer diagnoses are HER2 positive). I was also oestrogen positive and progesterone positive.

HER2 positive treatment is usually administered over a 14 months timeframe. 

On the upside the treatment is very targeted and effective. 

I commenced in March 2023 and finished 14 months later at the end of April 2024.  

Luckily the treatment didn’t cause side effects for me that required the treatment, surgery or radiation therapy to be stopped. 

I hope it gives you an insight into the duration and if it turns out you are HER2 positive please sing out if you have any questions.
Sending you lots of positive energy for the days and weeks ahead as you continue to work through your diagnosis and what 2025 could look like for you. 

Number2

Thanks Tri, they have said ER and PR negative and the HER2 is pending results of more biopsy /autopsy when I have my surgery because it was 5% positive. Tumour is 17x14x10. 

Tri

Will be thinking of you over the next few days. 🌻

Number2

Got a call today! First appointment with surgeon on friday 😳

arpie

Terrific, @Number2!!   Here's a list from the Cancer Council suggesting questions you might like to ask your surgeon, so you can get an idea of all the different aspects of your surgery & recovery xx


take care & all the best!  Make sure you take a trusted friend/relative with you - and also consider recording the appointment so you can go over it again, afterwards, as it is very difficult to remember everything that is discussed on the day xx

Tri

Good morning @Number2 that’s progress 🌸🌷
I really hope Friday goes well for you when you meet with your surgeon.
Their recommendation and guidance at this first interview usually gives us an initial idea of the treatment plan. 
From the information you have you’ll see the next steps can be really variable, it all depends on your specific diagnosis, and your particular situation.
Some people have surgery straight away, whereas in my case surgery was 6 months after my diagnosis. Because of the particular characteristics of my case the usual approach was to have chemotherapy first, before surgery and, if needed, a bit more afterwards. Will be thinking of you on Friday. 🌻☺️

Number2

Busy 2 weeks ahead. MRI, PET, HEART check for chemo and meet with oncologist. There is a question around the her2 result. 

Tri

Wow it sounds like they’re moving at a good pace for you with the diagnostic testing, that’s really great @Number2 🌸 sending you best wishes for each of them. 

Number2

Thanks Tri , not looking forward to laying face down with my tatas swinging down through a hole 😝. For the MRI I mean

Tri

Haha 😆 @Number2 you’re bringing your sense of humour to this - I salute you 🫡 that’s a wonderful attribute to have in the kit bag!!

Number2

PET done, MRI done, Heart scans done. Waiting on appt to meet with oncologist and have scout put into tumour, supposed to be done before I meet again with Breast Surgeon and dr on Friday the 13 th 😳