72yr old newly diagnosed

Linchit
Linchit Member Posts: 3 ✭
in Newly diagnosed
Hi everyone, I’m a 72yr old diagnosed yesterday with invasive carcinoma NST. Stage 2. My tumour is at the 3 O’clock position in my chest,  only a centimetre from my sternum and couldn’t be seen on mammogram. I am awaiting surgeon appt but wondering if anyone has had similar and what their surgery was- lumpectomy or mastectomy? I would appreciate any experiences to prepare myself 
thank you 😊

Comments

  • Mareealso
    Mareealso Member Posts: 40 ✭
    Hi Linchit, Sorry to hear that you have joined this club. I would be looking for information from your oncologist as well to get an overall view as to what the next steps could be. I found the surgeon was basically interested in removing my turmour  by surgery but didn't have strong views beyond that whereas my oncologist gave extra advice on long term plans and this may affect your decision making. My tumour was also Grade 2 but strongly eostrogen receptive hence I am now on an aromatase inhibitor. My familial history with breast cancer led to a mastectomy being my best choice and it is things like this that your oncologist can advise you on. Reach out to Breast Care Australia for more support ( this was through my surgeon) and this support group also has a wealth of wisdom. Keep asking questions if you are unsure as it may help to clarify what you want. Thinking of you, Maree
  • Linchit
    Linchit Member Posts: 3 ✭
    Thank you Maree for sharing your story. That’s good advice too about asking the Oncologist not just the surgeon. I just need to be patient and wait for my appointment I guess. All the best, Linda
  • GorgyS
    GorgyS Member Posts: 154 ✭
    Hi @Linchit. Welcome to the forum that none of us wanted to join. But I cannot tell you how much I relied on BCNA and this network. I found that being informed about my BC situation helped me to go through and still going, as I will be on hormone blockers for 10 years and other medication for 2 years as my cancer was hormone positive and these medications may prevent from recurrence. Anyway, I did not bother much who to ask questions, breast surgeon or oncologist as they both need to look at my treatment holistically and by the way they know what they are responsible for. Do not assume that they look at all your test results, and sometimes I had to remind them. For example, my oncologist did not know that I had a yearly mammogram and Ultrasound after the treatment. It was all in my file. It applies to my GP as well. Breast surgeon, oncologist and your GP will be your main medical team, and I have been very happy with them including McGrath nurses. Regarding the surgery, my breast surgeon gave me two options, Lumpectomy or Mastectomy. I opted for the first one and so far, no regrets. But before I made that decision, I read all the information he provided me with. From day one of my diagnoses, I followed all the advice and recommendations from my medical team. And I agree Maree, keep asking questions. All the best with your treatment and continue being connected to this wonderful network and BCNA resources. 
  • Linchit
    Linchit Member Posts: 3 ✭
    Thank you for taking the time to contact me. I am familiarising myself with all the terminology and my cancer is hormone positive too which is good. Also have got copies of all my reports so that I can have an informed conversation with anyone connected to my treatment. I feel better when I know what’s going on! Thank you for sharing, I suspect this is one of those situations where if you haven’t experienced it you can’t understand it, and I will need fellow BC support members to stay grounded. All the best with your treatment 😊
  • GorgyS
    GorgyS Member Posts: 154 ✭
    absolutely right. This is the only place I discuss breast cancer including my medical tea. Other people do not understand, or they do not want to hear about it. I can understand both. I took control of who I will talk to.  :)
  • arpie
    arpie Member Posts: 8,198 ✭
    I am So sorry to see you joining us here, @Linchit - it is all such a blur in the beginning but we've all 'been there, done that' xx.  I am 72 now - I was 65 when diagnosed.  I finish my meds next year.

    You should be assigned a BC Nurse, who may even sit in on your appointments with you.  She will be a wonderful support for you, as well as us here.

    If you feel a bit overwhelmed or anxious at any time - you can call our helpline on 1800 500 258 for a confidential chat (Mon-Fri, 9-5) xx 

    Make sure you have a trusted friend or family member with you at all your appointments, both for support and a '2nd set' of ears, as it is hard to remember everything that is said. I'd also suggest that you record the meeting on your phone, too, for the same reason.  xx

    Here's a set of questions that you might like to go thru & see which ones you'd like to ask of the surgeon? 

    And jump onto this post, with lots of info on the forum, including what to take with you to hospital xx
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

    take care & all the best for your appointments - keep as busy as you can, doing all the stuff you love doing, right up to your surgery date ... and think about cooking up some meals & freezing them, so you have some 'ready to go' when you come home, as your arm may be 'indisposed' for a little while ;) 


  • iserbrown
    iserbrown Member Posts: 5,764 ✭
    Terminology is one that takes a while to get your head around - it's not part of the everyday until you are in this predicament.  
    Here's a link to the BCNA website - a wealth of information
    Treatments for breast cancer

    Take care and best wishes

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