Forum Discussion
? Worried that there is worse not found yet
Hello everyone, so I had high grade dcis removed with good margins following a lumpectomy. I am having a bilateral mastectomy in 20 days. My brain is running wild with the what ifs. Im terrified they may find something else when I have the surgery. My surgeon seems pretty confident that the mastectomy will remove any worries like that. Do others panic about things like this. Waiting for surgery is torture for a super anxious person like me. Thanks for letting me vent. Hugs to all x
5 Replies
Hi shanny63 I found this stage of my treatment the worst time. All the tests and appointments can be overwhelming, and the waiting as well. I didn't like feeling I wasn't in control. I felt much better once all that was done and I had a plan to move forward with. I was also worried about what else they would find, it's only natural to feel like that with everything that's going on. My scans did find a few unrelated non breast cancer things, all double checked and ok. My surgeon told me once they start scanning they almost always find other unrelated non BC things. I had a cyst on my ovary (common), one in my liver (very common) and a nodule on my lung (further investigated and fine, probably caused by an old infection or some environmental factor).
BCNA has a helpline you can call if you are feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Do you have a McGrath Nurse you can speak to? Mine are amazing, and still are, almost 2 years down the track.
All the best with your ongoing journey.
Yes I was the same. All my scans have come back inconclusive which is super frustrating and I wonder why I have to pay for them as well. This week I’ll have a kidney biopsy as well. I’m just taking it all one day at a time and what comes will come. But yes anxiety and tears are my new norm which I hate cause that’s not me.
Hi i can totally relate to the anxiety and tears and in my case frustration. Since June the 2nd its been biopsies wait for results, lumpectomy wait for results, now waiting for bilateral mastectomy and then wait for results. Obviously patience is not one of my greater virtues. I hope you get some results soon to help with the anxiety. Sending hugs..x
What’s is also frustrating is you have a game plan and the. Something like an infection throws all the planning out the door which is hard. Good luck with your mastectomy and sending hugs back to you also. X
HI Muccilli , it is totally understandable to feel what you are feeling (as Katie46 mentioned). We speak to alot of people in the 'limbo' stage on our Helpline, whether waiting a couple of days or weeks for results, we totally agree that any time waiting is difficult.
We know you perhaps have looked into these resources already, however hope you don't mind us sharing several below:
- If you have a breast care nurse she/he may be able to link you in with services available in the center/hospital.
- Cancer Council 13 11 20 Cancer Counselling Service offers an opportunity to talk with nurse counsellors and psychologists who can help you with cancer-related challenges. To discuss a referral or your support options call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
- BCNA’s My Journey resource provides high-quality, evidence-based information that can be tailored to your individual diagnosis. I have hand-picked a couple of articles that may be of interest to you:
Peter Mac’s Cancer Mind Care Is a free, self-help online platform offering tailored mental health support for people with cancer, their support persons, clinicians, and First Nations. Accessible online, Australia wide www.cancermindcare.org.au
Hope the above resources support you, however, please do not hesitate to contact our Helpline 1800 500 258 discuss further.
