Forum Discussion
Loobylou
7 years agoMember
Completely overwhelmed
so, found lump a week ago, had biopsy 3 days later after mammogram and ultrasound. Had to wait to today for results. Thought was going to have lumpectomy and radiation but today told it's a triple negative high grade tumour so seeing oncologist next week to talk about chemo.
feel very under researched! I had spent the intervening days looking at all the lumpectomy reading and therapy, now feel like I have hit by a truck...
my main worry (after the cancer and my kids) is costs, I do not understand how the health system works for cancer. My consultant has sent me to a private oncologist, is this normal? I have bupa (who, when I thought it was lumpectomy said they cover costs) but I don't know what they pay. I am having CT and bone scans on Monday, and I know there is a rebate on that. I am just so confused, just wanted to talk, thanks X
feel very under researched! I had spent the intervening days looking at all the lumpectomy reading and therapy, now feel like I have hit by a truck...
my main worry (after the cancer and my kids) is costs, I do not understand how the health system works for cancer. My consultant has sent me to a private oncologist, is this normal? I have bupa (who, when I thought it was lumpectomy said they cover costs) but I don't know what they pay. I am having CT and bone scans on Monday, and I know there is a rebate on that. I am just so confused, just wanted to talk, thanks X
93 Replies
- LoobylouMember@jj70 the oncologist has mentioned multiple medicines I am going to need and a big box to keep it all in... Good to know to hit it quick, thanks
- SazbeMemberSo happy for you that the scans were all clear woohoo :smiley:
- LoobylouMemberBreast care nurse called me today, she asked me what my thoughts for headgear are as it's going to be quite warm still for a while ( she didn't recommend wigs or beanies at the moment) is there anywhere where people sell their hats they no longer need or use?
- ZoffielMemberDon't get too worried about that in advance. My experience, and I've had a bit, is that it is impossible to gauge what suits you, of what will actually fit you head. I couldn't wear scarves, they always slipped sideways and made me look like a demented pirate--think Jack Sparrow. In the end I just went bald in summer unless I was in the sun, wigged it madly ( bought online cheap as) during winter and took a beanie everywhere just in case
- kmakmMember@Loobylou I started with one hat from the local shop, a sleep cap, to catch the hair as it came out while I slept so it didn't go all over the bed.
The hospital I went to for chemo had a box of freebiez, some quite nice turban styles if that's your thing. I'd suggest asking at the place where you're having your treatment. If it's the same as mine, you might get lucky.
There are some headwear websites that are incredibly cheap. There's a list here somewhere, I'll see if I can find it. K xox - SisterMember@zoffiel I think the Jack Sparrow look sounds charming.
Mine was mostly during Winter but I went mostly with scarves and beanies, many of which were donated or picked up in Op Shops. I was also given a wig by someone. Re: wigs - I would avoid rushing out and buying one. Many places have wig libraries and you may find you'll hardly wear it. Oh, I also wore baseball caps and sunhats (if straw, you may need a cloth cap underneath). Other than that, I went without. - Hi Loobylou, I found some really nice head scarves on EBay, I think they were around $10 each.
So far that’s all I have bought, may look into a wig whe the weather gets cooler , or some nice beanies ready for winter.
I did get my head shaved to a no 1 . When my hair started falling out in huge handfuls, it is now almost gone, and I’m due to have the third round of chemo this week. My headscarves are being put to use now. - Newby24Member@Loobylou Hi so happy to hear your results, I don’t really comment very much as I am quite new myself but I do want to say there are such wonderful supporters on this group and some nights I just read and read to help with my anxiousness. I am having my 3/4 chemo in the morning. I went to a Look Good Feel Better Workshop which is a National Support Group who help bc patients. In my community the volunteers who run this group also run a Wig Library which I thought I’d never wear but am loving the feeling of looking natural when I leave the house. My bc nurse gave me a beanie which I love n where everyday. Wash and wear lol. The oncology unit has lots of freebies as well. My daughter sent away online for two beanies but I didn’t go much on them so I will donate to hospital. I got a sticky support for wearing a scarf from the workshop free so might give it a go as well. Good luck with moving forward on your journey 💕
- Newby24Member@Shellshocked2018_ I hope your chemo is going okay for you 💕 My 3/4 is tomorrow morning at 8am.
- LoobylouMemberChemo day today.. First one of 16 scheduled starting with AC dose dense for 4 rounds.. .