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

Hi @Loobylou. Welcome to the forum. I'm sorry you've found yourself here. I hope you find it as helpful and supportive as I have. It's a great hive mind, and good for a laugh, a vent and a whinge!It does all move incredibly fast at the beginning, and for many, treatment plans change when pathology comes back.Everything you're feeling, experiencing and expressing is entirely normal. Everyone here has been there, we get it. So take some deep breaths and slow everything down.It's very easy to get fast tracked onto the private health treatment conveyor belt. You get to say stop. Do you like your oncologist? You can ask them if they work in the public system, many of them do.Do not hesitate to say "how much will that cost me?" at every step of the way. If you get an answer you don't like, ask if there's a cheaper way to do it. You can go to your GP tomorrow and ask to be referred into the public system immediately, where you will pay little to nothing for your treatment. You can mix public and private treatment. Many get treated privately untill radiotherapy, when they go public. Radiotherapy is very expensive in the private system.The care you receive publicly will be equal to private care. The biggest difference is your choice in personnel. You tend not to get it in the public system. Ie, you may not see the same oncologist each time, depending on how your local hospital/treatment centre is run.The learning curve when you're diagnosed with breast cancer is a vertical straight line. Fire away with your questions. There's almost always someone here who knows the answers. And if they don't, they know someone who does. There are others here who can speak to your private vs public better than I. Hopefully they'll be along soon!And you can always call BCNA helpline on 1800 500 258. They're great listeners and fantastic experts on all things BC related.Hang in there. Big hug, K xox

Hi @Loobylou know you don’t have to be strong all the time. Be sure to take someone with you tomorrow for support. Remember your health care team is there for you so don’t hesitate to let them know how you are feeling so they can help you the best they can. Take care of you.

oh Loobylou it can be hard my daughter chose a movie to sit with me one night while I was in chemo land .... Lo and behold it was about someone dying of cancer she was so distressed that I might be distressed .... it turned into a really good heart to heart session about where I was emotionally at the time.... Breathe and remember we have your back .... pop back on tomorrow and let us know how it went and rant vent cry we get it....

Hey, am near Ringwood in Victoria.thank you, will look into Breast care nurse now

@Loobylou . So sorry you've had to join us, now you're here , you'll find everyone very helpful with lots of good advice , doesn't matter how small a question or how silly it might seem, we've probably asked the same questions as we've all been where you are now and gone through the same uncertainties and worries. Diagnosed last February, I elected to have my surgery under a private breast surgeon and then moved to the public system for chemo and radiation. I had excellent treatment and really can't fault it. I hear private patients can end up being considerably out of pocket , so don't hesitate to ask how much each step is going cost. Other than my surgery and my follow up appointments with my surgeon, my treatment hasn't cost me anything. Take care and best wishes xxxx

Completely overwhelmed | BCNA Online Network

Sister
Member
7 years ago
First was worst, second and third much better, fourth was hard, I think because I was worn out.
kmakm
Member
7 years ago
My second chemo was far and away the best one!
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
I actually found the first and last the hardest. I wasn’t on dose dense though.
Loobylou
Member
7 years ago
Morning! Haven't posted for a few days as felt OK, bit sore and easily tired, but none of the awful pains I expected, which is making me really nervous for round 2... Have read it can be awful.
also going to be pin cushion tommorow as having pre chemo bloods and Brca testing.
hair is slowly falling out, like when you stroke a cat and get hair on your hands. Hot flushes are a gem!
have screamed at the universe a few times, my kids haven't really talked about what's happening but I have been told of tears at school - I am very lucky their school community cares so much.
how have you found second chemo? ESP those on dose dense?
kitkatb
Member
7 years ago
Thinking of you @Loobylou Hope the tingling has eased up along with the headaches. Make sure to keep the fluids up when you can. Easier said than done sometimes though. xo
Loobylou
Member
7 years ago
Nausea tablets are working great. Had some for the 2 days after and then some to take as needed.
Tingling is ok I get it any way from carpel tunnel. Often at night.
Just completely wiped out but the heat isn't helping. Wanted to go out to walk to get moving but it's too hot Maybe if I am up at 5am tomorrow!!
Sister
Member
7 years ago
I didn't have adequate meds for my first one and made the mistake of thinking that I had to wait until Monday to do anything about it. I couldn't stand up due to "jellyfish syndrome" and I couldn't lay down as I would feel so ill and had a constant headache. Stemetil did nothing. On Monday after ringing, my onc wrote a script for Ativan (nausea) and Somac (reflux) and had it faxed to my usual chemist so hubby could pick it up. Totally changed everything. Somac did become less effective as I went through treatment and it was then changed to Nexium.

Regarding the tingling fingers, I would definitely call the clinic. They'll either say don't worry about it or they'll give you some advice.
Afraser
Member
7 years ago
Steroids have a lot to answer for but not an easy option to give them up if you have nausea. Best wishes.
SoldierCrab
Member
7 years ago
Massive headaches and lack of sleep was part of mine on AC.... Nausea also ...

If I remember correctly Onco said due to Steroids I was taking = the headache and also they stop you from sleeping ....

Nausea and Diarrhea were my 2 themes throughout my whole chemo regime ...
Tingling is definitely something I would be checking out today with BC Nurse if you have one or Onco (team)

Loobylou I felt like my head was going to explode the pounding was gross...

Plenty of fluids and take whatever they have said you can for it.
Have they given you Nausea meds?

hugs
Soldiercrab
Blossom1961
Member
7 years ago
I always felt awful two days after AC. The very first one I felt like I had a really bad case of flu from day four, I only had this the first time. The night of chemo I got horrible heartburn, the next day nausea set in. The headaches started in the chair as did my tingly fingers. I found the first by far the worst.