Completely overwhelmed

Hi Kitkat sent a private message xx

Hey   @Shellshocked2018_  Hope all going well with you and the chemo.  xox

Hi Loobylou,
I also was diagnosed with a triple negative breast cancer back in October last year.
I have been going through the public system and haven’t got a bad word to say about the system.
The Care is no different, it doesn’t hit your hip pocket either.
I had one of the best surgeons and breast cancer nurses, they were all so wonderful.
Ask the breast care nurses at your surgeons rooms to put you in touch with a breast care nurse close to you, they can also recommend you to a Psychologist to help you get through this roller coaster ride of emotional feelings you will have.
I enrolled into a mindfulness and meditation class which helped me a lot with my anxiety levels.
I had surgery in December and had a partial mastectomy on my left breast and two lymph nodes removed, all with clear margins and clear lymph nodes. Best outcome ever, so hold onto that hope.
Just started Chemotherapy, and then once completed will be having Radiotherapy.
My tumour once removed was 25mm in size, and a grade 3, ( aggressive).
You will be going through so many different emotions at the moment, cry let it all out, scream, what ever you need to do to let it all out.
Having trouble sleeping see your dr and get something to help you sleep.
I remember so well how I couldn’t sleep at night in the early stages, once I got a script from my dr, I was able to sleep which meant I could function better and cope with what I was going through.
Ask away any questions you may have and any of these lovely people will help you through this tough time.
Remember you’re not alone.... We all know what you’re going through and how you’re feeling.
Thus a great forum full of information.
Sending big hugs xoxo 

Hang in there @Loobylou. It will be gone soon. K xox

Hi @Loobylou sorry that you find yourself here, but you will find great support from our online community members.  I thinks its only normal to be so aware of the breast lump now that the diagnosis has been made. Dont hesitate to call our helpline on 1800 500 258 to speak with a cancer nurse for information and support.  We are open Monday to Friday from 9 am till 6 pm.  It will be a huge relief to have your surgery, wishing you all the best with your treatment.

I am so hyper aware of the lump, feel like it's pulsing... Sure it's all in my head but my boob is sore, could be all the checking I do - hoping it's gone!

If you want to go public @Loobylou, you are living in the right place as there are excellent services close to you.
The private/public debate rages on. If you can afford it,  private practitioners are an option. If you can't, go public for some procedures. As Kate has pointed out, it is essential to find out what the out of pocket costs are before you commit to anyone.
Chemotherapy is free, regardless of who prescribes it, you do, however pay for discharge medications and any private specialists you use.
The main consideration when it comes to oncologists is whether you like your doctor. If you don't take to them, find another.
Mxx

Loobylou in June 2011 my GP explained the differences between Public and Private health. I decided to go public with everything. I had surgery, CT scans, ultrasounds, physiotherapy, medication etc. and the only cost has been parking fees. This forum will help you make sense of all manner of things particularly in the early days when both thinking and emotions go into overload. xxxxBeryl

Hey @Loobylou, 
Sucks you are here. Sorry mate! I had a single mastectomy with DIEP last Thursday week, through Ringwood's new Breast and Cancer Centre . From diagnosis to operation, it was a little under 4 weeks. Have nothing but praise for the public system thus far (though they did change the op date on me three times which suuuucked). I had my own room, saw all my nurses at least twice, sometimes more, over the 5 nights I stayed there. I had to pay for an MRI but that was because it wasn't essential, the plastic surgeon just wanted to make sure I wouldn't need radiation after she'd done her work on me. The new breast cancer clinic is lovely in Ringwood, the nurses I've met are darlings. x

PM the names to myself, @tigerbeth and @CatRM. We may have come across them, you never know.

Nothing wrong at all with second opinions. My breast surgeon is wonderful. Happy to give you his name if you would like it.