Forum Discussion

arpie's avatar
arpie
Member
19 days ago

Sorry to see you joining our select little group, RSVP​  ... whack up any questions that you may have & we'll do our best to answer them as we've 'been there, done that'.

I hope your discussion with the surgeon goes well today.Mine was Invasive Lobular - under the nipple.  My surgeon said straight up, that a Lumpectomy would be the best option - tho I suggested that if it looked bigger/worse than thought - to go ahead with a mastectomy if he thought it warranted it.  It didn't - I just had the lumpectomy.   I was actually glad that I wasn't 'given a choice' - most surgeons should 'lead you' to the best treatment (in their opinion.)   

My surgeon lifted my nipple, removed the ILC from underneath & moved some breast fat into the 'hole' and sewed the nipple back on.  Surprisingly, I still have almost full sensitivity!  I have minimal scarring - just an 'enlarged' nipple (compared to my other one.)  My GP did a check just yesterday and was full of praise at my surgeon's skill.

I'd suggest that you take a trusted friend or relative with you to your meetings from now on, for both physical & mental support -  and also consider RECORDING them too, on your phone xx. It is almost impossible to remember everything that is said & this way you can go back over it in the quiet of your home & take notes. xx

Also, Consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - as she explains it all very well xx  She is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy following her own diagnosis, choosing to stay flat. She was surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, as she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it all'!   She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts. 

http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

Check out this thread too - there is a lot of general info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care & all the best xx

RSVP's avatar
RSVP
Member
19 days ago

Thank you! 

These links are going to be super helpful. There is such support in talking on here to these who know. I feel huge relief having had this morning first meeting with the surgeon and team. Now I have information over imagination which is much better! x

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    19 days ago

    That's terrific RSVP​  that you are feeling happier after seeing your surgeon xx 

    I like your term 'Information over Imagination' - that is a GREAT way of describing it - as this diagnosis mucks with your BRAIN even more than your BODY!   Knowledge is power!

    I like that you are having an MRI too - they weren't 'routine' back when I had mine - and I've still not had one!  grrr  (Only a specialist/surgeon can order one for you apparently - without paying a huge fee!)  I reckon EVERYONE with a cancer diagnosis should have one straight up - as any future ones, then has something to compare to!  

    You'll feel so much better once you have your 'game plan' and surgery date ..... 

    take care & all the best for the MRI & scan xx