Hi

Hi!

Early days for you in terms of diagnosis 

https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/about-breast-cancer/types-and-subtypes-of-breast-cancer/

The link above, hopefully won't spook you but you'll have something to refer to once your type has been identified.   

There are private groups within this forum for certain types that you may find beneficial 

Best wishes and we're here to help you through 

Take care

Hi never_better​ 

Thanks for the introduction - there is never a good time to get this diagnosis! As you get more information, you'll feel more confident about the way forward and you'll know what help or advice you need most. There may be a BC group in your community which might be useful. Best wishes.

Hi never_better​ It's certainly a journey no one wants to be on. Will you be going private or public for a surgeon?  If you are going private, I'm sure there would be people on here from your area that could recommend a surgeon if you don't already have one in mind. There is so much information to take in on this journey.  Have someone with you at the appointment if possible just so they can either take notes or remember more of what was said.  All the best with your upcoming appointments and any questions at all, please pop them onto this fabulous website.  Happy Mothers Day!

Hi never_better, welcome to the club! I certainly relate to you as I am also from the uk with family miles away and also a mum of nearly teens. I was diagnosed in mid December last year so a bit further along with treatment. Just wanted to send you my best wishes. While this awful disease completely floored me the support here is amazing and surgeons, nurses, and docs are incredible at making sure you have the support you need. 

Sending hugs to let you know your not alone. 1000s women go through this every day. We are uplifted by the many who have gone before us, especially those who participated in research trials to help give us tried and tested  treatment options. It is really hard of course to hear that diagnosis when it happens and rocks your to the core, and know that it takes a long time to actually get a more detailed diagnosis, then slowly a  treatment plan emerges ... and even then the thing about treatment plans to know is that they change as they go. After surgery it can change, after scans, tests...So please mentally know that , as it can really help when you think x is going to happen, then y happens. We are actually lucky that treatments evolve, as it is personalised medicine, not exactly the same for everyone means a better outcome in the long run as it is tailored to your specific cancer and body. Do explore bcna webinar such as the Just diagnosed one. https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/webcasts/just-diagnosed-with-breast-cancer-what-s-next/   Do  check if there are any face to face support groups near you, I know there is one on sunshine coast, or there are zoom or phone and online groups .Its great  to talk to other women who 'get it' as you go through this.  Check out Cancer Hub for your teens , as they can be a great help to find services , as your kids  are going through this with you as well. https://cancerhub.org.au/ Likewise  for work stuff http://www.liveworkcancer.com

Don't hesiate to call cancer council or BCNA helpline, they are great to help you find info along the way.

Pink wishes from a 18 year bc survivor

Hi Never_better,

I was diagnosed about a week ago. I turned 60 last September when my husband told me the spark was gone. A month later he said he wanted a divorce. Six months later I was diagnosed with cancer in my breast and primary lymph node. Been having a sore neck, a centralised vertigo episode and now a swollen stomach which is making me feel like it is everywhere. I feel so alone, but looking for new treatments on the internet to keep me hopeful. It is hard to talk with family because emotions can run high about what I should be doing and when. I hope to connect with others in this community who really understand.

So sorry to see you joining our select little group, never_better​ .....  Welcome to the group - if we can help you with any query that springs to mind, ask away & we'll do our best to give you an honest answer, from those who've 'been there, done that"! 

I hope your appointments/referrals went well & that you already have a surgery date.  Are you going private or public?  I went private for the surgery (just to get it done asap) and then public for both Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology.   I couldn't fault either ... but even if in top medical cover there are often big gaps to pay, if going private.

The 'waiting time' really sucks - but if you can keep yourself as busy as you can in the meantime, doing things that you love doing (I basically went fishing every day! LOL) it helps pass the time, quicker and stops you mind going off on tangents!   Oh yes, and stay away from Dr Google!  A lot of information online is old and not relevant to your actual diagnosis - and will only confuse you. xx

We have lots of members in Qld .... if you give your 'general' area, they may be able to point you to specific BC services available to you xx

Feel free to check out this thread for LOTS of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital .... and there are some 'tick sheets' you can print off, to keep track of your mental and physical health! 
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737

Take care & all the best