I dont even know what my question is..

So sorry you are going through this, it's super scary and the unknowns make it even worse.  I had absolutely no signs or symptoms and mine was picked up in a regular mammogram in September and i had a lumpectomy at the end of October.  So yes it all happened so quickly and it's quite overwhelming.

In a way i was happy it happened quickly, but it was certainly confusing and overwhelming - the amount of information you receive its unbelievable (great of course, but OMG there is so much!).  For me i personally 'felt' like everything was going to be ok, so i tried not to stress too much and just trust my surgeon and breast care nurse.

Make sure you take someone with you to all appointments for support, and also for another set of ears to help soak in all the information.  Try and stay positive and not think of worst case situation, i know it's hard, but you need to focus on getting your body through this and reaching a positive outcome at the end.

I had lumpectomy (and reduction in both breasts), followed by 3 weeks of radiation therapy and happy to now be on the other side of this horrible journey, although still suffering side affects and all.  Talk to your professionals, family or friends who have gone through this, or even via here to be completely anonymous.  It's better to ask questions than be wondering or googling and getting conflicting information.  Just remember, so many people are going through this and having very positive outcomes and living long and happy lives, try to be positive xx

Hi kitkat5​ What you’re feeling is completely understandable. It sounds like everything has happened so fast, and when something you thought was minor suddenly turns into scans, biopsies, and big unknowns it is very normal to feel scared and worried. Waking and falling asleep with these thoughts are a very normal response to shock. The good news is It won’t always feel this overwhelming - as you get clearer answers and a plan, these feelings will hopefully ease as the path ahead becomes clearer, whichever way it might take you.

Once you have spoken with your sureon and received more clarity on what's going on, you might find these following resources to be helpful:

👉 While waiting - community post

👉 Tests to diganose DCIS - BCNA article

👉 DCIS private community group

Reaching out to the amazing community here and receiving support from others on similar journeys will bring you connection and hopfully help ease those feelings even more. Sending you support and hugs for your upcoming phone call ❤️ Please call us on the Helpline if you need to debrief or talk anything through on 1800 500 258.

Hi kitkat5​ 

I am SO Sorry to see you join the club that no-one every thought they'd be joining 🙁.  Getting a BC diagnosis is scary & it mucks with your brain a lot too - and with you facing more surgery, your feelings are 100% 'normal'. xx. Take plenty of deep breaths, to still that fast beating heart .... and please ring our helpline on 1800 500 258 if you'd like to have a private chat to ease some of your concerns xx

You've found the right spot here tho, for support & info from those who've 'been there, done that'! So hopefully we'll be able to smooth the way for your own story.  Whack up ANY question - remember there are NO dumb questions!!!  Make sure you take a trusted friend or family member with you to your appointments, as a 'backup set of ears', as it is difficult remembering everything that is said.  Also, consider recording your sessions on your phone, so you can go over it again later, for the same reason. 😉

Mine was ILC (Invasive Lobular Cancer) - I was lucky to only have the one lumpectomy, rads & tablets .... and have recently finished with the tabs in 2025! 

It was 8 years yesterday since my original BC diagnosis - and I remember being like a deer caught in the headlights - just totally stunned & unsure of everything! ..... I had the biopsy in between Xmas & New Year - so I had a bit of a blurry Xmas back then too! 

As you progress thru your appointments/surgeries ... let us know how you are going, by continuing to reply to this post ... it is a good way of 'keeping a diary' of everything you're going thru, in the one spot!!  I look back on my original post (up til I started the hormone suppression) and am amazed at the wonderful support afforded to me, too xx

This diagnosis can really muck with your brain too - so if you feel sad, angry, distressed - that is absolutely 100% NORMAL!  But you don't have to 'do it' on your own!  .... ask your GP (or your treating team) for a referral to see a counsellor .... or listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcast (link below). 

Try not to get ‘ahead of yourself’ with the ‘what ifs’ ….. as they may never happen - and going down that rabbit hole (specially if using Dr Google) will REALLY muck with your brain  :(   A lot of info on Google doesn’t relate to your diagnosis or is out of date - so put any questions you have, to your medical team (or here!) xx   So stay away from Dr Google!

Take it one day at a time, one hour, if needed ..... but keep trying to do 'stuff you love' too .... so you have good 'down time' as well!  I treated myself to a holiday on Norfolk Island after finishing my active treatment ..... as a 'Well Done YOU' for going thru all that stuff - as a reward!!!

Charlotte Tottman  is a BC specialist counsellor who was diagnosed herself, also had a double mastectomy, so knows EXACTLY what we've all been thru, both emotionally and physically!  Her reaction to her own diagnosis was also quite different to what she 'thought' it might be, given that she'd been counseling women's reactions for some years before, so thought she 'new' what to expect!  She is VERY easy to listen to, too xx
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html. 

Raelene Boyle's video is also well worth watching! 
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/

There is HEAPS of info in the link below to help you navigate the blog, including what to take with you to hospital etc - and also some tools to evaluate your own physical and mental recovery thru your ongoing treatment! xx.

https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussions/general-discussion/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members-/222737

Take care & all the best for your surgery & ongoing treatment xx

I’m so sorry. It’s so scary isn’t it, and of course it’s all you can think about. I was diagnosed five days before my son’s first birthday. The shock will fade and I promise, your brain won’t panic all the time. It’s not silly to feel like that though. Treatment may suck, but if you just cross off one day at a time, you can do it. You’ve got this x