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Just diagnosed - it's all moving so fast
Hi everyone, I was just diagnosed yesterday (Wednesday) with DCIS, plus a focal area of invasive carcinoma NST, provisional grade 2, ER and PR positive and HER2 negative.
I meet with the surgeon tomorrow and it all just feels like it is happening so fast my mind is swirling.
Very thankful to have found this site as I have already found so much useful information!
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Welcome to the club that no-one ever wanted to join Kirsty1 We all still remember when we received our own diagnosis & it can really muck with your head xx
Definitely make sure you have a trusted friend or family member with you at all your appointments from now on (a 2nd set of ears and also physical and mental support!) And seriously, I suggest you do record the meetings as well as it is impossible to remember everything that is said - and you can't take notes & listen at the same time!
There is so much to take in - if it becomes a bit stressful, ring the BCNA helpline & have a chat xx It really helps to talk it out.
Stay away from Dr Google .... get all your information from your medical team!
In between appointments, try & keep as busy as you fan, doing things you love doing! Or you could start cooking your favourite meals to freeze, so that you have enough cooked meals for after your surgery xx
Whack up any questions you may have & members will jump on to give you honest replies = as we've 'been there, done that' .....
Take care & all the best for tomorrow xxKirsty1 I thought my 7 days between diagnosis and surgeon appointment was quick. 2 days sounds like warp speed but also like a well oiled machine.
I hope that the meeting with the surgeon provides next steps to you - they will help focus your thoughts at a time that can be a whirlwind.
Don't forget to take a moment to breathe if it feels too fast. And feel free to share thoughts and questions here - it can be a relief when people who have been through the steps before us are able to provide their tips.
Meeting with the surgeon went well. I am now booked in for surgery on Tuesday! That will mean survey within a week of diagnosis. I feel very lucky it is all able to be done so quickly, it reduces the amount of time to dwell on it.
That's terrific, Kirsty1 - that is VERY quick!! Even better - absolutely, less time to stress xx. Take lots of deep breaths if you feel unsettled ... take it all one day at a time, one hour, if you must! Don't forget the Helpline is there for a chat if you'd like to.
(Mine took over 3 months from detection to get to surgery!! But I live in a rural area & it was nearly 9 years ago!)
My best suggestion for taking to hospital with you is a pair of earplugs ( recommend 3M) and an eye mask (from a plane!) Hospitals are bright & very noisy places, even at night! You squish the earplugs to about pencil thickness & shove them in your ears & they expand to fit your ear! They are VERY good - and don't stick out (which can be uncomfortable!)
Take some reading matter (magazines rather than books, as you get interrupted all the time!) and your tablet/phone/chargers .... something warm (they are cool places too!) And front opening PJs (you don't want anything you need to pull over your head for a good while after the surgery.)
There are more tips on this link ... and just tips in general on the whole thing, too:
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latestTake care & all the best xx Keep BUSY on the weekend. 😉
