Newly diagnosed and waiting for appt. breast becoming more tender as I wait :-(

Hi lfillmore​ 

The waiting between detection & diagnosis, then biopsy and surgery is always a worry - as is the wait between surgery & Pathology results, then waiting to see the Medical Onc and/or the Rad Onc .... the waiting always just SUCKS  😟

I know it is hard to do - but try not to worry about the lesion growing over the next couple of weeks ... Many of us have faced that concern, but in reality, Invasive Lobular is considered one of the slower growing BCs .... The lesion is unlikely to be getting bigger - but our brains will always go off at all sorts of tangents, scaring us! xx

Chances are, the area may still be tender because of the biopsy - I know my own was quite badly bruised & tender for some time, as they had about 5 goes at getting tissue, after the first couple of goes didn't 'get enough'.  And if you are  'testing' the area to see if it is 'still sore' ... that may (in itself) extend the pain too.  

Have a listen to the first couple of Podcasts recorded by Dr Charlotte Tottman (a specialist Breast Cancer Psychologist) she is very easy to listen to and, having had a double mastectomy herself about 5 years ago, she has been 'thru it' herself, so she knows how we feel and offers good advice ..... 
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/upfront-about-breast-cancer-what-you-dont-know-until/id1595689416

Also, consider giving our help line a call tomorrow morning, on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) ... for a confidential, one-on-one chat, as just talking about it with someone, often helps. 

Try and stay 'in the present' whilst you are waiting to see the surgeon, keep getting out & about, doing things you love doing so you AND your brain are kept busy .... or even try something 'new'!   Worrying about the 'what ifs' will only muck with your brain xx.  We've all been there tho, so we know how anxious a time it is xx

take care & all the best

Thank youarpie​ I really appreciate your supportive reply xx

Hi there lfillmore​, thank you for reaching out to our community! The waiting time right after diagnosis can feel so hard, especially when you’re worried about changes. You’ve already done something really proactive by getting the MRI, which is a big step that you can tick off your list!

Your preference for a public multidisciplinary team makes sense, but if the anxiety feels overwhelming, you could call your GP or breast care nurse - they might help reassure you, or advocate for an earlier slot, or advise you on the pros/cons of switching to private. From what you've said, you're already doing every you can and doing it right. 

Sending you strength over the coming week, you’ve got this 🩷

Our Helpline is here for you whenever you feel like you need that extra bit of support on 1800 500 258

Hilfillmore​ 

its a worrying time. Especially coming into the Christmas season. Some great advice above already. I hope you’re able to get in touch with the helpline.
I went private but just wanted to share that it still took a bit of time (6 weeks between diagnosis and the start of treatment). I was diagnosed towards the end of the summer holidays and remember feeling incredulous that it could be such a wait for access to all the diagnostics (on reflection I realised how prevalent these illnesses are and the pressure there is on our available resources). 
I was ILC (unusually with a lump, 3.8 cm ) and triple positive. 
My friends who went through the public system spoke very highly of the services and living where I do, some of my treatment (radiation therapy) was done out of the public centre.
Going private meant I incurred out of pocket expenses where there were significant gaps, especially for surgery, and that surprised me, so it’s worth looking into and being informed before making a decision. I experienced very positive treatment, specialists of choice, excellent oncology nursing care and a multi disciplinary team too. 
Sending you  lots of positive vibes and virtual hugs during this really rough period of uncertainty. 

Hi there, 

First time post. I have exactly what you have and the waiting sucks. I am going for surgery on 30 January to remove my nipple and lump. They will be taking some on my lymph nodes should be tested to see what treatment I need. 

I’m still in shock