Newly Diagnosed WA

So sorry to see you joining our select little group vintagerose​   ....  I used a small pillow to support my arm following my lumpectomy & it really helped.   Have you been assigned a Breast Care Nurse yet?  Maybe mention it to her as well - some Cancer Centres give you the cushions.  Having both done at the same time, I am guessing you'll need them xx

Living in a regional town in WA - are you aware of the Patient Assistance Scheme that is available to you? (called PATS in WA) To assist with airfares/fuel and accommodation costs?  Check out this post for info .... 
Patients Assistance Travel Schemes - rebates & rules as at July 2025 | BCNA Online Network

We have a Private Group for those living Regional/Rural/Remote areas .... feel free to join as we share info that relates to us (I am in Regional/Rural NSW)!
Group: Connecting rural, regional & remote areas | BCNA Online Network

We also have a Private group for those having mastectomies - will you be having reconstruction or staying flat?  You can join both if you like and put any questions to them in total privacy.
Groups | BCNA Online Network

BCNA has put together some questions for those of us who live in rural/regional/remote areas to put to their medical team ... you can check them out here:
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/articles/questions-to-ask-support-in-remote-or-rural-areas?

This diagnosis/surgery & ongoing treatment can really muck with your brain a bit, so if you feel sad, depressed or just need someone to talk to ... give our Helpline a buzz on 1800 500 258 for a confidential chat. xx

Also, consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - she is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy, choosing to remain flat - and she was really surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, when she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it'!  She has done 2 'seasons' of podcasts & are well worth listening to ... check out the 1st season, from her BC diagnosis onwards and how she coped. 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 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 for your surgery and ongoing treatment xx