30 days later and I feel confused

Hi @sjd_barra the waiting is the pits....I have just had my rant on here too...stick with the advice of the girls on here...they offer so much...Im not ready to advise but I will agree...everything takes so long....I was diagnosed in august this year and am now back to square one after having yet another lumpectomy to get the margins, so now waiting on pathology again. I dont know what came over me but early this year I just got a bee in my bonnet and started thinking life was too short (looking back it seems like i knew something was going to go ass up)...so I bought a little Aliner caravan and a car to tow it....not that I should really be buying things like that when I should be concentrating on paying my mortgage but it has come in so valuable....Im not sure how many times I have been away in it inbetween tests and surgery....find something to involve your time waiting....days seem like months!!! Hoping everything works out well for you...look forward to your progress....we are all thinking of you x

@sjd_barra So sorry that you are here among us, but you will find this forum to be your lifeline for some time to come. You've already received great advice from the ladies above. I would add: during consultations, don't hesitate to ask for more explanations if you're unsure, and to ask if what they've told you = ALL the options. If they're recommending one option over another and haven't explained why, ask them to do so. If you have a friend with you, she may be able to pick up on things that you're missing if you seem a bit overwhelmed, and ask for more info as well. Big Hugs.

Thankyou @primek.
My mother was treated for breast cancer 5yrs ago. Hers was found during a routine scan and within the next few weeks she had a treatment plan, surgery and a full support team.
She documented her journey on facebook from mammogram right up to now. It was a heart wrenching and emotional time for everyone.
I just feel that my time is taking longer.
But after reading all the stories on here I can now understand that everyones journey is different.
☺

Hi and welcome. It's a disappointing wait for you and I'm surprised your GP didn't phone through with urgency given pain and possible skin affected. I guess now it's only 3 more days (which will feel like an eternity) and you will see someone who should have a treatment plan  pretty quick smart in place for you.

Start talking to close friends and family. Gather support. You do have something to tell. You know you have cancer that  requires treatment and a shoulder to cry on or even some distraction whilst you wait is good idea. A support person at your appointment is also helpful as you miss stuff being said (as it truly is everwhelming)  and get  them to write things down for you. 

Meanwhile I guess thinking about what type of treatment you would prefer to have helps. Usually 2 options. Mastectomy or lumpectomy with radiation. Knowing what you would prefer if the option is available, given your cancer and location etc, helps.

If you think a mastectomy and reconstruction is something you would want, having a bit of a read of the different types helps also. This way with first consult you have some idea what YOU want and not feel quite so overwhelmed when the  surgeon goes through the different options with you. 

Whilst we say be careful with Dr Google ...we all do it. Hense you found us.

Other good  links

https://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/breast-cancer

And if you need to go down chemo road. Here are some links for hats and scarves if you think you would prefer that instead of a wig. (I know this stressed me a lot thinking about it...so good to have a plan)

https://hatshow.com.au/

https://chemohats.com.au/collections/all

https://www.hathouse.com.au/

Take care. Kath x

@sjd_barra
ask away here about questions you have and we will always share others to ask.....

Thankyou for the links @SoldierCrab. Especially the one on understanding your pathology report. My report is incomplete but it has helped me work out a list if questions I hope to have answered.

Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. 

It can be a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. 

Navigating the online community formerly the what and how thread.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/navigating-the-online-community-formerly-the-what-and-how-thread

Breast Care Nurses

https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx 

My Journey Kits and other resources. 

https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258

If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. BCNA’s helpline will now be open from 9am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Fridays.  

 

How to understand your pathology reports

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/understanding-your-pathology-report/breast-pathology/breast-cancer-pathology.html

Gosh, @sjd_barra  .... sorry to see you here and in pain, I hope your surgeon gets you on his list asap.

Once you see your surgeon, you'll have 'plan' - ie when you will have your surgery & how it will affect you in the short term - then the wait for the pathology, which is always quite stressful.  My diagnosis (ILC) was in early Jan this year - and all the surgeons were still on holidays, so I had to wait 10 days & saw him on his first day back.  Your surgery will probably be very soon after that meeting.  I had the Sentinel Node Test the next day (this determines which lymph nodes the tumours are draining to & reduces the number of nodes being removed during surgery) & then, surgery the day after that.  I stayed with my brother & SIL in Sydney and it was terrific.

Whereabouts (roughly) do you live?  Others in the area may be able to help with information that is specific to your area.

I initially told close family when first detected (cos I was sure they were cysts!) & then told those I wanted to know, upon diagnosis (they weren't cysts. :( )  Some, I told after the surgery - and the others will find out when I send our Xmas Cards out shortly (nearly 12 months later! LOL)  You don't have to tell everyone - just those you know will support you ..... and if you can set up a bulk email or similar to fill them in 'after surgery' it is a lot less pressure on you than replying to everyone's individual queries.

All the best for your appointment on Friday xx 

Hello @sjd_barra
I’m sorry that you too find yourself here, but welcome. The first weeks were most certainly the worst for me. I worried and wondered what the future held. I’m only 4 weeks down the track from finding I have an invasive carcinoma that was tethered to my skin but luckily have found the necessary support to help me through.
We’re all so very different and for me telling a group of close individuals early on, and even before I knew what it was, helped me vent when I needed. I also changed my GP to a very proactive and strong woman who helped me be more analytical and less emotional. I was put in touch with a breast care nurse and have her number to call when I need. She also sent me a My Journey book that’s filled with helpful information. 
Now I’m very open with anyone and everyone and have openly talked to colleagues, friends and family so that they feel able to talk about it with me and this too has been a big support. 

I wish you all the the very best moving forward and reach out if you feel overwhelmed or in need of a chat xx

Thanks Polly.