55Jlz Member Posts: 29:33PMHello everyone 🤣 My name is Julieanne and I am newly diagnosed with invasive cancer no special type Grade 2. I call it 'Julie's Breast Cancer'...this 'no special type' lets me feel that it's not important, even thought I know that it is. My BC was found by my 2 yearly mammogram through BreastScreen. I'll be seeing my surgeon at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane on 6th March and have been told by BreastScreen doctors that I should have my surgery within 2 weeks. Then we go from there depending on what is found.I'm not feeling anything as yet, it feels like just another day. I'm thinking that it will change when I see my surgeon.So much information, even on the sites that BreastScreen have suggested I look at. It can be so confusing for a 'newbie' like me. Flag Quote · Like Awesome LOLRomla Adelaide Member Posts: 560 ✭10:17PMHi @55Jlz . The BCNA My Journey kit is a good start for information and also suggests questions to ask the medicos which I found helpful - Breast Screen here gave me my copy.It is great you found this site so quickly as many will hop on to share and support you - you are not alone.It tends to move swiftly once things start - a definitive diagnosis tends to come after surgery where decisions are made about further treatment like chemo and / radiotherapy and possibly hormone therapy. I too felt a bit numb at the outset as I did not know what was happening and things went past in a bit of a blur but during the whole process I felt safe and cocooned with kindness .Just a tip if you can take someone with you to meet the surgeon to provide another pair of ears to remember what is said and make sure you keep good records including dates as well as information etc - the BCNA kit has a useful diary for that purpose. Be wary of Dr Google as it may create confusion or provide information that does not reflect your reality and cause undue worry - that happened to me. Keep us in the loop as you move through the process and ask away as there is much practical knowledge on here from those who have been through it earlier. There is also much kindness on here to lift you when you are down and a space to say what you may not be able to others and be heard as we have all been there or are going through it with you.You are amongst friends .

Hi @55Jlz it can be numbing or completely frightening or somewhere in-between we all react differently... I am sorry you have need to join us but rest assured we are a very supportive bunch who will help you navigate the way forward we can often answer some of the questions you have give you some more questions to ask at appointments.I have some resources that I will put here below for you Here 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 a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. The what and how thread. http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1 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. The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.Please don't hesitate to ask any questions nothing is a silly or stupid question here. Soldiercrab

Hi @55Jlz, Welcome to a very supportive safe place. I think initially we all are a bit numb and then you tend to go through different stages. Here's a link to help with what to pack for hospital - http://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/uploads/2/6/5/5/26558246/what_to_pack_for_hospital_list.pdf. Initially the whole process is a bit of a whirlwind, but if you need to chat, cry, scream, tell a sick joke - whatever it is that is going to help you get through we are all here for you as your online cheer squad!! Let us know how you're doing. Big hug lovely. Xx Cath

Oops almost forgot the important stuff big hugs xo

Everyone reacts differently. I k ew I had breast cancer as soon as I found be lump but tears didn't flow until I saw my pathology.Everyone is different. A lot to take in. We are here when you need to ask more. @55Jlz

@55Jlz Hi ya - Join the club (sadly!) You will find the most amazing advice & support in the BCNA forum ..... I was diagnosed on Jan 5th with a Grade 2, Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (2 tumours) that were found early and small. I had a Lumpectomy with mini reconstruct on January 17th. (My surgeon isolated the nipple & did all the other 'removals' from under the skin, including the nodes - so only the one scar! I was AMAZED!!) There will always be pain re the node removal in particular - but I found the actual tumour removal site 'healed & was less painful' than the node area! Weird!!Before surgery, I had a Sentinel Node Biopsy to identify WHICH nodes 'drained' from the tumours - that way they only take out the ones CLOSEST to the tumours, instead of taking them all out. (Less chance of Lymphedema further down the track.) I was lucky - my 3 nodes & all the tumour samples came back 'clear' - but because it is an aggressive cancer, I will be doing 4 weeks of radiation starting Feb 28th which should finish by the end of March.So ..... basically - from date of diagnosis to end of 'main' treatment will be 3 months!!!I MAY be trying Tamoxifen as well after the radiation finishes - but it is not 'compulsory' for me (for up to 5 years) as I am 10 years+ after menopause - my hormones may not be as active as yours ..... You will be guided by your surgeon & his team - take your phone with you & record the conversation (or take a close friend who may be able to take notes & ask good questions that you may not think of.....) - cos I promise you - you will NOT remember most of what is said!!! Most professionals are fine to be recorded! My sister in law came with me & was a real GOD SEND!! It is fine to be upset - it is fine NOT to tell EVERYBODY YOU KNOW .... even some family members! Some friends may find it hard to accept that you have cancer - some may not know how to respond. That is normalJust remember - Cancer is a 'word' - NOT a 'sentence'!! You can do this! xxx

SoldierCrab

Member

8 years ago

55Jlz is newly diagnosed please offer her the awesome support that you all do.

55Jlz Member Posts: 2
9:33PM
Hello everyone 🤣
My name is Julieanne and I am newly diagnosed with invasive cancer no special type Grade 2. I call it 'Julie's Breast Cancer'...this 'no special type' lets me feel that it's not important, even thought I know that it is. My BC was found by my 2 yearly mammogram through BreastScreen. I'll be seeing my surgeon at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane on 6th March and have been told by BreastScreen doctors that I should have my surgery within 2 weeks. Then we go from there depending on what is found.
I'm not feeling anything as yet, it feels like just another day. I'm thinking that it will change when I see my surgeon.
So much information, even on the sites that BreastScreen have suggested I look at. It can be so confusing for a 'newbie' like me.
Flag Quote · Like Awesome LOL
Romla Adelaide Member Posts: 560 ✭
10:17PM
Hi @55Jlz . The BCNA My Journey kit is a good start for information and also suggests questions to ask the medicos which I found helpful - Breast Screen here gave me my copy.It is great you found this site so quickly as many will hop on to share and support you - you are not alone.It tends to move swiftly once things start - a definitive diagnosis tends to come after surgery where decisions are made about further treatment like chemo and / radiotherapy and possibly hormone therapy. I too felt a bit numb at the outset as I did not know what was happening and things went past in a bit of a blur but during the whole process I felt safe and cocooned with kindness .Just a tip if you can take someone with you to meet the surgeon to provide another pair of ears to remember what is said and make sure you keep good records including dates as well as information etc - the BCNA kit has a useful diary for that purpose. Be wary of Dr Google as it may create confusion or provide information that does not reflect your reality and cause undue worry - that happened to me. Keep us in the loop as you move through the process and ask away as there is much practical knowledge on here from those who have been through it earlier. There is also much kindness on here to lift you when you are down and a space to say what you may not be able to others and be heard as we have all been there or are going through it with you.You are amongst friends .

diagnosis

23 Replies

SoldierCrab
Member
8 years ago
Hi @55Jlz

it can be numbing or completely frightening or somewhere in-between we all react differently...
I am sorry you have need to join us but rest assured we are a very supportive bunch who will help you navigate the way forward we can often answer some of the questions you have give you some more questions to ask at appointments.

I have some resources that I will put here below for you

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

The what and how thread.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1

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. The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.

Please don't hesitate to ask any questions nothing is a silly or stupid question here.

Soldiercrab
Romla
Member
8 years ago
Oops almost forgot the important stuff big hugs xo
Mollygirl
Member
8 years ago
Hi @55Jlz, I'm so sorry you are here but of course you are welcome. Yes, it's quite normal to feel a bit numb at this point. It's the body's protective mechanism as your mind can go crazy with scenarios. Take someone with you to your appointments if you can. It's very hard to take everything in when you are under this stress.
We are here for you. Biggest hugs and keep us up to date with where you're at. xx

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55Jlz is newly diagnosed please offer her the awesome support that you all do.

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