What a couple of weeks I have had. After being called back to Breastscreen NSW (amazing service and staff), I had the battery of tests at the post mammogram assessment including 3 biopsies. Originally a lump and calcifications (left) and Stage 2 DCIS and calcifications (right) in between Stage 1-2 DCIS. To the surgeon (amazing, feeling very confident with her) and then an MRI yesterday to rule out a higher stage. Called back today for another 2 biopsies (left again, completely different places) and another MRI. Lymph nodes are looking ok.Back to the surgeon on Monday AM to discuss treatment options when pathology is back. I am so grateful for how kind all the nurses, radiologists and doctors have been / even when I have ‘lost it,’ almost fainted or felt nauseous etc etc. Taking it one day at a time and trying not to predict or worry. It all happens so, so fast - so much to take in and to recalibrate every visit - something new and something more.I know that all these tests and checks will help to work out exactly what is happening and then formulate the best treatment plan moving forward. I don’t have any questions at the moment - well, lots but know I just need to wait. I do want to say how helpful it’s been reading the posts and discussions. I’m sure I’ll be back for more in the future. Thank you, Nicky (51, Sydney)

Great to hear the margins are clear @Nicky123 and all the best for your appt with your surgeon, he will then refer you on to the Rad Onc, as well as the Medical Onc re the ongoing treatment, and possibly a lymphodema specialist too, so you are aware of the exercises to do to hopefully prevent lymphodema take care & all the best - let us know how you go .... make haste slowly - but get back (as you are able) to doing things that you love doing, to keep yourself active & engaged, both mentally & physically xx

Breast care nurses are there for everyone diagnosed with BC. They do not come to your house but they help you manage all your appointments and listen to any concerns you may have. You should have already been given one if they have one in your area. Ask at the hospital or look up McGrath BC nurses online and it should tell you if there is one in your area. All the best

Hopefully you get the results that you hope for. Perhaps you will be offered a good BC nurse, if not ask about them. They sound terrific, sometimes.

Hi @Nicky123 I had my surgery at at St Vincent’s Private here in Sydney and although there was a breast care nurse I never spoke to her until a couple of days before the surgery and then she visited me in hospital a couple of times .My medical team were great and the care I received in hospital was excellent .I have heard great things about the Mater.

@arpie these messages mean so much to me - it’s been such a massive two weeks or so and the support in this group - yourself included - had been so comforting and helpful. Of course, kindness makes me quite teary at the moment, too! Thank you for your comments and suggestions above - the thread is a really good idea. I was born at RNSH - I’m really lucky that for treatment, I live within 10-15 mins of both hospitals. Yes - I have a good group of friends as well as my sister in law. I took a friend to get results from Breastscreen and will take another friend to my surgeon on Monday for more results and treatment planning. I’ve been taking notes each time but a voice memo recording is such a good idea - as I definitely miss things. Thank you for your suggestions rE the other groups, resources and activities - I’m going to check them out over the weekend. I’ll update here on Monday night.thanks again for everyone’s support, ideas, experience and kindness. It’s making me feel like my feelings are normal in such a turbulent time.Nicky xps had to withdraw from uni today (studying masters of adolescent health and wellbeing part time). Just couldn’t manage full time (new) job and all of this! #superwomannot It did make me a bit sad though - but ultimately sensible and very necessary. I had to get a medical certificate and it’s still very confronting using the words ‘breast cancer.’

All the tests to update new diagnosis

48 Replies

Julez1958
Member
3 years ago
Hi @Nicky123
I had my surgery at at St Vincent’s Private here in Sydney and although there was a breast care nurse I never spoke to her until a couple of days before the surgery and then she visited me in hospital a couple of times .
My medical team were great and the care I received in hospital was excellent .
I have heard great things about the Mater.
Abbydog
Member
3 years ago
Hopefully you get the results that you hope for. Perhaps you will be offered a good BC nurse, if not ask about them. They sound terrific, sometimes.
Nicky123
Member
3 years ago
Thank you @Blossom1961 and @Abbydog - I really appreciate the advice - and kindness.

I am looking at the Mater in Sydney (private) for surgery and RNSH (public) for rad at this stage - let’s see what Monday brings.

Nicky x
Abbydog
Member
3 years ago
I'm in Adelaide SA. I had my Surgery and Chemo in the Private System. R/T was done Public.
In my private hospital they had Breast Nurses, They visited a couple of times when I had the surgery, which was nice. But it was nothing like the portrayal of McGrath Breast Care nurses in the media. No one offering to go to Drs or Chemo etc. No big relationship, to help get through. I wonder if in the private system there is less on offer, Or there are more of those nurses in the eastern states.
I was 'Lucky' to have friends who have had BC. Two of those gave me very good advice, and I was able to ask anything. One had almost identical type of cancer and treatment.
Please ask us anything that you may think helpful.
Blossom1961
Member
3 years ago
Breast care nurses are there for everyone diagnosed with BC. They do not come to your house but they help you manage all your appointments and listen to any concerns you may have. You should have already been given one if they have one in your area. Ask at the hospital or look up McGrath BC nurses online and it should tell you if there is one in your area. All the best
Nicky123
Member
3 years ago
Thanks so much @abbydog and @Julez1958 - trying to take your advice on board and have been keeping busy. Sleep is an issue - to be expected I guess.

I’ll edit my story - it seemed like it wasn’t working last night.

I do have one question re breast care nurses. Although I have good friends (and elderly parents), I am single and wonder if you all think that this is something I’d be eligible for and would benefit from? Too early to say?

thank you in advance, Nicky
Abbydog
Member
3 years ago
I'm sorry for your news. Stay patient. One step at a rime.
I'm glad that you have already read many posts.
Try to stay positive. Fingers crossed that the MRI is clear.
After you have a plan of treatment, ask any questions that you think of.
If you have time and feel like it, fill in your story on your profile.
It helps some of us give better advise.
Thinking of you, good luck.
Julez1958
Member
3 years ago
Hi @Nicky123
Thinking of you while you await the test results - try to keep busy as this helps keep the mind from “ dwelling”.
Great you have a good team , mine was/ is great too.
The edit function seems to be not working at the moment to add your location but I am in Sydney and am 64.

Forum Discussion

All the tests to update new diagnosis

48 Replies

Recent Discussions

WHO do I tell?

Struggling through Chemo

Sydney Lymphoedema Public Information Day

Inflammatory Breast Cancer

Papillary Lesion - overwhelming anxiety

Disclaimer: