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

Nicky123
Member
3 years ago
Hi there

i hope you have all had an ok week?

Todays follow up appointment to get the pathology results from last week’s lumpectomies and sentinel node biopsy - and to determine next steps.

*right breast - good margins and DCIS.
*left sentinel node ok - good news
*left breast multifocal invasive cancer on and around lump that was removed and unclear margin.

Next step - genetic testing to determine which surgery. Options:

1) another lumpectomy to get clearer margins then radiotherapy both breasts

2) bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction at same time (eligible for both reconstruction types).

Of course, we could do option 1 and end up having to proceed with option 2, so weighing this up.

The genetic testing will help me decide what to do next - if the B gene is present, it will be mastectomies and if not - I need to weigh up the decision. In some ways - I feel relieved to go with the science here, as I can’t do anything about my genetics in this instance, so can’t worry about that.

We discussed recurrence and our aim is preventing this, of course.

Genetic testing next Wednesday 12/4 and follow up appointment with surgeon at the start l May.

Pathology also showed hormone sensitive (is that the term?), so will need endocrine therapy, too 😞.

There’s a lot to weigh up and I am appreciating reading the past posts on this site to gather information and questions.

One thing at a time, is my mantra - but it IS a lot of information to process. Glad for Easter to recover from last week’s surgery and consider next steps. I’ll be glad to get outside for some more walks this weekend, that’s for sure.

TY all for your previous thoughts and encouragement.

Nicky 🌸🐰
Nicky123
Member
3 years ago
Thanks so much @arpie - I’m keeping up the meds regime and will be taking it easy. I have 2 weeks off and going back to work after Easter.

Thank you for your well wishes for pathology. I’m trying to be realistic and also know the results may not be what I’m ‘expecting.’

Nicky 🌸
arpie
Member
3 years ago
Great that you are happy with the result so far, @Nicky123 …. Make haste slowly over the next few days - the anaesthetic can make you a bit sleepy, or even sick sometimes!

Keep the pain meds up at the regular 4hr intervals, so that the pain doesn’t break thru …. All the best for your pathology results xx

take care
Nicky123
Member
3 years ago
Thanks so much @Cath62. I came home at lunchtime today and am doing ok.

I have pain meds and the incisions on both sides are about 4-5cm long, horizontal.

Of course - this was about removing the cancer on each side and I’d been trying not to focus on worry about the aesthetics.

Once I got home and showered again, I had a better look and am really relieved with the result

Pathology back in a week - I’ll see the surgeon next Thursday PM after the MDT has met to discuss. Hopefully margins are good and not more surgery - I know I’m in for radiotherapy, without the details yet.

The nurses and doctors at the Mater were axing - including the breast care nurse. I feel very well supported.

I’ll update here re the pathology next week.

hope you’re all doing ok this week,

Nicky 🌸
Cath62
Member
3 years ago
Best wishes to you @Nicky123.
Nicky123
Member
3 years ago
Wish me luck - off I go tomorrow for part a - dye and mammogram then Wednesday part B for lumpectomies (both sides), hookwire right and sentinel node left.
Thanks to you all for your support so far. I’ll update when done and home.
Nicky 🌸
Nicky123
Member
3 years ago
Thanks so much @Julez1958. I’ll definitely update here and appreciate your insight.

Just made an appointment for a baseline SOZO the week before the surgery, too. It’s a complimentary service - so thought it was a good idea (including from others here).

Thanks again for sharing your experience with me. 🌸
Julez1958
Member
3 years ago
Hi @Nicky123
I recall it took about 2 weeks for my pathology results to come back after my mastectomy and my breast cancer surgeon scheduled the consultation shortly after that.
The pathology results will determine what further treatment is suggested ( chemo , radiotherapy, hormone therapy or other targeted therapy ).
Best of luck .
Nicky123
Member
3 years ago
You’re so right rE who we let know and others - it’s quite exhausting, isn’t it @arpie?

For me - getting through the surgery, having pathology results and knowing what is next will be a better time to let more friends know - in the meantime I am feeling very well supported by a smaller group.

I really feel so grateful and comfortable here - knowing as you say, that you all get it and I can be unfiltered.

Enjoy your kayaking. I am at the GP waiting to get a chronic illness plan and will go for a swim at the end of today if I can - another warm day.

Best wishes And thanks again,

Nicky 🌸
arpie
Member
3 years ago
My pleasure - having 'been there, done that' - I will always remember how daunting it all seemed at the start - totally unknown territory & taking your top off for all & sundry ..... and joining BCNA was the best thing, as we 'get it'!

Re our medical team, it is their job - but to us, it is our lives! And the ripples spread out & it is amazing how many people are affected by YOUR diagnosis!! Mind you, I didn't tell everyone straight away, either - some (even family members) didn't find out for 12 months! LOL. I just couldn't be bothered re-explaining it to everyone every day - plus it was stressful!! I tried to get rid of as much stress as I could.

ooooh - enjoy the massage!! Grab whatever you can get! ;)

It's supposed to be really hot in Sydney today - I'll be out on the water in my kayak, in a cooling breeze xx

Just keep doing what you love doing - now & forever! xx

take care xx

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