Forum Discussion
All the tests to update new diagnosis
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 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)
48 Replies
- It sounds like everything is going along nicely @Nicky123 and that you are at ease with what is going forward xx Great that you'll have a BC Nurse to chat to as well .... they will be your first port of call with any concerns post op ..... as well as us! ;)
Just make haste slowly after the surgery - is your Work 'flexible' in case you need more time off? Do you have family/friends to help you at home afterwards and driving home from hospital? You won't be allowed to drive for a little while - and watch out for bumps in the roads ..... have a pillow to hug on the way home as the bumps really hurt if your boobs 'bounce' in the first few days. Silly things like hanging the washing, mowing the lawn in that first month ..... walking the dog, vacuuming ..... take up any offers of help!!
Having both breasts done will impact the use of your arms too (I only had the one done) .... So cook up a heap of meals & freeze them .... and put stuff you use 'lower' so you don't have to reach up for anything heavy in that first week.
In the mean time, keep as busy as you can - and even look at taking up a new hobby too as a distraction!! (I thoroughly recommend Ukulele! ;). LOTS of uke groups in Sydney.) I can help with ANY songs you like!!
take care xx - Hi everyone,
Thank you all for your earlier messages.An update after today’s appointment with my surgeon.Two additional places that were biopsied last week - 1 area OK and the other the biopsy missed (it was very small and difficult to see with ultrasound) however, the surgeon is comfortable to leave that and MRI it again in 6 months - it was also on the opposite side to the other 2 areas of concern on the same breast.At the end of March I will have ultrasound and sentinel lymph node dye test. The next day a lumpectomy both breasts and one sentinel node biopsy (we did discuss mastectomy and lumpectomy and good cosmetic outcomes, too).The surgeon will take enough to ensure good margins are clear and also remove out anything nearby should there be anything the MRI didn’t show.2 weeks off work.After operation:Wait for operation pathology to talk next steps.Potentially radiotherapy would commence 6 weeks later.Breast care nursing team should be reaching out soon (surgeon said).Although it’s still a lot - I feel ok.It’s a good outcome from today’s appointment.Need to get through the surgery, the node biopsy and pathology and then we can go from there.One step at a time.
I do feel very confident with my surgeon.
Feeling like I might even sleep tonight!Thank you again for your care and support. Any advice or comments gratefully received.N 🌸 - Dear @Nicky123,
from jennyss in Western NSW - Thanks again for sharing @FLClover - including the offer to chat.I am sure this has put different things in perspective - study included.I’ll be back with an update here on Monday. For sure.Nicky 🌸
- @Nicky123 No problem at all. It’s important to support each other 😊.I’ve actually been regional since 2016, but I moved back to Sydney temporarily for my surgeries and treatment. I now travel to Sydney for appointments but I’m happy to do so as it’s definitely worth it.To be honest, I wasn’t too happy with the tafe course I was doing as it was a bit boring but very time consuming. I initially thought I’d go on a break and then see how I felt, or look into changing the course. I’ve been too tired though, so have just left it. I think they have me down as on an ongoing break or similar.After this diagnosis, I’ve decided not to do things that need to be forced or make me really unhappy, so not sure that course will ever be finished 😄🤷🏻♀️.My profile is currently on private, but feel free to PM me if you have any questions or just to chat. That’s still possible with a private profile.♥️♥️
- Thank you for messaging @FLClover - much appreciated. Good to know rE northern Sydney - my surgeon is out of Mater and RNSH so feel very grateful it’s close. She is very caring / and importantly I get that sense she’s a terrific surgeon based on everyone’s feedback.I’ve been thinking of people in regional areas and how much of an additional challenge this must be 😌
Your TAFE story sounds so familiar - did you get back or take an ongoing break? I’ll take a look at your profile and story.Thanks again for messaging and for your care.
Nicky 🌸 - @Nicky123 I was the same when I had to withdraw from my tafe course. It took me 5 minutes over the phone to explain why because I kept choking with tears when I had to say ‘breast cancer’. There was a lot of silence with them waiting for me to blurt it out 😄🤦🏼♀️🥲. They were understanding though, once I got the words out.
I also attend the Mater and NSP for scans etc because that’s where my current surgeon’s rooms are, and she’s also absolutely brilliant and wonderful. My first surgeon was at Lifehouse and although the hospital was great, he was not, so he got booted. I’m very happy that you like your surgeon too because it’s beyond important to be happy and confident with our medical team. Those hospitals in the north of Sydney are fantastic 👌🏻.Good luck with everything 🍀♥️. - @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 x
ps 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.’ - Welcome to the blog, @Nicky123 ... sorry to see you've joined our 'excusive group' (that nobody ever thought they'd join!) We have a wealth of knowledge & info, as we've 'been there, done that' .... so speak from experience.
Both the Mater & North Shore are excellent hospitals (I used to work at North Shore in the 80s!!) I had my surgery (private) over at Westmead & stayed with family in Sydney afterwards, then my Rads was in Port Macquarie ... and even tho the rads and Medical Onc were 'public' - I've had the same Oncs for the whole time now, except if they were unavailable for health or holidays ...
If you continue posting on this thread, even after your surgery & rads - you'll basically have a 'diary' of things 'as they happened' ..... I know I look back on my 'first post' now & then from 5 years ago to refresh my memory - it ended up going over 6 pages and 3,500 'views'!!
Do you have a trusted friend or family member to go with you to your meetings? This is both for support and a 2nd set of ears .... my Sister In Law sat in on mine & was terrific, raising all sorts of questions - as I was a bit like a deer caught in headlights ..... it is all such a shock!
Also consider recording your meetings on your phone - as it is too easy to forget what was said a lot of the time! (This is quite normal - Just the brain in overload ....)
Jump onto this thread & read up a bit on the group - it has some info on what to take to hospital, 'self assessment tick lists' for after your surgery to take with you (if you like) to your post op meetings .... and links to 'regular stuff' that we chat about now & then - art & crafts, pets, our gardens, 'wise words' and even some funnies ..... as we all need a laugh, too. xx. Feel free to add to any or all of them! ;)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest
Keeping busy is the best thing to stop worrying too much (tho it really is impossible not to ...)
Take care & all the best for your appt on Monday. xx - Hi @Julez1958 - thank you for letting me know, it’s so good to hear other people’s experiences. It’s a whole new world.I’ve been having all my scans at the Mater and they have been great too - especially when I get upset or there’s needles involved.Thanks again,
nicky
