Forum Discussion
Another bad start to the year
Hi guys
I was diagnosed last week with Breast Cancer after my GP did a boob check at a routine Pap Smear in Nov. She sent me for another mammogram in early Dec (altho the July 2017 one was clear and also didn't pick it up in the 'new one') and ultrasound .... the ultrasound came back as 'inconclusive', suggesting a Biopsy under Ultrasound. I had that on Dec 29 and got the results back last Friday. Cancer confirmed.
I'd convinced myself they were cysts as I'd had cysts previously (tho never aspirated or tested in any way) so was stunned when it came back positive. My family history was always heart attack - no-one that I know of has ever had any cancer in my family history.
I have my first appointment with the surgeon in Sydney on Monday and hope that surgery will be sooner than later. I live in the mid north coast - so lots of travel involved from now on.
My husband had most of his stomach removed from cancer in 2010 - so whilst going thru all that, we became quite accustomed to the hospitals & chemo - but I still wasn't prepared when it came to my own diagnosis. :(
My 2 tumours are small & been caught early - so I am hoping for the best result - but will only find that out after seeing the surgeon.
I used a couple of forums to help me thru my husband's diagnosis (he is still in remission, 8 years later, which is pretty good for Stomach Cancer) and am happy to join BCNA in a similar role for me.
I was diagnosed last week with Breast Cancer after my GP did a boob check at a routine Pap Smear in Nov. She sent me for another mammogram in early Dec (altho the July 2017 one was clear and also didn't pick it up in the 'new one') and ultrasound .... the ultrasound came back as 'inconclusive', suggesting a Biopsy under Ultrasound. I had that on Dec 29 and got the results back last Friday. Cancer confirmed.
I'd convinced myself they were cysts as I'd had cysts previously (tho never aspirated or tested in any way) so was stunned when it came back positive. My family history was always heart attack - no-one that I know of has ever had any cancer in my family history.
I have my first appointment with the surgeon in Sydney on Monday and hope that surgery will be sooner than later. I live in the mid north coast - so lots of travel involved from now on.
My husband had most of his stomach removed from cancer in 2010 - so whilst going thru all that, we became quite accustomed to the hospitals & chemo - but I still wasn't prepared when it came to my own diagnosis. :(
My 2 tumours are small & been caught early - so I am hoping for the best result - but will only find that out after seeing the surgeon.
I used a couple of forums to help me thru my husband's diagnosis (he is still in remission, 8 years later, which is pretty good for Stomach Cancer) and am happy to join BCNA in a similar role for me.
86 Replies
- Fantastic.
- woo hoo @arpie
Do a little dance get down to night .....
such a great outcome. - Good news. YAHOO
Clear margins, all 3 nodes are also clear ... but recommended to do radiation for 4 weeks prob from mid Feb, with a slight possibility of needing Temoxifen afterwards ... but probably not ... will be discussed with the team on Fri.
No cuts on the boob ‘as such’ that i can see - dressing taken off today. It is a little tender again now tho!! I thought it would look like Noughts and Crosses!....
He cut all around the nipple then did the tumour removal from under the skin and armpit nodes removed from under the boob skin and flesh (causing the current pain so not ‘cording’) and Then Brought the remaining tissue together and stitched it up to fill in/hide the hole. Then tidied the loose skin and sewed around the nipple again. All very tidy! The stitching around the nipple is a little puckered but will settle with time. All dissolving stitches.
I have been advised to use Kelocote cream on the nipple area to facilitate healing ..... need to find some! They’d run out.
He reckons the sore sore armpit will settle down in a little while ... it is not debilitating at all, just a tad sore.
I can do anything I feel up to trying, but if it hurts, Stop! :). YEEHAAA
Thank you SO much for your support and advice .... getting decent advice from those who have been thru it makes all the difference!! Xx. Roberta - @Julesjourney In case you arent aware you will be able to claim your accommodation back through PATS. (Calles Iptaas in NSW) Just remember to get the forms and have you specialist sign them . And the meals are very economicle or you can cook your own if you wish. If staying long term I believe they can bill PATS direct but it might have changed. The transport to tbe hospital tbey just ask for a gold coin donation. It us run by volunteers. Fantastic service.
I also don't wear a bra unless
I go out. Someone suggested padding at the bottom of Bra so it doesn't rub on wound.
i am going public for Radiation.
no extra waiting time, and same place as
private.
I have gone public all the way and has been no delays, and great Surgeon who
I see each time for my appointments.- I always put it down to the bra aggravating mine and starting it off but in reality it was probably going to start anyway!
- @Sister. Thanks for that. Am I in trouble for not wearing a bra?? I did initially but it aggravated my nipple area and made it bleed post op, so took it off. Used it a couple of times when initially driving (our roads are bumpy here and out Ute has virtually no suspension and the bouncing boob hurt!) I will try the tape tho. It Is the lower section of the boob closest to the armpit that is sore to the touch too. The actual op area is fine! No pain now. My small pillow supported the boob during the night for the first week or so .... which was good.
@Julesjourney Great info on the lodge .... Port Macquarie has just added 12 more rooms to their lodge, with another 12 when thy get the funding... Luckily it is just across the car park from the treatment area so we can just walk. We stayed there overnight each time when Kieth had his chemo back in 2010. I will contact them as soon as I get the time frame, today. I just hope I am able to book in!!
Are you going Public for the radiation? Does that affect the wait time for getting it done?
I was private for surgery in a private hospital to get it done quickly - but Private Health doesn’t cover radiation apparently. - @arpie the sore rubbed feeling armpit could be neuropathy which is caused by them having to move around the major nerves when they do the axillary dissection. I had it really badly with the wide excision and it's still there a little from the mastectomy. I found that putting padding through the side of my bra and tucking it over the top helped a bit. Or you can use some of that paper tape and tape some padding across the sore part. There doesn't seem to be much you can do about it - just wait for the nerves to sort themselves out.
- Hi Roberta. Yes I am driving myself up first week and staying at the Cancer Lodge and driving myself home Friday. I was told that it is the end of the Treatment you get very tired. I will see what happens this week. They also have a courtesy Car that picks patients up fro Lodge and takes you back after appointments. It is all free by Public Travel Subsidy, I just have to pay $60 night for first 4 nights as I don't have a Health Card Lol. All the best today. Jules
