I am only 46 years old. I am skinny and helthy. I eat lots of vegi and fruit and a bit of chicken. I do not eat meat. I felt the pain in my left breast in March. I got a shock as the lump is so BIG. my GP said just cyst. I do not have family history. I went to have ultrasound and mammogram, followed by biopsy next morning. I went numb when I have heard that I have breast cancer. My GP did not explain anything to me. I read the report myself that I have DCIS. I went to see many specialists, but they had quite different opinions. I have decided to have mastectomy as the tumour is giant (only 2 months - > 5 cm) and sentinel lymph node biopsy. While I have been waiting for the operation (held next month), the tumour is getting bigger (2 times).I eat lots of vegi and drink carrot juice as I am trying to keep my body in base condition to delap growth of cancer cells before the operation. Could you guys give me an opionion? What to do! About reconstruction, which doctor is good. I am so stressed and lost weight 7 kgs. Thanks.

You need to be referred to a surgeon or settle on one that you have seen. If you wish to share where you are living, some members of the network may be able to give further advice. But it is in your own interests (medical and emotional) to arrange surgery as soon as possible. You can talk to the surgeon about reconstruction too, but you can always wait and do this later if you are uncertain. Sadly the reasons why people get breast cancer are, in the words of my surgeon, "still a mystery but we are getting much better at treating it". Fit, healthy people can get it. Being fit and healthy may help you get through treatment better so that's a good thing. A partner or family member, or a good friend to go with you when you see specialists would help - there is a lot of information, most of it is often new and unfamiliar and anxiety makes it hard to take it all in. Someone to write notes and ask questions is very helpful. This diagnosis is an awful shock but many people get through this and get their lives back. Best wishes.

@PatsyN Thanks for the advice, I've added my story to Newly Diagnosed.

hi Nok, it is hard when we are first diagnosed... Below 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

Hi @Nok Here is the link again in case you can't find it for choosing breast reconstruction.Lots of photo stories and ladies who have had reconstructions in the group.Paula x

Nok it is ok just letting you know it is our town we live in not our name..... Broken Hill is in Far west NSW near SA Bathurst is regional city 3.5hrs from sydney.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer - mastectomy and reconstruction???

25 Replies

Nok
Member
8 years ago
Hi Kmakm,

Thanks, K. I will move back to Melbourne next year. xxx
kmakm
Member
8 years ago
@Nok Thrilled to hear you've had no further spread and it's wonderful you have such confidence in your medical team. You've got this! K xox
Nok
Member
8 years ago
Hi Onemargie

I read about triple negative. I think it is better than HER2 positive. I have stage 1 cancer, but HER2 positive, not quite good. I think your case is much better. Best wishes, Margie. Cheers, Nok
Nok
Member
8 years ago
In addition, after the surgery, my injuried site healed very quick, no infection at all, and there was no cancer found from CT scan and Bone scan. However, my treatment team wanted me to have Chemo and Radiation therapy to be sure that no cancer cells are in my body. I have HER2 positive, so I will be treated with Herceptin for a year. If you want to see my surgeon, please let me know. I will tell you her name. All the best for everyone who are fighting with cancer.
Nok
Member
8 years ago
Hi TSK

I am veyr happy to help. My surgeon was GREAT!. She did prepare for my surgery quick. She save my life as she cut my left breast and some lymph node glads. During the operation, she noticed the the cancer had spread to the first lymph node glad, so she cut four lymph node glads off. She was a great surgeon. Now I am preparing to install a Portacath for having Chemo. Please ask me any questions. I am very happy to help any times.
TKS
Member
8 years ago
@PatsyN Thanks for the advice, I've added my story to Newly Diagnosed.
onemargie
Member
8 years ago
Hi there I was 43 when I was diagnosed. No family history. Took the left boob off with the timor in it (3cm triple negative tumor stage 2a no lymph nodes involved all scans clear) then took the right one off 6 months later as a preventative. No regrets from me. I’m here in qld though so can’t help you with a surgeon. Hope your surgery has gone well. Big hug. Margie x
PatsyN
Member
8 years ago
@TKS Put your story up on 'newly diagnosed'. If you're still wondering what to do, you'll be flooded with advice. How can anyone ever know if they've got the right surgeon until afterwards. My breast surgeon did a great job but I wouldn't go back to her. I'm about to sack my oncologist tomorrow, and how many oncologists do I know to replace him, zilch.
2 weeks is a very recent diagnosis. I started chemo 3 weeks after my diagnosis but you will find a range of methods and a variety of breast cancers on offer, what's yours? I wouldn't be wasting any time if I were you - post in Newly diagnosed as a New Discussion.
There's so much help and wisdom here.
Best wishes
TKS
Member
8 years ago
Hi Nok, your story sounds similar to mine but I'm not as far along as you. I am only 47 and usually healthy. I first saw a GP back in Feb with no luck until I pushed that something was wrong, I've had multiple tests until I was finally diagnosed with something 6cm in size 2 weeks ago. Still wondering what to do.
I hope what you're doing is working out really well. I am also worried about whether I have the right surgeon, etc, I haven't met the oncologist yet, I do that on Friday.
It sounds like the other ladies commenting here are great and offer really good advice. This is my first post/comment here and I really just wanted to make contact to say Hi and hope you're doing ok. I also live in Sydney.
SoldierCrab
Member
8 years ago
Nok it is ok just letting you know it is our town we live in not our name..... Broken Hill is in Far west NSW near SA Bathurst is regional city 3.5hrs from sydney.