Hello everyone, so glad to come across an online support group.I have just been diagnosed with BC after I felt a lump on my left breast (US and mamo confirmed the cancer. This was on 14 July ). They don’t know what cancer type I have yet ( I guessed we will know after biopsy and PET scan, right?). According to the US/ mamo, the lump measures 3 cm and may have spread to lymph…..I did hear the breast surgeon saying I’m stage 3……:-(. She assured me it’s treatable… I should have asked if it is curable…..Biopsy (scheduled for 2 Aug) and PET scan scheduled for 3 Aug, I will only know the results when I see the breast specialist on 08 Aug. These are the earliest dates available. I did inform my breast care nurse I will go private if necessary. Does these timeline appear Ok or should I organise for private biopsy and PET. Not even sure if I will be able secure earlier dates if I choose private. I am in Melbourne. Both my GP and breast care nurse assured me this timeframe is reasonable (am guessing the cancer isn’t going to grow during these 2-3 weeks!)I am still an infant on this journey and have been reading about BC extensive since diagnosed ( not helpful mentally). Grateful if others can share how they keep themselves busy beside googling BC.p.s. Didn’t help that I quit my full time job in May to take a short break (only to be diagnosed with BC in July). I am 58, happily married for 25 years with no kids. Should I look for work to keep myself occupied or should I start looking for work after I have completed my treatment (if successful).Thank you for reading my post.

Bad luck! All of it. Many of us know just how you feel, wasn’t in the plan. But here it is and all you can do is put one foot in front of the other and think positive. I’m nearly 11 years post diagnosis, NED (no evidence of disease) and finished ten years of hormonal treatment earlier this year. Apart from COVID messing up the world, it’s been a great decade. Starting a new job with a cancer diagnosis hanging over you is always a bit tricky. I worked right through active treatment with no problems but I was already in my job and I dodged the nastier side of chemotherapy. Perhaps best to wait till you know what your treatment is and how you weather it - it can vary hugely. But doing something to occupy yourself is I think a good idea - maybe some voluntary work? I also elected for no reconstruction, it’s a hugely personal choice but reconstruction can be quite lengthy to recover from, so you may need to consider that too.Planning is a good thing but at the very start of this type of experience, it’s helpful not to think too far ahead. Not for dire reasons, there have never been so many options and potentially great developments for treatment. Just simply that it all takes time to accept, to think about, to make choices, to keep your head and emotions healthy too, and one step at a time is the best way to go.Best wishes!

Welcome to the site @GinGin - most people here know what you are going through. The waiting times are the worst. Don't spend your time on Google as that can be your enemy - not every site is up-to-date and much of it won't be in your treatment plan.The idea of a new job is probably not your best one as you don't know what is ahead so that is not fair to you or to a possible employer. The idea put forward by @Afraser of volunteering is a good one as you are the one in control of when you attend and it still occupies your mind.By all means see if you can get earlier tests in the private system if you can afford that but if you don't see the specialist until 8/8 is it worth it ? More waiting time.Make lists of questions and take someone with you to appointments as that is always helpful.On here no question is too small or too silly so ask away.There may be a support group in your area of Melbourne so if you are a 'group' person you can get extra support there.Thinking of you as you begin the BC saga. 💖

You are right @Afraser. I’ll definitely consider volunteering to stay out of trouble. I have also decided not to have reconstruction. :smile: I am so happy to hear you are NED. This is so motivating and more importantly you are still in the group to support us newbies. Thank you very much!

Hi GinGin,Well welcome to the community, one you'd rather not be part of but is such a great source of encouragement.I was 4 weeks between diagnosis and surgery, I had more biopsies MRIs and mammos in this time. As part of the biopsy they should have done immunochemistry markets which tell you hiw fast it grows (K 67 marker) and if hormone receptive ( estrogen, progesterone or hetceptin). The big picture dictates planning and any presurgery treatment. I didn't need cgemo before or after, but am about to finish radiation, then ho on hormone blocking therapy for 5 to 10 years.BC is very heterogeneous, so it's hard to compare each other's treatment etcGood luck with it all and my best advice is to ask all of the questions that pop into your very busy mind. I take a book to write questions and answers in.Take care x

Hi @GinGin Yes it’s a huge shock to receive this diagnosis , but luckily you live in Melbourne which has world class hospitals and people who can help you through this journey.It is good you have made your way to BCNA there is a wealth of information on here and it is all credible and reliable ( unlike “ Dr Google”)This online network is also a great resource, everyone on here “ gets it” in a way people who have not been diagnosed with BC can.The best advice my GP gave me when delivering my diagnosis was to take my husband with me to all important consults as I would not be likely to take everything in.The next best piece of advice was from my ( amazing) breast cancer surgeon that I should only look at official websites like the cancer council and breast cancer network.All the best with your treatment - my husband described it as a cross between a roller coaster and whirlwind.

Breast cancer confirmed, biopsy and PET scheduled for 1st week of Aug.

13 Replies

June1952
Member
2 years ago
Welcome to the site @GinGin - most people here know what you are going through. The waiting times are the worst. Don't spend your time on Google as that can be your enemy - not every site is up-to-date and much of it won't be in your treatment plan.
The idea of a new job is probably not your best one as you don't know what is ahead so that is not fair to you or to a possible employer. The idea put forward by @Afraser of volunteering is a good one as you are the one in control of when you attend and it still occupies your mind.
By all means see if you can get earlier tests in the private system if you can afford that but if you don't see the specialist until 8/8 is it worth it ? More waiting time.
Make lists of questions and take someone with you to appointments as that is always helpful.
On here no question is too small or too silly so ask away.
There may be a support group in your area of Melbourne so if you are a 'group' person you can get extra support there.
Thinking of you as you begin the BC saga. 💖
GinGin
Member
2 years ago
You are right @Afraser. I’ll definitely consider volunteering to stay out of trouble. I have also decided not to have reconstruction. :smile:
I am so happy to hear you are NED. This is so motivating and more importantly you are still in the group to support us newbies. Thank you very much!
Afraser
Member
2 years ago
Bad luck! All of it. Many of us know just how you feel, wasn’t in the plan. But here it is and all you can do is put one foot in front of the other and think positive. I’m nearly 11 years post diagnosis, NED (no evidence of disease) and finished ten years of hormonal treatment earlier this year. Apart from COVID messing up the world, it’s been a great decade.

Starting a new job with a cancer diagnosis hanging over you is always a bit tricky. I worked right through active treatment with no problems but I was already in my job and I dodged the nastier side of chemotherapy. Perhaps best to wait till you know what your treatment is and how you weather it - it can vary hugely. But doing something to occupy yourself is I think a good idea - maybe some voluntary work?

I also elected for no reconstruction, it’s a hugely personal choice but reconstruction can be quite lengthy to recover from, so you may need to consider that too.

Planning is a good thing but at the very start of this type of experience, it’s helpful not to think too far ahead. Not for dire reasons, there have never been so many options and potentially great developments for treatment. Just simply that it all takes time to accept, to think about, to make choices, to keep your head and emotions healthy too, and one step at a time is the best way to go.

Best wishes!

Forum Discussion

Breast cancer confirmed, biopsy and PET scheduled for 1st week of Aug.

13 Replies

Recent Discussions

Triple positive invasive lobular carcinoma

Covid jab

Triple Positive HER2+

Today was D Day

Alone in Melbourne newly diagnosed

Disclaimer:

Foundation partner	Major partners