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nicole_h's avatar
nicole_h
Member
11 years ago

Can't sleep!

Just reading some of the old and recent posts. There are so many of us it's scary as to why. I'm also thinking I'm in the worst area in Australia for support. I have never been given options or choices, nor a treatment plan on paper. Like so many of you with helpful oncologists and surgeons. I've just been told I need this and that and have followed the instructions. Not once has any treatment been suggested as an option. I have not even been given an official diagnosis. I have read my pathology results from my first operation but haven't seen my 2nd pathology results. From what I can decipher my cancer is much nastier than they have told me hence why the previously invisible medicos are now rushing me to heal so I can start chemo. And this I will do on Wednesday if my dressings come off tomorrow. But of course I will need to have my blood tests to confirm. My oncologist doesn't want to see me before chemo...so boy is he going to have a backlog of questions by my 2nd chemo. I haven't even found out why this type of chemo as opposed to another. It drives me crazy. My GP is fab but of course she is not a specialist in breast cancer so there's lots she cant answer. I am her first bc patient. My nurse at the GP is super too even though she's never had a bc patient before me. So I spose I'll just plod along this week to their tune and hope for the best. I better not miss out on my physio appointment. It's been the only relief so far. I'm curious. Does anyone know the role of the McGrath breast care nurse? If so have you received any help or information from them regarding coordinating treatment or services.

19 Replies

  • Hi again Nicole,

    I am from Hobart so probably have a similar situation re stretched healthcare resources. I was initially told I would need an immediate mastectomy unitl I suggested neo chemo. I have been obssesed with doing my own research (thankfully) as u know I now may only need a lumpectomy. I just dont think they have the resources to know your case as intimately as they should.

    You should be able to get your pathology report from your GP but as you probably know, these can be scary when you have to rely on dr google because there is no one else.

    I didnt find the Magrath nurse scheme very useful because they cant answer your medical questions and they kept trying to steer me to wigs and breast prostheses when I wanted to use cold caps ( i still have my hair too) and get reconstruction. Perhaps they are more useful during the surgery recovery.

     I hope your appt goes well today (relatively speaking of course-if all goes well you can start your chemo..yippee!)

    Tanya