So sorry to see you joining our select little group @melsev .... you are not alone in not remembering much after hearing 'You've got breast cancer' ..... Make sure you take a trusted friend or relative with you to your meetings from now & consider recording them too, on your phone xx. It is almost impossible to remember everything & this way you can go back over it in the quiet of your home & take notes. xx
My GP suggested 2 breast surgeons to me & I did a 'Dr search' on them & one had glowing references & the other didn't, so I went with the glowing references & I had the most fantastic, caring surgeon who (if you were in NSW) I would recommend to anyone.
It wouldn't hurt to see both surgeons - they may well have different fee structures too, so don't forget to ask about that as well (even get it in writing) and how much rebate you'll get back from medicare/Health Insurance if going private for surgery. (BTW, are you considering going private or public for your surgery? I went private for surgery, then public for radiation & Oncology.) You may well feel more comfy with one than the other, just from that first appointment. Do they both have a breast care nurse that you can chat with between appointments? My surgeon had a gel (called Kelocote - that I applied to my scar to lessen the scarring - and provided it 'at cost' to his patients, which was a great $ saver) .... they may do the same.
If you add your general location to your profile, members may be able to suggest other services available to your area too ...
It is highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, give our Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 for a calming chat xx.
Also, consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - she is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor - and was surprised at her own reaction to the news, when she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it'! She has done 2 'seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts.
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.htmlCheck out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latesttake care & all the best
