Confused, no reaction

Hi @TassieGrandma I don’t know much about papillary but at least your surgeon is getting onto it soon. Best wishes for surgery, let us know how you get on xx

Good that the timeline has been brought forward & you now have a plan!

Try not to 'over google' stuff .... it will mess with your brain.  Your medical team will be the best to give you any information - if you have access to a Breast Care Nurse - maybe ask her about it ..... 

Pack a little bag with some goodies to take with you to hospital .... some treats to eat (in case you're not fussed with the food), your favourite music (if you want to 'tune out' & listen to it) ..... a choice of magazines (I find short stories are easier to read than a book!)

A DEFINITE to pack/take is a good pair of ear plugs and an eye mask (like they give you on airplane for long flights) - as hospitals are noisy places with lights that stay on 24/7 - and people coming in & out of your room at all hours of the day & night!!   With the ear plugs - You just squash them into a small sausage shape & ram them into your ear - where they expand to take the shape of  the inside of your ear - and will make the difference of sleeping (or not!)  These are a terrific brand of ear plugs.   You can get them at Chemists or hardware shops.  They may 'seem' a bit firm ... but just squash them down & shove them in well ..... they are the BEST!


ALl the best for your procedure on Thurs ...... we'll be thinking of you xx

Good that it's contained, and good that's it coming out sooner! If any questions occur to you over the next few days, jot them down to ask your breast surgeon rather than looking them up on the internet. Might save some angst. K xox

Hi all, I saw my surgeon today and she informed me that I had an unusual cancer, I think she said papillary, however it looks to be contained. Surgery was to be in about 4 weeks but is now on this coming Thursday (5th). I am glad that it is happening soon, but not sure how I feel after reading a little about papillary cancer.

Emotions are all part of this rollercoaster and it's hard to predict how things will strike you.  I've had tears over stupid things and not over the obvious.  I've been confident and then had the blues so badly.  As others have said, sleep is one of the hardest things for whatever reason (hot flushes, anxiety, ...) so take something occasionally if you need to catch up.  There's a long-running post about it that many of us jump on in the wee hours.

hi Tassiegrandma

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 whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. 

Navigating the online community formerly the what and how thread.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/navigating-the-online-community-formerly-the-what-and-how-thread

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. BCNA’s helpline will now be open from 9am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Fridays.  

 

Hi @TassieGrandma
Sorry to see you join us here at BCNA .... but most will agree that joining BCNA is the best thing we’ve done!!  Have you seen the ‘care kit’ that BCNA will send you .. with a diary and all sorts of terrific info that will help you along the way.  It is invaluable.
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/my-journey-kit/

There is HEAPS of top info here, and lots of sympathetic ears to help you with all your questions and also help you thru the next few months.

yep, there is no ‘guide’ for how to react to the diagnosis.  My husband was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2010 ... so I was ‘sort of’ used to what was going to happen .... so a bit more prepared, I guess.

My main suggestion would be to have a family member or good friend attend any meetings that you attend (surgical and beyond), as a 2nd set of ears and also emotional and physical support for you.   You sound like you are ‘on top’ of things right now ... but as others have said, sometimes, the smallest thing can turn everything upside down .... hopefully it won’t ... but maybe just be prepared for it. 

Sleep (or lack of) really seems to be a major factor ... I take the occasional Temase, but I mainly just try to remain as active as I can, to make me tired enough to sleep well.

Keep doing what you love doing.  Tell those close to you about your diagnosis, as they will support you most.  You Don’t have to tell those who don’t matter.  My uke group buddies were part of my saving grace ..... keeping up with it kept my mind off things!

If if there is anything that we can help you with, just ask.  Someone will have an answer!

Take care, and we are thinking of you.

@TassieGrandma - if your doctors allow it, I can highly recommend just every now and then (I use it very seldom), a xanax (alprazolam) to help you sleep and help with stress and anxiety - it's classed as a minor tranquilizer but it's quite potent and I have found that it doesn't make me groggy.  

All the best xxx

@TassieGrandma - I was quite numb through my whole experience - I think its partly shock and just wanting to get it all taken care of xo

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