Forum Discussion
Confussed and scared
Hello to all. I am new to this . I was diagnosed on Friday the 31st August with breast cancer. My story is as follows, In May I got a bad case of shingles which was on my left side of back went around under my arm and over my left breast. This was very painful. Rash cleared up but was left with bad nerve pain. So from May to August had this nerve pain. Then one night recently went for shower got a very strong nerve shot in left breast grabbed breast that is when I felt lump. Made appointment to see Dr next day, then went for ultra sound, mammogram, biopsy all that day. I also have had mammograms every 2years since I was 40 I am 64yrs now. My last mammogram was 1year ago. They say it is near my chest wall but not attached and is 10mm in size. Going to see specialist in 2 weeks. In both minds about getting boob removed . I guess Doctors will let me know more. All crazy things running around my head. Dr google is doing my head in. My partner has been really good as his mum had breast cancer many years ago. My daughter also has had her dealings with cancer lost her 14 year old son to a brain tumour. so she is a good support. The thing I am struggling with is emotions what to do what to think all over the place. I have died 100 times in my head. Feel things should move faster with Doctors etc. Just feel very lost and empty. Sorry if I went on a bit.
50 Replies
- @Bettyboo Can you talk to your oncologist and ask him/her to explain again all the factors involved in your options? You need to understand the pros and cons before making decisions, and you have a right to straight answers from your care team. All the best. Fran
- Thank you SoldierCrab, Im new here, so not sure of the protocols, my best wishes to Gal and Anjke also.
- @Giovanna_BCNA
@Marianne_BCNA
Could you put Bettyboo post up separately please? - Bettyboo the info links I put up on this post earlier for Mantis will be good for you also....
it might be better to have your own post about your diagnosis so people can answer you more directly - @Anjke Nine months on and I still find it hard to believe that this happened to me, that this is my life. It is indeed very surreal.
- I think we have another member here from Cairns. Maybe she'll give us wave.
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.
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 Arpie. I am south of Cairns. Cheers Steph
- Thank you ladies for all your suggestions much appreciated. Will let you all know what happens in 2 weeks fingers crossed.
- Hi Gal, Me too as a recent diagnosis. I was lucky to have my surgery very quickly. When I was first diagnosed my main thought in checking was the difference between localised excision vs mastectomy. For smaller leslions it seems there is not a lot of difference in outcomes and my surgeon said even with a mastectomy I would have radiation anyway so I did opt for the localised excision. At least it is a day case and no drain tubes need to be left in. Now I am waiting on the final pathology, especially with relation to the sentinel lymph node to find out which direction my treatment will take. Lost and empty seems a good description of how you feel. I found it carthartic to write down in a similar post how I came to this point. It still feels unreal the it is ME undergoing this diagnosis and treament, like an out of body experience. Wishing you all the best Gal and finding a Breast Care Nurse would be a great help to you. They are awesome!
