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
- Thank you Flaneuse I will do that.
- @Gal It might be a good idea to post that query as a separate, new discussion. Your query would then be noticed by everyone scanning new discussions.
- Hey @Gal
Chemo scares the bejesus out of everyone at the start and the whole thing is one big stress ball rollercoaster.
Great news on the nodes and margins though. I had to go back for re excision as well and 5 nodes involved.
Once you know which treatment you're on there will be plenty of tips and advice on here for you.
Chemo stinks but a lot of the time it is nowhere near as horrid as what your brain manages to conjure up. Some people get through it without too many major dramas at all.
xoxoxoxo - I know you are shaken by the idea of chemo but it's really good news that it's all gone and not in the nodes.
- Hi @Gal .... as you say, some good news and some not so good ..... a great that your nodes and margins are clear! That is always a bonus.
Once you know your treatment plan you’ll have a clearer idea of how you’ll be affected ..... don’t go buying a heap of stuff just yet ....
In the mean time, Keep doing what you love doing as much as you are able .... the silly thing is that even after surgery, we don’t necessarily ‘look’ of ‘feel’ ill ....
Is subsidised accomodation available for you where you will be having your treatment (in Cairns?) Others on the forum may have suggestions on where to go. I was lucky that Port Macquarie Hospital has accom attached for patients and their family. Your BC nurse may know too.
Will be thinking of you at your next meetings xx - Sounds like you were right on the border of not having chemo as an option. But better to be safe than sorry I reckon. It's no fun but you'll get through. Lots of people here to help you. When you know what type of chemo (AC-T, TC etc) you can so a search here and find people who've had the same treatment.
Excellent to hear of clear nodes and clear margins! That's one more than me. I had to have a re-excision for margins.
Of course you're stressed! Take some deep, slow breaths. It will help calm your nervous system. Hang in there @Gal. Once you get going with your treatment it gets emotionally easier in many ways. Find some good distraction, get some exercise, keep company with your besties and you'll be right. K xox - Hello @Gal
Thanks for keeping us updated regards your progress. Understandably you are feeling stressed and most likely overwhelmed with it all. Its a lot to wrap your head around and takes time to process. Dont be too hard on yourself. Make sure you write your questions down and take someone with you to the oncology appointment. Dont hesitate to call our helpline on 1800 500 258 if you would like to speak with a cancer nurse. Wishing you all the best. - Hello lovely ladies, just a bit more info on my breast cancer journey. I visited my surgeon yesterday for the results of my lumpectomy operation. Some good news and not so good I guess. It is an invasive carcinoma size 20mm, grade 3, no special type. It is HER2 - ER - PR Stage group 1B. I am waiting now for a visit with the Oncologist to discuss my treatment. Dr said I will need chemo first then radiation therapy. My tumour was close to my chest wall but not attached so had a wide local excision, it was very high up on my left breast. Margins were all clear and it hasn't travelled to my lymph nodes which is a plus. I had myself psyched up for radiation therapy but not chemo. It was in the back of my mind maybe I will need it but was hoping not. Hope this is making sense, I am a bit stressed at present. I have spoken to my breast care nurse and wish I could bring her home with me. I also have been to The Cancer Council for information about accommodation, wigs, scarfs etc. Everyone has been so supportive just amazing really. I also received my journey kit from BCNA in the mail today, very impressed with all the information. Cheers xx
- @Gal - all the best with your recovery from surgery & on the 26th for your results and future treatment options.
Yep - take one day at a time, & take care! Wonderful that you have a strong support network. Thinking of you - the waiting can be quite tedious! xx - @Gal So pleased that you're comfortable with where you're at. To be confident in your surgeon is a huge plus. Taking one step at a time is a huge challenge, and if you can manage to do that, well done! Great that you're blessed with a support group. From now on, put yourself first, and take care. Fran
