diagnosed 05/08
Actually not sure of diagnostic date - that was when I was told after being recalled for a repeat mammogram which showed indications of BC, followed by ultrasound, palpation by a ?surgeon, who told me...
Forum Discussion
Hi @LynnT - so sorry to hear your news - but welcome to the forum that no-one really wants to join. I still recall my diagnostic date - 5.1.18 (it seems SO LONG AGO now!) ..... I'd had a call back in Oct & it was Dec before I finally got a biopsy done just after Xmas, so was sweating on the results over Xmas/New Year for the whole shebang! Then the next year in Nov had another callback & didn't have the biopsy til Xmas Eve, so another Xmas/New Year stuffed! grrrr. I've now brought my 'yearly check' forward so that Xmas won't be impacted this year!! ;)
Whereabouts are you? We may have members nearby who you could chat with & in 'normal times' even catch up for a coffee! Just knowing there are others nearby is very comforting. I am regional NSW and went to Sydney for my surgery & up to Port Macquarie for Rads - and they have a Rotary Hostel attached to the hospital (like a motel but better) and I was able to stay there for the whole 4 weeks at. minimal cost. The Gov picked up most of the cost - and saved me a daily 3hr drive, as I am the driver in the family. You can also claim for petrol and other accommodation costs via the Isolated Patients Transport scheme that all states have. You'll need to download the appropriate forms & get your GP and Specialist to sign off the first one - after that (usually) you can process them online.
Depending on where you have your Rads, we may have members nearby who may be able to look after your poodle. Whack up a pic here: https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/15588/what-pets-do-you-have/p15
If you can access a Breastcare Nurse, she should be able to take a lot of the load off your shoulders - and just someone knowledgable to chat to.
That is ridiculous if they expect you to drive 3hrs for a 5 min appt. I've recently had a teleconference appt with my Onc - I meant to record it, but forgot! DUH! It worked out fine. (It is a good idea to record all your meetings on your phone, as it is very easy to forget or miss important details, whilst mulling over what had just been said previously!) Also - are you able to take someone with you as well? An extra set of ears are invaluable. My SIL came with me, as my husband has dementia & wouldn't be much of a help! :( In the past, we've also had Medical Skypes with my husband's surgeon who is in Sydney.
The waiting is the pits - it affects you EVERY TIME you have a check etc. :( Keeping busy, doing things you really love should help pass the time - or even cooking up meals & freezing them so you have a good stockpile when you go home from hospital - talking of which - depending on your surgery, you'll need someone to drive you home & possibly 'care for you' for a few days as you won't be able to drive or do reaching up or heavy lifting for a little while (tho I did drive home as my procedure was quite small compared to others! DON'T TELL ANYBODY!)
Try & keep your sense of humour 'up there' - we have a really good 'funnies page' (called Friday Funnies, but we add them every day!!).
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/19116/friday-funnies#latest
If you are into arts & crafts, we have a 'Creative Corner' and if into your garden
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14979/creative-corner#latest
, a Garden post as well!!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/186078#Comment_186078
And we now have a Fishing post, as that is one of my passions!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/19494/fishing-brag-pics
Try not to use Dr Google as there is just so much conflicting information out there, and every BC case is 'unique' and it will only scare the pants off you!
All the best with your ongoing appointments & getting your surgery date confirmed. We have some posts here on what to take with you too, to make it 'easier' on you.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/16442/prep-for-surgery/p1
Take care xx
Whereabouts are you? We may have members nearby who you could chat with & in 'normal times' even catch up for a coffee! Just knowing there are others nearby is very comforting. I am regional NSW and went to Sydney for my surgery & up to Port Macquarie for Rads - and they have a Rotary Hostel attached to the hospital (like a motel but better) and I was able to stay there for the whole 4 weeks at. minimal cost. The Gov picked up most of the cost - and saved me a daily 3hr drive, as I am the driver in the family. You can also claim for petrol and other accommodation costs via the Isolated Patients Transport scheme that all states have. You'll need to download the appropriate forms & get your GP and Specialist to sign off the first one - after that (usually) you can process them online.
Depending on where you have your Rads, we may have members nearby who may be able to look after your poodle. Whack up a pic here: https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/15588/what-pets-do-you-have/p15
If you can access a Breastcare Nurse, she should be able to take a lot of the load off your shoulders - and just someone knowledgable to chat to.
That is ridiculous if they expect you to drive 3hrs for a 5 min appt. I've recently had a teleconference appt with my Onc - I meant to record it, but forgot! DUH! It worked out fine. (It is a good idea to record all your meetings on your phone, as it is very easy to forget or miss important details, whilst mulling over what had just been said previously!) Also - are you able to take someone with you as well? An extra set of ears are invaluable. My SIL came with me, as my husband has dementia & wouldn't be much of a help! :( In the past, we've also had Medical Skypes with my husband's surgeon who is in Sydney.
The waiting is the pits - it affects you EVERY TIME you have a check etc. :( Keeping busy, doing things you really love should help pass the time - or even cooking up meals & freezing them so you have a good stockpile when you go home from hospital - talking of which - depending on your surgery, you'll need someone to drive you home & possibly 'care for you' for a few days as you won't be able to drive or do reaching up or heavy lifting for a little while (tho I did drive home as my procedure was quite small compared to others! DON'T TELL ANYBODY!)
Try & keep your sense of humour 'up there' - we have a really good 'funnies page' (called Friday Funnies, but we add them every day!!).
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/19116/friday-funnies#latest
If you are into arts & crafts, we have a 'Creative Corner' and if into your garden
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14979/creative-corner#latest
, a Garden post as well!!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/comment/186078#Comment_186078
And we now have a Fishing post, as that is one of my passions!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/19494/fishing-brag-pics
Try not to use Dr Google as there is just so much conflicting information out there, and every BC case is 'unique' and it will only scare the pants off you!
All the best with your ongoing appointments & getting your surgery date confirmed. We have some posts here on what to take with you too, to make it 'easier' on you.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/16442/prep-for-surgery/p1
Take care xx