Hi Everyone,I was diagnosed with breast cancer on Wednesday. I found the lump 3 weeks ago and saw my doctor straight away so it’s been stressful waiting for the results. My Auntie made a full recovery from dcis 17 years ago so I am not scared or worried. I have my CT scan in 3 days (Monday) and will get my results On Wednesday. I’m waiting on an appointment at the Breast Cancer clinic which will entail an 800km round trip. Also waiting to see how to manage time off work (I’m a teacher). Currently having a couple of weeks off while I process this curveball and find out my plan. I’m so impressed already with the support from my doctor and the McGrath Nurses in just the past 3 days.

Thank everyone. 6 days out of surgery. Feeling okay. Xxx

Hi @Raich,I remember this all very well. I was diagnosed in late June. The telling was difficult. At work since I'm a manager I felt burdened by the telling because my absence would be noticeable. I couldn't do telling everyone individually. Its hard enough with the whole family friends thing. In the end I sent an email explaining . I was at a point where I knew I had cancer but I didn't know the detail and like you didn't know everything yet. And I said so. I said that at the moment it looks like this but it could be worse or better and that I felt vulnerable that I didn't want gossip. I asked for latitude and sensitivity. I was inundated with well wishing. I can see i have a support network at work. And this has been amazing. My boss texted me every few days right through my mastectomy. There has been a strange need to protect my work mates which at times I've thought why? But I guess I'm also managing how I want to be treated and people have been hugely helpful and respectful. Many of my female colleagues have expressed that it was a wakeup call for them and they have actually done things to get tested for various female things. Generally its prompted a whole host of conversations about the importance of balance and looking after your health. Ive also had people who i didnt know had breast cancer come out and offer me support and how to manage changing leave needs. I suppose im telling you this because it is a stressful and sometimes lonely journey through the diagnostic period and throughout it all (and im starting to understand that this may be a longish journey for me) ive been reminded of the kindness of people. Everyone is different and you need to look after you first. Best wishes.Michele

Hi @Raich. I didn't tell anyone outside my house until I'd had two operations and at least part of a plan had emerged. I did it by WhatsApp and sent my husband to to my parents and sister. My other sister had died from BC and I couldn't bear the thought of seeing their faces.This is your experience so you get to say how it goes to a great extent. Many people here have had others try to co-opt the experience in some way. It's an odd thing, so trust your instincts. You'll know when the right time is to let people in.There are all sorts of services available when you get BC. If you let us know what state you're in, others may be able to suggest some of them. Best wishes. K xox

@"Annie C" is a WA member who had an enormous 'commute'. She may be able to give you some pointers.

Thank you ❤️I guess the hard/tricky thing is That I’ve been at my school for 16 years and, being a regional city, can’t really avoid families and students knowing, particularly as my two boys have been through the school and have close friends who have younger siblings at school (and in my class) . I’m not stopping my boys from talking to their mates. I’ve even spoken to my youngest’s best friend and let him know I’m okay and he can ask me anything. (He spends a lot of time at our place) and I’m loathe to tell their mates not to talk to anyone as these kids need to be able to chat. It’s complicated. At the end of the day I guess it really doesn’t matter. I just don’t want misinformation or rumours flying around. Maybe later down the track I can ask my principal if it would be appropriate to put some information in the school newsletter/ website.

Diagnosed 2 Days Ago | BCNA Online Network

Cathyw
Member
5 years ago
Yep, I don’t need one, but I want one...a knitted knocker👏👏👏 well done both of you
Locksley
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Raich sorry to hear you have to go back for more surgery. Wishing you all the best for surgery. This happened to me too. I thought a lumpectomy was going to be the only surgery I was to have. Had a mastectomy as well. I purchased a knitted knocker and it fits in a crop top I use for apts OK. Yours looks quite flash! I had 13 nodes out and 9 were cancerous so once I've finished with chemotherapy I will have radiation.
Ahnn
Member
5 years ago
Hi @Raich sorry to hear you're going back for more surgery. Having small boobs can sometimes be a blessing but losing them can still be a shock. Knitted knockers are a great idea
Raich
Member
5 years ago
Cathyw
Member
5 years ago
Good news about no lymph node involvement, sounds like you’ve got a good attitude..a knitted one...😂😂
Raich
Member
5 years ago
@iserbrown, my surgeon has offer me a reconstruction, but in the past (BBC), I read a lot about implants and illness/chronic fatigue. I’m very small in the boob department so not fussed about losing one. I have a knitted one ready to go! 😬🤣
iserbrown
Member
5 years ago

Raich said:

Good news is no cancer in the lymph nodes so no radiation therapy. Which means I don’t have to spend 6 weeks away from home.

@r@Raich

Well it may not be what you expected but a good thing that they are able to assess the pathology and conclude a Mastectomy is needed. No lymph nodes involvement at this stage is a damn good thing.

Are you considering Breast Recon? A couple of links to absorb the information

https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/breast-reconstruction/

https://www.reclaimyourcurves.org.au/
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

Raich said:

Things aren’t great.
The margin wasn’t big enough.
Surgery has to be repeated.
So I’m back in for a mastectomy on the 23rd of September. Sucks, she did an amazing job sewing me back up and it’s healing beautifully.
Good news is no cancer in the lymph nodes so no radiation therapy. Which means I don’t have to spend 6 weeks away from home.
I’m adjusting to the new, new normal. Which I’m finding out means nothing is certain and things can change in an instant.
I’ll be about 10 days down in Perth so I don’t have to return home then back to Perth to have drain removed. Fingers crossed that I can get away with no chemo. But at this stage I’m not assuming anything. Been disappointed once already.

Thinking of you at this time sending hugs xxx
Raich
Member
5 years ago
Things aren’t great.
The margin wasn’t big enough.
Surgery has to be repeated.
So I’m back in for a mastectomy on the 23rd of September. Sucks, she did an amazing job sewing me back up and it’s healing beautifully.
Good news is no cancer in the lymph nodes so no radiation therapy. Which means I don’t have to spend 6 weeks away from home.
I’m adjusting to the new, new normal. Which I’m finding out means nothing is certain and things can change in an instant.
I’ll be about 10 days down in Perth so I don’t have to return home then back to Perth to have drain removed. Fingers crossed that I can get away with no chemo. But at this stage I’m not assuming anything. Been disappointed once already.
ChezaH
Member
5 years ago

Raich said:

Thanks All!
In Perth , spending a couple of nights with friends. Big meeting on Friday morning. Hoping to get some idea of what the next few months will look like.
It’s been a hard week. PMS has been full on. Period arrived this evening.
Weird side effects this time ... experiencing nausea for the past few days, including today, and right now :( Is this a wonderful new peri menopausal thing or a post surgery thing? Either way, would be quite happy without it.

Take care and I agree ask as many questions so you know what is going on 🙂