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

62 Replies

Giovanna_BCNA
Member
6 years ago
All the best with surgery today @Raich
FLClover
Member
6 years ago
Good luck @Raich 🍀❤️
Abbydog
Member
6 years ago
I hope that all goes well for you tomorrow.We will all be thinking of you.
arpie
Member
6 years ago
Xxx big hugs xx
Raich
Member
6 years ago
Thank you. Just want it to be over. And be back home. I know it will be fine. Just , you know. Bleh. Xxx
ChezaH
Member
6 years ago

Raich said:

Thanks Everyone, as it turns out just have no time to go to work been busy with appointments ... met surgeon last Friday, booked in for surgery next Thursday (27th)
wide excision, possible axillary clearance.
Getting stuff organised... Blue has decided to come along; to cover any cat scans I may need....

Sending you hugs for your surgery tomorrow Cheers Cheryl x
Locksley
Member
6 years ago
Blue is lovely. Our pets really do know when something is up with their humans. Sending hugs for your surgery on 27th. xxx
Sister
Member
6 years ago
Hi @Raich Do check out your Super as soon as you can - I would be surprised if you don't have some sort of income protection scheme if you're a teacher. Be aware though, that it can take time to come through and there is usually a waiting period during which you can not have worked - I think mine was 30 days.
Caz1
Member
6 years ago
@Raich, hi ....I am/was like you, and quite private about who I told.
When I was diagnosed, It was like I had to go internally to concentrate on my treatment and come to terms with everything. As another survivor explained to me, you have to go on this misadventure ( I hate the word journey ) on your own anyway. Now I’m a year on, and found myself openly sharing my diagnosis with an acquaintance the other day! Surprised myself!

You do you. You must protect yourself and your mental health. This is your story, and you tell whomever you want!
Good luck with everything :)
Caz xxx
Raich
Member
6 years ago
@arpie, it’s all happening so fast! It’s a combination of being relieved and overwhelmed. I fluctuate between the two! I’ve taken leave for the remainder of the term (we have 5 weeks left) and then will probably be undergoing radiation therapy. Which takes up almost all of next term. So I’m looking at taking leave then too. It’s a relief to know (kind of) what’s happening

Forum Discussion

Diagnosed 2 Days Ago

62 Replies

Recent Discussions

Triple Positive HER2+

Feeling lost

Second Opinion

Inoperable

Recommendations-North Brisbane -Public v Private- Surgeons