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

Cathyw_BCNAFF
Member
6 years ago
That's rough, having period issues and post surgery to deal with. Am glad I don't have to worry about that...All the best for tomorrow, ask plenty of questions if you're not sure..
Raich
Member
6 years ago
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.
arpie
Member
6 years ago
Wondering how you went going to Perth today @Raich ... hope you can enjoy the big smoke!

I hope your surgeon is happy with the wound when you see him on Fri and he is happy with how it is progressing! Xx.

I also hope you can get your results at the same time ... tho sometimes it takes longer!

all the best. Xx
Ahnn
Member
6 years ago
Love and hugs to you @Raich. It will get better faster than you expect and then on to next phase of treatment. Take care and give yourself time to rest
FLClover
Member
6 years ago
I was itchy all over for a month or so post surgery. Very uncomfortable. When I scratched my thighs, massive bruises appeared after a day and lasted about a week. I was covered in them. Big, purple, then green bruises. Asked surgeon about them, got a shrug as an answer 🤷🏼‍♀️
Raich
Member
6 years ago
So itchy!! And my dressings smell baaaaaaad!!! I’m heading back to Perth next Tuesday for post surgery consult... which isn’t til Friday . Hating the travel and being away from home.
lovemelrose
Member
6 years ago

Raich said:

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

I'm 6 days out too. Feeling pretty good but so itchy! Hope you keep feeling good :)
Raich
Member
6 years ago
Thank everyone. 6 days out of surgery. Feeling okay. Xxx
lovemelrose
Member
6 years ago
Hope your surgery went well. I was diagnosed about 13 days ago and had surgery on Tuesday and Thursday. It's overwhelming but the drs and nurses are fantastic so I hope you are recovering well. 💕
Locksley
Member
6 years ago
@Raich hope all went well for you for your surgery. Sending hugs xxx

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