Diagnosed this week and struggling

Thanks @arpie, I will let my surgeon know at my next appointment that I'm nervous about the anaesthetic. I'm trying to say to myself "this surgery will save my life" and I know that I can do this! 

Thanks @Mez_BCNA for the resources, I will definitely have a look at those. 

Thank you for the support 💜

Hi @Sammie_909 just adding to this great conversation! You may like to check out several resources to help with your anxiety and stress during this time:

• Coping with the emotional effects of breast cancer treatment

• Managing Stress (and Mindfulness)

• Peter Mac’s Cancer Mind Care Is a free, self-help online platform offering tailored mental health support for people with cancer, their support persons, clinicians, and First Nations. Accessible online, Australia wide www.cancermindcare.org.au

@Sammie_909 - in the mean time, consider cooking up all your favourite meals & freezing them, so you have at least a week's worth after you get home xx  

Yes, the thought of 'going under' is a tad confronting, specially as it is your first time.  Most anaesthetists are very aware of patients' concerns & go out of their way to make you feel at ease before going in to theatre.  Going under the first time for me (in my teens) was QUICK!  They said to count backwards from 10 & I only got to 9!!  It is all done thru the one cannula these days (not lots of jabs) & you will probably get a 'sedation' mix first up, to relax you even more xx   Maybe let your surgeon know that it is your first time & he can pass that on .... xx

Thanks @Tri and @arpie

I have another appointment coming up after my MRI, I will definitely talk to them about my anxiety related to the surgery. I have no worries about losing a breast, having a scar, I can cope with post-surgery pain, it's literally just the general anaesthesia and 'going to sleep' that is bothering me. I will definitely seek help about this. 

You guys are so kind 💜

Great that you now have a date @Sammie_909 ..... keep yourself busy, doing things you love doing xx

Re:  Any tips for anxiety related to the surgery?   Try and keep 'in the present' and not get ahead of yourself & into the 'what ifs'.  'Cos they may never happen, so no point worrying about them in advance xx. Thinking of what 'might happen' just mucks with your brain xx. Try & Get outside, breathe the fresh air, go for a walk, meet up with friends for a coffee .... 

If you find yourself getting a tad overwhelmed/worried ... definitely give our Helpline a call on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) and have a confidential chat with a 'real' person xx

take care & all the best xx

Hi @Sammie_909 that’s terrific you have a date and thx so much for the update. 🌸🌷
I think chatting to the surgeon or nurse about what you might expect on the day of surgery could really help you. My experience was that the team was very positive and kind. It’s a big thing for us and the teams who work with breast cancer really seem to understand that. 

Checking in:

I met with the breast care nurse and the surgeon today. 
I have my surgery date for later this year (another kettle of fish of anxiety as I've never had general anaesthesia before).
Surgeon thinks it's early stage and hasn't spread to lymph nodes (but a couple will be taken during the surgery and tested). 

I feel so much better now that I have a date for surgery and have met a couple of the team that will be helping me. Thank you all here for your advice and help too :smile:

I will be having a single mastectomy which I am happy with. 

Any tips for anxiety related to the surgery? 

https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/breast-cancer-pathology/

Pathology after surgery gives a full picture and treatment is decided upon after results


Take care

Thanks @MelV83. I will have a look at that article. I woke up very early this morning, got a bit upset, then decided to journal. This helped. Thank you. I guess reading that a whole medical team will meet and discuss my best options is reassuring, at this stage I am prepared that a mastectomy may be recommended due to multiple lesions in one breast, and I think I would prefer that. I have another chronic health issue which they will need to take into account as well so if that reduces my need for as much other treatment (radio/chemo) that could be better. It's very individual isn't it. Well I got through another day and another night. Thank you everyone 💜

@Sammie_909 I found this article really helpful for understanding my pathology report: 

https://bcna-dxp.azureedge.net/media/dj1lnxxc/bcna_pathology_fact_sheet_2021.pdf

I found my biopsy very painful, but the clip insertion was a little easier. I think once you are aware of it, psychologically you tend to notice things around it a bit more- I liken it to having dental work or losing a tooth as a kid and your tongue can’t seem to leave it alone…

In terms of sleep I found that taking melatonin was helpful in helping me get to sleep. I recently stopped working due to starting treatment so I am used to being up by 6, although sometimes I can be awake for the day as early as 4 now and rather than lay awake and think I tend to pop on here (there is a night owl section) to see what’s happening or reply to someone, and sometimes I put on a documentary on my phone to listen to and relax more so than sleep (although sometimes that works too), or I journal. Then once it hits 6 I try to go for a short walk. Short naps get me through the worst symptoms of the day if I need them.

i felt exactly like you before my first appointment with the breast surgeon- I just wanted it out of me “tomorrow”. Remember that everyone’s treatment plan will be different for your particular set of circumstances- and you will have a whole medical team that will meet and talk about the best way to tackle it. They will explain your stage and grade, and you will have some options to explore.