Hello to all the strong women out there!

@iSara

Hi Sara
lots to learn and info to absorb.  There are groups on here that you may wish to join as well as but in the meantime to get started

Our @SoldierCrab has put together a welcome with links


Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. 

It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. 

The what and how thread.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1 

Breast Care Nurses

https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx 

My Journey Kits and other resources. 

https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258

If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258.  The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.

 

 

How to understand your pathology reports

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/understanding-your-pathology-report/breast-pathology/breast-cancer-pathology.html

Thanks so much!  <3

Hi Sara. Sorry you've found yourself here but having said that, I hope you find it as helpful and supportive as I have.

A word you often see used here is rollercoaster. Having a BC diagnosis is full of ups and downs. You don't get used to it as such, but you do learn that you will pull up out of the downs at some point so you just have to keep hanging in.

I have four kids, two teens, an almost teen and one younger. Just as you get used to your treatment plan, they will too. Be open, give them the info they ask for and bear in mind that you might need to reiterate. I've found that I've assumed they've heard and understood something I've said only to discover later that it's gone in one ear and out the other!

I hope my experience will make them more empathetic and caring individuals as they move through their young lives.

I describe the learning curve as vertical. There is such a lot to absorb. Don't stress, you'll get there. Take notes, take a friend or family member with you to appointments, or record them on your phone. The doctors are used to patients not getting it all clear the first time and are usually very happy to repeat themselves. Do you have a breastcare nurse? If you get a good one they can be an amazing resource for all those questions that occur to you 'later'. Try not to Dr Google! But if you do, stay away from the US websites. Their healthcare environment is so vastly different to ours it can be quite distressing. The BCNA and Macmillan (the UK equivalent) are always a safe bet.

Have you got your My Journey kit? That has excellent suggestions of questions to ask your doctors. And you can always call the BCNA helpline on 1800 500 258. The people on the other end of that line are terrific.

And of course, you can always jump on here for a question (this is an awesome hive mind!), a vent, a fret, a rant and even a laugh! If you're comfortable you could tell us whereabouts in Australia you are and a little about your diagnosis.

Hang in there Sara! Take it one day at a time if it threatens to overwhelm. Big hug, Kate xox

@kmakm has said it all.  Don't put too much pressure on yourself - the emotions fluctuate.  Welcome!

Thanks so much ladies @iserbrown @kmakm @Sister  <3

We try to be strong for everyone around and just nice to know we aren't alone. The real stuff :(

@kmakm Thanks so much. 4 kids...how do you do it! my two are enough lol 
my son suffers with anxiety and I worry about how much I tell him, but I cant hide it either. Its a balance as a mum, but they aren't silly either. lol

My breast care nurse ordered me a kit and bra  :#  She is amazing and so caring. I tell you, we are so lucky in this country....I keep saying it. We get looked after so well. 

After surgery I have two different size breasts, one has a weird shape. Can this be fixed later one? After treatment is done? I know it seems trivial, but i would like to find someone new one day and seriously its a daily reminder everyday :(

Thanks @Sister <3

Sara it's absolutely not trivial. You have every right to feel as whole and restored as you wish to be. Sanity not vanity. Our breasts are a central part of our femininity. Some women are less concerned than others but no one chooses to get breast cancer. This is not elective.

Yes, you can have reconstructive surgery to correct imbalances as best they can. You'll need to see a specialist plastic surgeon; your breast surgeon should be able to refer you to one. They'll be able to tell you what they can do.

You might like to join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group here. While you don't need a full recon, there's a lot of expertise in that group.

As to how I do it with four kids? I have no idea! But we muddle through. K xox

@kmakm hats off to you my dear. xx
There a line in a song I like and it says....
Most mummas oughta qualify for sainthood. You for sure qualify lol

Ok, thank you xx made me feel less superficial. My surgeons husband is a plastic surgeon, Ill talk to her after treatment.

Oh forgot to mention I live in Doncaster, Melbourne. 

Thanks again everyone
much happiness and appreciation to you all

Hi @iSara,

Welcome to the forum.  The ladies have already covered everything so I just wanted to say hi and that your feelings are absolutely normal.  Rollercoaster is the best word to describe it.

Coming out of this looking and feeling "normal" was one of my biggest goals throughout.  No one asks for this crap and why shouldn't you do everything you can to come out the other side as best you can.

Nothing is trivial on here, just make it known to your team what your plans are for later so they know up front and can work with your wishes.  I had lumpectomy as well and ended up with one D and one C cup.  I have found that over time once all the up and down swelling and effects of radiation start to subside  the naughty breast starts to soften and becomes less rock like lol.  The difference is really quite minor now.  

I also kept my hair through chemo with the cold cap so nobody has been able to tell anything that's been going on in my life unless they've been told.  I pretty much look exactly the same as before.  

All the best to you lovely.  You got this.

xoxoxo

@iSara A big welcome here but so sorry you have to be here ! 
Like us all this shitty thing is mindblowing !! 
Feel free to question or vent on here , someone is always listening ! 
Many hugs are exchanged here ! 
Best wishes for your next part of treatment . 
If you feel like a chat /coffee/wine in person just send me a PM 
i live in Ferntree Gully not that far away ! 
Hugs xx

Hi @iSara I had surgery in June and still have a line through my breast and everyone keeps telling me it will settle with time so I get where you are coming from plus we have enough other crap going on who wants to look lobsided as well?!  I worried about my hair - way more trivial!