Here we (I) go

Sorry to see you join our exclusive little club, @cactusk .... but then again, none of us ever thought we would either :(   Your emotions are 100% natural - you'll be surprised how relieved you will feel AFTER the surgery, too, just knowing it is GONE! xx

Let us know how you go after your surgery (on this thread) and it will become a sort of 'diary' - ask any questions & we'll do our best to answer them for you xx. We've 'been there, done that' .... 

All the best for your surgery today - make sure you take it easy after you get home from the surgery - no housework, lifting kids/laundry/anything .... and I would suggest sleeping with a small cushion under the arm  on the side of the surgery (and hug it on the way home, to avoid bumps on the road. ;) )

Check out this post, for lots of info on the forum - you can show off your furkids, gardens, art & craft - and even have a laugh.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

take care, all the best - sending big cyber hugs xx

Thanks Arpie
appreciate the support. I CAN do this.
💪

Feeling relatively ok, albeit aided by post op painkillers. Have follow up with surgeon next week to hear the pathology of 2 sentinel nodes, and discuss treatment plan. Surgeon has suggested US onco type testing - it’s expensive. Has anyone done this? Means more waiting for results (3 weeks but could be more given time of year) but potentially more knowledge and therefore better planning for chemo / radio / hormone therapy. It’s starting to sink in that this is definitely a marathon, and the surgery was just the beginning.

SO Glad you are home again @cactusk & recovering well xx Yes, it is a bit of a marathon .... 

Quite a few members have had the test and can vouch for it.  It IS a bit exxy, but knowing for sure whether chemo would be beneficial for YOUR treatment (or not) would be a bit of a relief to know.  Also, they can more accurately advise on the likelihood of recurrence. 

Absolutely, Knowledge is Power xx 

The Onco type/Genome analyzes a sample of a cancer tumor to see how active certain genes are - and may narrow down treatment options - or advise no chemo at all.

In the past, many women may have had chemo & may not have actually 'needed it' .... 

Eventually, it 'should' be covered by medicare, as it is a useful diagnosis tool, that prevents unnecessary (and expensive) treatment being given, when it is unlikely to have any real benefit for the patient.  
https://www.breastcancer.org/screening-testing/oncotype-dx

If you put 'oncotype test' in the search area, you'll have lots of bits to check out ;) 
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/search?domain=all_content&query=oncotype%20test&sort=-dateInserted&scope=site&source=community

take care & all the best xx

3 sleeps till follow up with breast surgeon & pathology of 2 sentinel nodes. I’ve only shared my current status with those close to me, but a friend told a friend, who have come to me with the dreaded ‘should’ advice. Along the lines of ‘FWIW my friend had BC and she went vegan and blah blah & she’s well…’
I totally understand he’s coming from a place of care & love, and I absolutely acknowledge lifestyle factors & influence on recovery & assistance during treatment, but everyone is different (personal health, family history, age st diagnosis etc) how do i tell him his advice is just not helpful right niw? What works for 1 person may not for another? Last time i had cancer (1997 - thyroid) there were many ‘helpful souls’ sharing what worked for their friends,
it’s my health & my journey, and whilst i welcome support, i just cant cope right now with the ‘you should’ brigade.

I’m afraid there isn’t much you can do about well intentioned, badly informed friends. You just have to keep a distance until your own equilibrium can cope with their kind but moderately useless advice. They genuinely think their advice will help and you know that working with your medical team is the way to go and arguing about it is pointless.Plead fatigue or appointments or whatever, just create some space. Be firm. Best wishes. 

Dear @cactusk,

from jennyss in Western NSW

Exactly @Afraser !
my medical team and i will figure the best wsy forward for me to get well & stay well.
you’re right - arguing is pointless & so not where i want to spend my energies right now
thank you for reminding me it’s ok to say no.
thank you 🤗 

Update:
both nodes showed activity - 1 micro- and 1 macrometasteses
MDT had differing views - 2nd surgery option was considered but now chemo to begin in January 
I’m meeting both med onc and rad onc this week.
will be back here to read others experiences when I know likely chemo regime
i’m weirdly not scared. At the moment.
Surgery scar is healing but still pretty tender. Can’t wait till I can swim again - my stress release, exercise & happy place.
also meeting with an oncology exercise physiologist to get an exercise plan sorted.
anything else I can to do prepare body or mind for chemo?

Shame that activity has shown in the nodes @cactusk ..... but you DO now have a work plan .....

I would suggest you Use your phone to record your appointments with both Medical and Rad Oncs .... so you can go over it again at home, if you wish.  It is easy to miss bits at the time, as you ponder one thing that was said, missing the next bit! xx. Take a trusted family friend or relative with you too, for added support & an extra set of ears!

Without knowing which chemo you'll be on, it could be tricky to comment - other than saying not EVERYONE has nasty side effects, and hopefully you won't either xx. Most feel some fatigue tho.  Many have worked thruout their chemo with no real issues!  Not everyone loses their hair either (ask about the Cold Cap next week - and if your mix causes loss of hair?)

Drinking lots of water will help flush the chemo out of your system ... eat as well as you can & if up to it, maintain an exercise program xx

In the mean time, just get out there & enjoy your Xmas & New Year with family & friends xx 

Take care