Hi everyone, I too am newly diagnosed

Thank you everyone and thank you Giovanna for splitting the thread. Ive woken up to some very supportive messages, and all the information is amazing, I appreciate it so much. It is all very scary kezmusc. Today is the day I go to the radiation centre to have a look around and if I decide to go ahead - and now I know I have to - I will be measured up, probably to start Monday. I have to have 16 sessions which I know is short compared to most. I do have access through my surgeon to breast care nurses and they have been fantastic. Arpie, I appreciate your clear explanations which help a lot, what are AI's? I do have arthritis, have had two hip replacements and a lumbar fusion - I am 67 in case I didnt mention it, I panicked a bit about that and the nurse said it was ok, they would just change me over, they are so patient. I have a tubular cancer, which appears to be a good thing as far as cancer goes and with research and trials they are finding out things all the time, so I was given a choice, but now the radiation oncologist is telling me to do both. I have not been able to contact the first oncologist, she seems to have gone to ground which is why Im exploring things myself. Mind you, she is the one I will be seeing so Im suprised she didnt return a phone call or the email, just to put my mind at ease. Am I being too harsh?

Feeling rather isolated, as Ive not long ago moved away from everything familiar, sold my house, retired and moved close to a daughter who now tells me they are moving to Queensland soon. I was just starting to make some friends when this all happened.

Thank you so much for your messages.  <3

Welcome @Bettyboo,

Everything is so scary at the start isn't it?  I too had surgery, chemo and 30 rads 10 yrs hormone therapy.  I had next to no problems with the radiation.  My skin held up really well until the last week and even then it healed very quickly after.  Get yourself some Moo Goo for the moisturiser. It works very well.
I had no fatigue and carried on life as per normal.  The worst part was driving there every day. 

Check with your doctor about the extra level of coverage the radiation hormone therapy will give you.    They will normally put a percentage on it.  For me the rads were an extra 8% and the hormone therapy was another 6%.  That might help you make a choice.  

Keep talking.  We all know how you feel.

All the best.

Welcome!  The time after diagnosis is so hard - either your head is spinning or you're in a fog.  How many radiation treatments do you have to have?  It's not too bad although a pain to have to go every day.  Some women have some problems, others don't.  So go with the flow on it and talk to the nurses if you have any discomfort.  There are lots of discussions on this site about radiation - if you use the search bar, you should find some really good info, or just ask.

Regarding hormone therapy, ask your onc what and why you should go on it.  It's his job to give you the information about the suggested treatment.  You can only make a judgement based on what you know.  I've had surgery, chemo and just finished radiation - at the same time as rads, I started on Letrozole.  So far, in 4 weeks, I don't think I have had any side effects that I can contribute to it.  I will be on it for 5 years in the first instance, with a high probability of 7 or 10 years.

No such thing as talking too much here @BettyBoo!

Cancer is scary no matter what size or treatment. However you'll be surprised how quickly things become routine.

It's out now, so take a deep breath and slow things down until you're clear and ready to make your decision. If you need to talk things through you can ask whatever questions you like here, have a vent or a worry, we've all been there and understand. Talking to the nurse is a good idea, and you could always call the BCNA nurses on the helpline, 1800 500 258. They're super helpful.

No one can make you do anything, but almost everyone has the treatment their doctors recommend. The pulse is the thing, so keep your eyes on the prize. And after radiotherapy you can try the hormone therapy. Not everyone has side effects; you won't know if you don't try. Big hug, K xox

Well done on getting thru your surgery ..... Great news that it hadn't spread to the nodes! So technically, the radiation is a bit of a 'mop up exercise' - in case any of the cancer had already spread it's tentacles that wasn't picked up by the surgery!  Like you, I had the lumpectomy for Invasive Lobular Cancer and had clear nodes, followed by radiation & am now on AIs.

Talk with your oncologist - by going onto the AIs, it further reduces the possibility of the cancer returning ..... my tablets (for 5 years at this stage) only decrease the 'likelihood of recurrence' by 1% ...... but I am sticking with it at this point in time, tho technically, I could stop taking them if I wanted to.  The first Tabs I tried, Letrozole made my existing arthritis aches & pains REALLY REALLY bad ..... so I was changed over to Exemestane after 2 months & I am finding it much better for my personal situation with just my hands being affected mostly.

Be open minded & go with what your team reckons is best for your personal circumstances.  To be honest, the Rads wasn't 'too bad' ..... tho I had a couple of hiccups that sent me into a spin, mentally for a while.  

Hello @Bettyboo
Welcome to the online forum, you have found a very supportive and friendly online community.
I have split this thread from where is was originally posted so our members can respond to your individual post.  It can be an overwhelming time having to make decisions regarding your treatment. Be guided by your medical team, take someone with you to appointments and ask any questions that you are concerned about.  Dont hesitate to call our helpline on 1800 500 258 if you would like to speak with a cancer nurse for information or support.  All the best with your upcoming treatment.

Hi everyone, I too am newly diagnosed, Breastscreen found a small lump, and I was spoken to by a surgeon, given the diagnosis and told what the treatment would be i.e. lumpectomy and main lymph removed and checked. Surgery was the next week, margins and lymph nodes clear. Now Im about to start radiotherapy and Im very nervous. First I was told it would be either radiotherapy or hormone therapy, I could choose, but how can I choose without knowing anything? I have now been told that I should have the radiotherapy and 'knock it on the head' and then take the hormone therapy tablets and if they dont agree with me, I can stop. Can I? It is all moving quickly, and I know Im lucky with my prognosis, but im still scared and finding it hard to believe. Im nervous of radiotherapy but Im being invited to have a look before I start and chat with a nurse about my concerns, so Im doing that tomorrow. Now Im talking too much...