Forum Discussion
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Hello. I'd like to introduce myself. I'm tina 62 years old just diagnosed with early breast cancer, grade 1 and grade 2, ER + This was picked up at post my regular mammogram. After further visit to...
Sorry to see you join our select little club, @tina_m2 ….. the one that no-one ever wants to join :( Whack up any question that you have, here, & we’ll do our best to help you with an understandable answer.
Terrific that your GP specialises in Breast care - often we don’t see the GP for months once you get on the BC bandwagon as there are just SO many tests & scans to be done, then your surgery & Onc appointments …. Your life gets turned upside down in a millisecond :(
Your emotional response to your diagnosis is 100% totally normal too …. But if you feel overwhelmed at all, jump onto the phone & have a chat with our helpline 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri 9-5)
All the best for your appt with your surgeon - where abouts are you (roughly) - you can add your town/suburb/region in your profile - then members may be able to point you towards BC services available to you in your town.
I’d suggest that you take a trusted friend of family member with you to all your initial appointments (surgeon, Medical Onc and Radiation Onc) as an extra set of ears and also physical support for you and to also record your meetings. It is virtually impossible to remember everything that is said - and it is important that you understand everything that is mentioned. Taking notes is an idea also - but then, as you are writing, you may miss the next point that they cover. Best thing, I reckon, is to take notes afterwards as you listen to the recording ;)
I’d definitely recommend that you listen to the Charlotte Tottman’s Podcasts on “What you don’t know til you Do’’ ….. She is a specialist Breast Cancer counsellor and was diagnosed herself about 5 years ago. She had a double mastectomy & chose to remain flat. She was surprised at her own emotions after her diagnosis, as they were different to what she thought they would be, given her experience advising clients. So, she ‘gets it’ (as do we.) They are very easy to listen to - and you’ll probably recognise yourself in a lot of what she says.
I’d suggest that you take a trusted friend of family member with you to all your initial appointments (surgeon, Medical Onc and Radiation Onc) as an extra set of ears and also physical support for you and to also record your meetings. It is virtually impossible to remember everything that is said - and it is important that you understand everything that is mentioned. Taking notes is an idea also - but then, as you are writing, you may miss the next point that they cover. Best thing, I reckon, is to take notes afterwards as you listen to the recording ;)
I’d definitely recommend that you listen to the Charlotte Tottman’s Podcasts on “What you don’t know til you Do’’ ….. She is a specialist Breast Cancer counsellor and was diagnosed herself about 5 years ago. She had a double mastectomy & chose to remain flat. She was surprised at her own emotions after her diagnosis, as they were different to what she thought they would be, given her experience advising clients. So, she ‘gets it’ (as do we.) They are very easy to listen to - and you’ll probably recognise yourself in a lot of what she says.
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest
Also, check out this thread for lots of info on the forum - and also tips on what to take with you to hospital & other handy stuff xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest
take care, take it one day at a time, one hour, if needed …. Try not to get ahead of yourself worrying about the ‘what ifs’ …. And definitely stay away from Dr Google! A lot of the info on BC is outdated & probably not relative to your own diagnosis & it can be downright scary, if you are reading someone else’s tale!
Let us know here, how you go with your surgeon & other members of your team - you will probably be introduced to a Breast Care Nurse, too … who may become your best buddy. ;)
Also, check out this thread for lots of info on the forum - and also tips on what to take with you to hospital & other handy stuff xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest
take care, take it one day at a time, one hour, if needed …. Try not to get ahead of yourself worrying about the ‘what ifs’ …. And definitely stay away from Dr Google! A lot of the info on BC is outdated & probably not relative to your own diagnosis & it can be downright scary, if you are reading someone else’s tale!
Let us know here, how you go with your surgeon & other members of your team - you will probably be introduced to a Breast Care Nurse, too … who may become your best buddy. ;)