Inoperable

I am so sorry to see you joining our select little group Nightsky​   …. everyone remembers the shock of hearing the ‘diagnosis:  “You've got breast cancer” ..... Causing sadness, distress and even anger.  It really mucks with your brain, sometimes even more than your body!  It is highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, give the Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 for a confidential chat with one of the Mods xx.

All the best for your Onc appointment. They will be able to explain 'the plan' to you xx  You should also be teamed with a Breast Care Nurse too who will become your best friend & first port of call for any queries you may have.  xx

Afraser​ has terrific info in her post .... make sure you write down any question that you have and tick them off as they are answered to your satisfaction.   If you record your meetings, you won't 'lose info' by writing the replies down! (See next paragraph!)

Make sure you take a trusted friend or relative with you to ALL your meetings from now on & also consider recording them too, on your phone xx. It is almost impossible to remember everything that is said & this way you can go back over it in the quiet of your home & take notes. xx

Also, Consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - as she explains it all very well xx  She is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy following her own diagnosis, choosing to stay flat. She was surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, as she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it all'! 

She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts. 

http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html

Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care & all the best

Thank you so much for responding. 

Dear Nightsky​ 

I was diagnosed a long time ago - 14 years - and had surgery (a mastectomy) first, then chemo, then herceptin and finally hormonal treatment. But in the intervening time, it has become quite common for treatment to shrink the cancer first, and surgery second. It sounds a bit backwards, but the intention is to reduce the degree of surgery ultimately required. Which may be what is happening in your case. Make a list of things you want to ask your oncologist - or take a trusted friend or relative with you to do so - when you know what is being planned and can discuss it with some knowledge, it actually does help.  My oncologist provided me with written information about treatment and medication, which I found really useful to refer back to. There are no silly or irrelevant questions at this point - you have every right to ask why a particular course is being recommended, cancer is confusing enough, it's fair to expect your medical team to shed as much light as they reasonably can!  Best wishes for your appointment. 

Oh gosh. I don’t have any advice or suggestions but I’m here to give you a hug. 
give the helpline a call tomorrow 💝 wishing you all the best with your journey x