Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Diagnosis
Moderator moved @LJS comment to own discussion post in 'Newly Diagnosed': LJS Brisbane, Qld I have just been diagnosed with early stage invasive lobular carcinoma in my left breast. The shoc...
Forum Discussion
So sorry to see that you've joined our exclusive little club, @LJS ... the club no-one wants to join!
Yes, the shock/horror after the diagnosis is so real ... I felt the same & remember it well. Like you, I was totally healthy in body & mind at the time (less so now!) .... and my regular Breastscreen totally missed mine (as it was Lobular too & it can be more difficult to identify on Mammogram, specially with dense breast tissue, which I had at the time!) Feel free to join the Private Lobular Group, where we put lots of updates on ILC as we find them .... just click on this link & hit 'join'
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/23-invasive-lobular-cancer-ilc
Re telling your family (and friends) .... there is no easy way of doing it, but I found that an email was good, as it helped me keep control of the emotions (I'm a bit of a sook & cry very easily!) .... Also, you don't have to keep repeating it all, over & over ..... then let them know that you'll update them on details as they come .... so that you don't have to field so many phone calls. They will undoubtedly want to help you ..... and it could be things like mowing your lawn, picking up the kids from school/sport - or even supply meals ..... lean on them & accept any help they offer - as it is a win/win situation - they want to take pressure off you & it gives you a break xx. After your surgery, you may be limited in some areas for a little while - so all the more important to have someone there to do the household chores etc.
We have many members in & around Brisbane - they should be able to guide you on facilities nearby .... I know that they have free programs aim to improve your quality of life and help you navigate the sometimes very daunting cancer experience - so well worth contacting them (probably after your surgery.)
https://www.wesley.com.au/services/the-wesley-hospital-choices-cancer-support-centre
Also check out this thread for lots of info on the forum (including what to pack for hospital and also some tick sheets to monitor your mental and physical health as you continue thru your treatment plan.) We also have a bit of fun, showing off our art & craft, gardens, pets & even have a laugh (god knows we need a laugh now & then!)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest
Take plenty of deep breaths ..... take one day at a time, one hour, if needed ..... and do NOT use Dr Google! A lot of info on there is out of date & not relevant to your diagnosis - and will just scare the pants off you .... so stear clear of Dr Google!! ;)
take care & all the best xx
Yes, the shock/horror after the diagnosis is so real ... I felt the same & remember it well. Like you, I was totally healthy in body & mind at the time (less so now!) .... and my regular Breastscreen totally missed mine (as it was Lobular too & it can be more difficult to identify on Mammogram, specially with dense breast tissue, which I had at the time!) Feel free to join the Private Lobular Group, where we put lots of updates on ILC as we find them .... just click on this link & hit 'join'
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/group/23-invasive-lobular-cancer-ilc
Re telling your family (and friends) .... there is no easy way of doing it, but I found that an email was good, as it helped me keep control of the emotions (I'm a bit of a sook & cry very easily!) .... Also, you don't have to keep repeating it all, over & over ..... then let them know that you'll update them on details as they come .... so that you don't have to field so many phone calls. They will undoubtedly want to help you ..... and it could be things like mowing your lawn, picking up the kids from school/sport - or even supply meals ..... lean on them & accept any help they offer - as it is a win/win situation - they want to take pressure off you & it gives you a break xx. After your surgery, you may be limited in some areas for a little while - so all the more important to have someone there to do the household chores etc.
We have many members in & around Brisbane - they should be able to guide you on facilities nearby .... I know that they have free programs aim to improve your quality of life and help you navigate the sometimes very daunting cancer experience - so well worth contacting them (probably after your surgery.)
https://www.wesley.com.au/services/the-wesley-hospital-choices-cancer-support-centre
Also check out this thread for lots of info on the forum (including what to pack for hospital and also some tick sheets to monitor your mental and physical health as you continue thru your treatment plan.) We also have a bit of fun, showing off our art & craft, gardens, pets & even have a laugh (god knows we need a laugh now & then!)
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest
Take plenty of deep breaths ..... take one day at a time, one hour, if needed ..... and do NOT use Dr Google! A lot of info on there is out of date & not relevant to your diagnosis - and will just scare the pants off you .... so stear clear of Dr Google!! ;)
take care & all the best xx