Just diagnosed but cannot even contact a surgeon until 9th January. Stress levels high.

Something we all endure and ponder the meaning

I had my secondary tumour removed 20th October and only started chemo yesterday. Talk about Murphy's law, chuck in Christmas and the whole medical profession seems to become unavailable. Telling you to be patient and that a couple more weeks either way might make some sense but it is NOT helpful.
My past experience of Xmas cancer catastrophes included having a bilateral mastectomy on 18th December 2006. Despite the fact I was at that stage willing to stand in the foyer of Peter Mac and chew those puppies off myself it was not a good decision. It left me in less experienced hands for a few weeks which had ongoing ramifications a bit of patience may have avoided. 
Hang in there. It will happen. Xm

Hi unicornkisses
i found a lump and went to the drs on the 15th oct I got my diagnosis on the 4th nov as had to wait for testing.. then had surgery 3 weeks ago today on the 8th dec
one thing I have learnt on this journey is there is lots of waiting 
the drs told me not to worry about the wait in between., I know it's hard I am now waiting till the 12th for radiation oncology app
then waiting to start treatment! We are all here to chat to xxx
 

Hmmm I am thinking you having a date night with your hubby may be in order. Especially if he too is feeling overwhelmed. Alternatively just a walk together holding hands can do wonders to calm you both before the storm so to speak. It's funny just how many of us on here were always classed as low risk! I was the first in my family going back 5 generations that had any type of cancer! Never thought it would happen to me, but there you go. Lean on us all you want. 

PS...I have been delighted with my care through the RAH in Adelaide and my surgeon is brilliant...all covered by Medicare.

I had my biopsy on the 17th but because of Xmas hols didn't get my result until the 29th. My GP faxed my referral tbrough and had an appointment on the 5th through the public health system...have you tried that? As admin staff still work usually and can give you an appt date at least . You get great surgeons and a team approach. I didn't have surgery until 25th January. It felt like an eternity but my time was filled with pre op appts, scans etc all getting ready for the treatment plan. The waiting time is excruciating, and you will feel better after you know what is going to happen. We are here to listen. Take care. Kath x

Hi Unicornkisses, From the time of my first mammogram in April to surgery in June was 8 weeks 1 day. Identified as stage 2 in biopsy. I first felt my tumor in February but was due for my period and your always told not to check around your period due to fluid etc etc. I could not find the lump after that so thought no more of it. April found it again and thought better get it checked out. 2.7cm tumor which was thought to be very aggressive. I was told by all of the team that even had I had the mammogram February it would not have made any difference to the size of the tumour. The surgeon wasn't stressed and I had a four week wait for surgery after seeing her. These surgeons have a scale of urgency for appointments and surgery in relation to cancer, you will be listed accordingly and won't have someone's bunion being operated on before you. So breathe!!!!! Try and do something relaxing - if necessary have a bloody good cry!!! It is scary and stressful. After that download a white noise app on your phone to help you relax and sleep. Come here and vent your stress out because the waiting is the worst. You will get through this. Let us know how you get on. Sending you a big hug. Xx Cath

I think almost anyone you ask who's been in this position will say waiting is pretty intolerable. Doing something, anything, always feels better. But I agree, it's not a critical period, just something you don't need at this time of the year - I lost my hair 2 weeks before Christmas, also fun! There's an old saying in aviation that flying is 95% boredom and 5% sheer terror. Cancer's a bit like that too! Sadly you don't need a history to join the club - I had no history of any kind of cancer either side. That said, I am four years from diagnosis, have done long overseas travel stints, worked throughout treatment, and have my fingers, toes and everything else crossed to get to the 5 year mark with no more problems. It's a shock to the system but with some good medicos, it's all do-able. Best of luck!

Ask away there is an enormous amount of wonderful ladies here sharing their experiences and encouragement xo I only had my Mum who had Breast Cancer, no other family history at all and I didnt meet any other criteria of being higher risk at all for it. Luckily Id been getting Mammos at my Mums insistence in my mid 30's my first diagnosis was in my early 40's, then at the 4yr mark last year.  Its a terrible thing, and doesn't discriminate and strangely stats say only 5-10% is inherited. You're going to be OK! xx

Thank you, ladies for your input. I will be leaning on you for a while, I think. My husband is great but overwhelmed too. I will take your advice and take the time to prepare for when the appointments start. I did not realise that the first biopsy was only an indicator. I am not sure that is reassuring. I have been told for so many years that I was low risk, no family history etc that it has come as a big shock. When I can concentrate for a few minutes I will read through some of the other posts related to mine and take in what is said. I am sorry too that you both have been through it before and hope you feel it helps to pass on your knowledge.