Logistics of treatment
I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer a few months ago (ER positive, PR positive & HER2 positive) and am struggling to move forward with any of the treatment options offered to me. One of the r...
Forum Discussion
Hi there @Outra everyone on here looks out for each other and you will always get honest advice which is great. I understand the logistical obstacles you have and it would be harder with a baby in tow as well.
1.did you say if you have a mastectomy you won’t need chemo? If this is the case since you are so concerned about your hair loss perhaps this would be a better choice for you?
I had triple negative bc last year in my left boob all scans clear no lymph nodes involved aged 43. Mine was stage 2a grade 3. Had the left boob off then Took the other boob off 6 months later my choice (on the royal Brisbane very long wait list for recon) but I also had a mastectomy so i only needed chemo and not rads as well and i would of had to have the rads at the royal which would be a pain in the arse tracking there from where I live. I had chemo at Redcliffe and I wanted to do whatever it took to get the best outcome so no regrets for me. I had really long thick hair too but living far out weighed my hair loss to be homest and it’s grown back now. But I totally understand you feeling so attached to your hair it’s a big thing to lose it.
2. Or if you do have treatment Do you have any friends or family to help you with your baby ? If you’re feeling crook post treatment you will need that support especially if you are staying away from home you will need time to rest and recover
these photos have t come up in order unfortunately but you will be able to figure it out the one with my daughter was after my first mastectomy then I cut I short prior to treatment then it fell out and I shaved it then there’s one with my scarve which looks ok then the one in the black and white dress is about a month ago.
3. If you try the cold caps and they aren’t successful could you not consider a wig ?. There’s plenty available from wig stores you could consider one that would be close to your own hair? Could that help you? Do you have a specialist you see for your chronic condition you speak of to help you too?
4. Do you have any superannuation? If you do you can claim for travel expenses to brisbane as you would be travelling way over the threshold and I know there is accomodation available near the royal Brisbane if that’s where you are staying and I’m pretty sure it’s funded also you could check with qld cancer council or your breast care nurse or the social worker to arrange this. You can also claim your super but only if you have been on a Centrelink benefit for more than 26 weeks. I wasn’t able to claim anything as hubby worked and I lived inside the threshold. So I understand the financial implications all too well
I understand it’s diffiult but I wouldn’t be delaying any treatment or surgery if you can help it. The quicker you start the quicker you can get on with life again. Hope this helps and all the very best whichever decision you make. The whole thing with breast cancer is shit no doubt about that but it is doable. Biggest hug. Margie xx
1.did you say if you have a mastectomy you won’t need chemo? If this is the case since you are so concerned about your hair loss perhaps this would be a better choice for you?
I had triple negative bc last year in my left boob all scans clear no lymph nodes involved aged 43. Mine was stage 2a grade 3. Had the left boob off then Took the other boob off 6 months later my choice (on the royal Brisbane very long wait list for recon) but I also had a mastectomy so i only needed chemo and not rads as well and i would of had to have the rads at the royal which would be a pain in the arse tracking there from where I live. I had chemo at Redcliffe and I wanted to do whatever it took to get the best outcome so no regrets for me. I had really long thick hair too but living far out weighed my hair loss to be homest and it’s grown back now. But I totally understand you feeling so attached to your hair it’s a big thing to lose it.
2. Or if you do have treatment Do you have any friends or family to help you with your baby ? If you’re feeling crook post treatment you will need that support especially if you are staying away from home you will need time to rest and recover
these photos have t come up in order unfortunately but you will be able to figure it out the one with my daughter was after my first mastectomy then I cut I short prior to treatment then it fell out and I shaved it then there’s one with my scarve which looks ok then the one in the black and white dress is about a month ago.
3. If you try the cold caps and they aren’t successful could you not consider a wig ?. There’s plenty available from wig stores you could consider one that would be close to your own hair? Could that help you? Do you have a specialist you see for your chronic condition you speak of to help you too?
4. Do you have any superannuation? If you do you can claim for travel expenses to brisbane as you would be travelling way over the threshold and I know there is accomodation available near the royal Brisbane if that’s where you are staying and I’m pretty sure it’s funded also you could check with qld cancer council or your breast care nurse or the social worker to arrange this. You can also claim your super but only if you have been on a Centrelink benefit for more than 26 weeks. I wasn’t able to claim anything as hubby worked and I lived inside the threshold. So I understand the financial implications all too well
I understand it’s diffiult but I wouldn’t be delaying any treatment or surgery if you can help it. The quicker you start the quicker you can get on with life again. Hope this helps and all the very best whichever decision you make. The whole thing with breast cancer is shit no doubt about that but it is doable. Biggest hug. Margie xx