So far pathology etc result of grade 3 invasive carcinoma NST .ER- PR- HER2 pending. Got results via zoom at my request because I was on the road.Off to GP today for referrals then into BSQ tomorrow for info session. Trying to navigate my way through the lingo 😩. Not sure whats ahead…..feeling lost.

Hi @Number2 Sending you hugs for your neoadjuvant chemo.I did TCHP for triple positive IDC last year. When my hair started falling out, I did a number 4 with the clippers. I didn’t need to shave as the rest fell out anyway, but there was less mess as it was shorter. I wore a bamboo beanie as it was warm (for winter) and soft for my head.Hopefully someone else can help with the nostrils and armpits, as I didn’t have those side effects. Definitely contact your oncologist if you are concerned about the armpit swelling.My tongue would be thick and horrible in the first week after chemo. Everything tasted bad, including water so I struggled to eat and drink. I would gargle warm, salty water all throughout the day or Oral7 mouthwash. Also try chewing gum.All the best

hi @Number2 I am so sorry to hear about this diagnosis for you. Understandably you are wondering about how this could change your plans in 2025. I echo @iserbrown - it’s a frustrating wait for you because the duration of your active treatment will depend on your results. It will be tailored to take into consideration many things including your pathology (noting you have had a biopsy already) your family history, and a CT scan/or MRI or PET scan along with the size and location(s) of your breast cancer.When I was diagnosed I remember being astonished there was so much variation in the types of breast cancer and therefore so much variation in treatment. I really didn’t absorb quite how long I needed to make space for my specific treatment in my life. If it helps I can share my treatment timeline.The main thing was my diagnosis as HER2 positive (only 15-20% breast cancer diagnoses are HER2 positive). I was also oestrogen positive and progesterone positive.HER2 positive treatment is usually administered over a 14 months timeframe. On the upside the treatment is very targeted and effective. I commenced in March 2023 and finished 14 months later at the end of April 2024. Luckily the treatment didn’t cause side effects for me that required the treatment, surgery or radiation therapy to be stopped. I hope it gives you an insight into the duration and if it turns out you are HER2 positive please sing out if you have any questions. Sending you lots of positive energy for the days and weeks ahead as you continue to work through your diagnosis and what 2025 could look like for you.

Hi @Number2 some great tips there from @Blossom1961 and @iserbrown 🌺🌻🌸🌷Nails: I think the medical term prefers you to wear something that isn’t too hard to remove. My surgeon required nail polish off for my lumpectomy. I had the chalkiness, splitting and discolouration but also, one of them became infected* (fairly late into the 6 cycles) so think about polish that’s kind on the nails and easy to remove. *My GP prescribed antibiotics to fight the infection.I agree with @Blossom1961 and encourage you to feel confident about asking your medical team if you’re not feeling too good after treatment. On the couple of times I needed to, the nurses were very kind and responsive and constantly assured me they would prefer we erred on the side of caution and called them, or that we present to emergency if it’s after hours, to be on the safe side. Here’s some suggestions, in line with @Blossom1961 ”be prepared” I received a care basket from my lovely niece with a few of these items in it … Biotene (you may get mouth ulcers) soft bamboo tooth brushsensitive toothpasteCanesten cream (thrush under the breast was an issue for me)box of Mylanta [the nurses and doctor will dispense the anti nausea prescription “big guns” immediately before and after chemo], Hydralyte or GastralyteGastro-StopMovicol (some people experience constipation whereas I was the opposite)Moo Goo moisturiser Hylo Forte eyedropsTissues or hankies (I never knew what a great job nose hair does until mine went MIA during chemo 😃)Facemasks (it’s advisable to avoid big crowds during the first 6 doses but if you have to be out and about you might be more assured masking up) A notebook to keep a record of how you’re feeling and the information you’re given.

SO sorry to see you joining our select little group here, @Number2 xx We all still remember that day that we were told 'You've got cancer' .... and it is a bit like a cricket bat to the head :( You don't remember much after it! We'll do our best to help you thru this .... it sounds like you've already had your surgery? Or are these results from your biopsy? See if they can send you through a written report on your pathology results - and if you've been assigned a Breast Care Nurse, you can ask her all the questions ... but feel free to put stuff here & those with similar results will be able to help you understand it all, in plain English. If you feel a tad overwhelmed, please consider calling our Helpline to have a chat with a sympathetic person xx. 1800 500 258 - Mon-Fri, 9-5. Just talking to someone should help calm the nerves & prepare for the 'next step'.Check out this thread for lots of 'general' info about the forum - including some other threads that may be helpful to you. Some 'off topic' threads may give you a bit of a giggle, or if you are into art & craft, pets or gardens, you can show off your bits there xx We have lots of informative threads too .... and some 'tick sheets' down the bottom that may also help you self assess your mental & physical health - that you can print off & take with you to your appointments - sometimes it is easier to give them the 'ticked sheet' than to actually talk about it, when it is all so 'fresh' .... it does get easier, with time tho xx https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latesttake care, remember to take it just one day at a time, one hour, if necessary .... try not to get ahead of yourself with the 'what ifs' ..... and definitely stay away from Dr Google. A lot of info there is just plain outdated, or not relevant to your own diagnosis xx. Whack up any question that you have, here & we'll do our best to give you an honest answer .. as we've 'been there' and 'done that' .... and understand what you are going thru just now.Wishing you all the best xx

Good morning @Number2 that’s progress 🌸🌷I really hope Friday goes well for you when you meet with your surgeon. Their recommendation and guidance at this first interview usually gives us an initial idea of the treatment plan. From the information you have you’ll see the next steps can be really variable, it all depends on your specific diagnosis, and your particular situation.Some people have surgery straight away, whereas in my case surgery was 6 months after my diagnosis. Because of the particular characteristics of my case the usual approach was to have chemotherapy first, before surgery and, if needed, a bit more afterwards. Will be thinking of you on Friday. 🌻☺️

Lost | Online Network

arpie
Member
5 months ago
SO sorry to see you joining our select little group here, @Number2 xx We all still remember that day that we were told 'You've got cancer' .... and it is a bit like a cricket bat to the head :( You don't remember much after it!

We'll do our best to help you thru this .... it sounds like you've already had your surgery? Or are these results from your biopsy? See if they can send you through a written report on your pathology results - and if you've been assigned a Breast Care Nurse, you can ask her all the questions ... but feel free to put stuff here & those with similar results will be able to help you understand it all, in plain English.

If you feel a tad overwhelmed, please consider calling our Helpline to have a chat with a sympathetic person xx. 1800 500 258 - Mon-Fri, 9-5. Just talking to someone should help calm the nerves & prepare for the 'next step'.

Check out this thread for lots of 'general' info about the forum - including some other threads that may be helpful to you. Some 'off topic' threads may give you a bit of a giggle, or if you are into art & craft, pets or gardens, you can show off your bits there xx We have lots of informative threads too .... and some 'tick sheets' down the bottom that may also help you self assess your mental & physical health - that you can print off & take with you to your appointments - sometimes it is easier to give them the 'ticked sheet' than to actually talk about it, when it is all so 'fresh' .... it does get easier, with time tho xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care, remember to take it just one day at a time, one hour, if necessary .... try not to get ahead of yourself with the 'what ifs' ..... and definitely stay away from Dr Google. A lot of info there is just plain outdated, or not relevant to your own diagnosis xx. Whack up any question that you have, here & we'll do our best to give you an honest answer .. as we've 'been there' and 'done that' .... and understand what you are going thru just now.

Wishing you all the best xx
Number2
Member
5 months ago
Thanks for that arpie. No I haven’t had surgery yet, those results are just from the biopsy. Referral to breast surgeon went off today so now the waiting game begins.
Number2
Member
5 months ago
From general info looks like i may be having chemo radio surgery , but not sure in what order still waiting to see surgeon to find out. But can anyone give me a rough idea of how long the process takes so i can plan for return to normal ? Hopefully. We have a family holiday planned for may 2025
iserbrown
Member
5 months ago

Hi! Sorry to see you here!
All treatments are specific to the individual. Some sail through, others suffer side effects.

https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/treatment/

The link may help to understand

Chemo radio will be arranged through an Oncologist.
As to how many treatments and when and how long, a decision by your medical team. Once you have a plan you will feel in control. As to how you sail through treatments will determine when you can cope with the holiday!

Take care
Best wishes
Tri
Member
5 months ago
hi @Number2 I am so sorry to hear about this diagnosis for you.
Understandably you are wondering about how this could change your plans in 2025.
I echo @iserbrown - it’s a frustrating wait for you because the duration of your active treatment will depend on your results.
It will be tailored to take into consideration many things including your pathology (noting you have had a biopsy already) your family history, and a CT scan/or MRI or PET scan along with the size and location(s) of your breast cancer.
When I was diagnosed I remember being astonished there was so much variation in the types of breast cancer and therefore so much variation in treatment. I really didn’t absorb quite how long I needed to make space for my specific treatment in my life.
If it helps I can share my treatment timeline.
The main thing was my diagnosis as HER2 positive (only 15-20% breast cancer diagnoses are HER2 positive). I was also oestrogen positive and progesterone positive.
HER2 positive treatment is usually administered over a 14 months timeframe.
On the upside the treatment is very targeted and effective.
I commenced in March 2023 and finished 14 months later at the end of April 2024.
Luckily the treatment didn’t cause side effects for me that required the treatment, surgery or radiation therapy to be stopped.
I hope it gives you an insight into the duration and if it turns out you are HER2 positive please sing out if you have any questions.
Sending you lots of positive energy for the days and weeks ahead as you continue to work through your diagnosis and what 2025 could look like for you.
Number2
Member
5 months ago
Thanks Tri, they have said ER and PR negative and the HER2 is pending results of more biopsy /autopsy when I have my surgery because it was 5% positive. Tumour is 17x14x10.
Tri
Member
5 months ago
Will be thinking of you over the next few days. 🌻
Number2
Member
5 months ago
Got a call today! First appointment with surgeon on friday 😳
arpie
Member
5 months ago
Terrific, @Number2!! Here's a list from the Cancer Council suggesting questions you might like to ask your surgeon, so you can get an idea of all the different aspects of your surgery & recovery xx

take care & all the best! Make sure you take a trusted friend/relative with you - and also consider recording the appointment so you can go over it again, afterwards, as it is very difficult to remember everything that is discussed on the day xx
Tri
Member
5 months ago
Good morning @Number2 that’s progress 🌸🌷
I really hope Friday goes well for you when you meet with your surgeon.
Their recommendation and guidance at this first interview usually gives us an initial idea of the treatment plan.
From the information you have you’ll see the next steps can be really variable, it all depends on your specific diagnosis, and your particular situation.
Some people have surgery straight away, whereas in my case surgery was 6 months after my diagnosis. Because of the particular characteristics of my case the usual approach was to have chemotherapy first, before surgery and, if needed, a bit more afterwards. Will be thinking of you on Friday. 🌻☺️