Newly diagnosed with invasive breast cancer mid December. Surgery delayed once already but now is tomorrow with a lymphoscintography shortly. Feeling very nervous and quite emotional today - haven’t really cried since diagnosed but today I can’t seem to stop. Is this how others have felt?

Understandably nervous! As time goes on you learn what seems like a new language, Lymphoscintigraphy. "Lymphoscintigraphy is a special type of nuclear medicine imaging that provides special pictures of the lymphatic system, which transports fluid throughout your immune system. Lymphoscintigraphy is often used to identify the sentinel lymph node, or the first node to receive the lymph drainage from a tumor."Personally, I didn't cry! I had a tear when I was in the holding bay waiting to go into the theatre for a Mastectomy but otherwise, I was too busy concentrating what was at hand!Most people are quite emotional - allow the tears to flow. It's all about the shock and wondering how did I get here and what treatment is next!Sending a virtual hugTake care

@MrsMorrisey My surgeon saw me in recovery just after waking up, she said it went well. Feeling better today than yesterday and overall better than I thought I would. My husband is a godsend and has been looking after me and is making sure I rest. How did your surgery go?

@cranky_granny thank you for sharing your story. Thank you also for your insight. Going into this I thought that it would be surgery and then a follow up treatment and the life would be back to normal. I’m now realising that I may have been a little in denial and also trying to show those around me that I’m fine so not worry them. After hearing from others in the group I’m realising that it is ok to have lots of different feelings and that no feeling is right or wrong. I need to take each days as it comes whether it be good or bad and that this will be an ongoing process.

Thanks @arpie @Booklover let’s believe and pray for no lymph node action. Just rads and blockers xxxx

Let the tears flow.... then go for a walk. I was diagnosed April 23 and I still burst into tears at times. Lean on your support people and reach out to your breast care nurse. Judging by your name you like reading. I read so much every day, and slept so much. Take things easy and look after yourself. I hope everything goes well tomorrow.

Nervous | BCNA Online Network

Katie46
Member
2 years ago
Hello Mrs Morrisey, I've been following your journey, it can be overwhelming at times, and frustrating, particularly in the early days waiting for appointments and results, once I had all that information and a clear plan I've felt more in control. I feel like I've been lucky up here as everyone has taken time to explain everything and we've never felt like we've been rushed out the door. My oncologist told me he would have recommended chemo even if the lump was smaller and no lymph node involved due to the high grade making the risk of recurrence being higher. My husband has come along to all my appointments, as it is easy for your mind to drift a bit and miss something. So I'm just going with the flow and doing what is recommended for the best possible outcome. I've also been lucky to meet some women up here who have gone through this, which has been very helpful, and reasuring. Once you get diagnosed with breast cancer you quickly find out how common it is, once I mention it most people have a relative or friend who has been through the same thing. I've also registered with Look Good Feel Better and attended one of their online makeup sessions, I've managed to hang on to my eyebrows so far, but feel their days are numbered, and I have never had to draw my own 😆 Hoping all goes well with your next surgery. Katie
MrsMorrisey
Member
2 years ago
Hi @mspink and @Katie46

Thanks for saying hello and thanks Katie for the info around your treatment. I find out on Monday if I need chemo.
Is comforting to read you got by okay.
At first was adamant not to get it but after crying to my BC nurse 😳 she assured me I’d be looked after and it’s only offered if need be.
Apparently I’m a grey area according to my surgeon and even though I have clear lymph nodes they may offer chemo due to my age ( 50) and the tumour type ( IDC grade 2 28mm)
Unfortunately I did not get clear margins on Jan 17 lumpectomy and I have to have more surgery on 22 nd Feb to get out remaining DCIS. Actual nasty tumour is gone though. Kinda annoyed she didn’t take more but she said my breasts are dense and fibrous.
I really hope she gets it all next time. Shame cos my wound is healing well except for sore bicep from lymph node removal.
I’ve had a big whinge on another thread bug thought I’d say hello anyway 👋
Katie46
Member
2 years ago
Hello, I was diagnosed in October after having my first mammogram at 50 totally unexpected. IDC Stage 2 (2cm) grade 3 and 1 lymph node involved. Lump removed with clear margins in November and healed well. The surgeon took more than he had originally planned as he thought the lump felt larger, and so removed lump, precancerous cells and obtained clear margins, so slightly larger dent, but very happy no more surgery required. I can have reconstruction if I want once my treatment is finished, but at the moment it looks ok to me, my breast shape is still intact. Due to it being grade 3 I've just completed my 3rd round of 4 AC every 2 weeks and then move on to 12 of Taxol, then radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Happily no nausea (the drugs work for me and I haven't needed to use the extra given to me) and fairly mild side effects other than fatigue and hairloss. My hair was long, but I had it cut short before treatment (which I liked) and then got my husband to buzz cut when it started to come out, which helped with the tender feeling on my scalp. I'm up in Darwin and we have 2 wonderful McGrath Nurses who have been very helpful, and extremely happy with my surgeon and oncology team at the Alan Walker Cancer Centre up here, everyone has been so supportive. Currently on leave from work, mainly because of the fatigue but hoping to be able to do a few days a week when I switch to Taxol. I've been lurking on this network since my diagnosis, and it's been very helpful 🙂 Katie
mspink
Member
2 years ago
Hello ladies,
I too am newly diagnosed (22/12/2023) IDC ( invasive ductal carcinoma) my surgery happened on 17/1/2024. Waiting for surgical follow-up appointment to see how it all went and what’s next !!!. Have been in touch with the wonderful McGrath foundation nurse who has been extremely helpful before surgery and post surgery. It’s the waiting for the next steps that is making my mind wander and feelings of loneliness. Whilst I have been blessed with a loving and supportive family around me, this is something I am having a difficult time coming to terms with, as I have been really healthy most of my life and why this now.. not sure of how much time I will have to have off work etc etc

Thank you for taking the time to read my rant. Take care and best wishes to you all 🩷😘
MrsMorrisey
Member
2 years ago
Totally agree. I seek this forum for reassurance as I’m struggling to find anyone who can possibly understand that our entire lives have shifted off the axis.
Very hard to navigate the ever changing feelings.
cactusk
Member
2 years ago
@GorgyS @J-Nold
I absolutely agree with both of you. You nailed in GorgyS with this phrase 'a place to vent, gather information and find encouragement to keep going'. I have an amazing group of friends around me, incredible support from work, and family from afar all in my corner, but these forums do provide so much for me during this 'journey'. The cyber hugs from here mean so much.
GorgyS
Member
2 years ago
Honestly, I wouldn't be able to get through all of this without the support of the BCNA network. When I'm worried, sad, angry, or nervous, it becomes my best friend—a place to vent, gather information, and find encouragement to keep going. Only women going through breast cancer truly understand each other.
J-Nold
Member
2 years ago
I am reading this thread as it’s relevant to my experience so don’t feel need to repeat.
Can I just say I am so touched by the genuine care and concern being expressed by everyone in the network? The kindness of friends, family and now even strangers is what brings me to tears! Thanks everyone.
I was first teary when I was waiting at the chemist for my first script of Tamoxifen just before Christmas, on holidays away from home- delay in surgery due to Cmas but was advised to start straight away. Then had to join hubby and kids to finish the groceries for Christmas. I think all the mums could relate to that.
arpie
Member
2 years ago
@Booklover ... I hope you are feeling better after the virus ... great that they got clear margins & not in the nodes .... and taking out the pre-cancerous lump is a bonus. xx.

All the best for your Onc appt ... and your Rads xx

take care
Booklover
Member
2 years ago
@MrsMorrisey sorry for the delayed response, feeling a little unwell the last couple of days - just a virus.
That’s great about your recovery.
Did you manage to have your dressing removed?
I saw my Surgeon this afternoon and got good news. The lump was removed and the margins were clear as well as the nodes. There was another pre-cancerous lump near the cancer, that they took out also.
Next step now is to meet with the Oncologist and 3 weeks of radiation to start in around 6-8 weeks and meds also.