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Cruiser's avatar
Cruiser
Member
7 years ago

New at this

Hi everyone, I was called in for a follow up at the Breastscreen clinic in Canberra in early January 2019 and officially diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma grade 1 shortly after. Waiting around for the surgeon's appointment has been hell and the more I read, the more terrified I have become. I finally had the surgeon's appointment on Tuesday and he assures me that this is a good diagnosis to have and the prognosis is good. It is still terrifying and the loss of control in my life and what the future holds for me is all consuming at this point in time. I was called yesterday with a surgery date of 13 February for a lumpectomy which thankfully isn't too far away so I have been reading allot of posts to get some ideas on what to take for my overnight stay and am working my way through putting together a list. I have a 6 week trip to Europe planned in early June this year and I am mentioning it to every medical professional that I meet in the hopes that the surgery and radiation will be over before I am due to fly out. I have travel insurance but the thought of having to cancel something that I have planned and research for well over 12 months would be disappointing to say the least. Even though I am assured that the prognosis is good, I had a meltdown at work yesterday morning, I just couldn't hold it together so I am home for the rest of the week and my supervisor said that she will do anything I need in order to support me whether that be going part-time for the moment, working from the office or at home. I am so grateful for the support of not only my colleagues but my close friends as well. One of my friends has been to every appointment so far which has been terrific as at least one of us will hopefully retain all of the information thrown my way. I live alone and have one grown up daughter who lives about 4 hours away and my friends and family are adamant that I am not coming home after the surgery. I am very independent and in a bid to keep myself busy and organised, I have been cooking up a storm and have enough meals to get me through an apocalypse. I feel more comfortable coming back to my own apartment rather than being a burden on my friends. To all you wonderful ladies that have been through a similar surgery, are you able to advise if it is realistic for me to be able to be home by myself for the first few days post-surgery please? I have been lurking in this forum for the past week and it seems like such a safe and supportive forum so I hope you don't mind me putting forward some questions as I think of them!!! I have met my breast care nurse and she seems lovely and I have also been out and purchased the post-surgery bras, button up pjs and dressing gown but feel free to suggest anything else that you wish you had thought about before surgery. I am looking forward to being a regular contributor to this forum.
invasive-ductal-carcinoma
lumpectomy
surgery
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi @Cruiser - welcome to the forum - it is not the one most of us want to join - but on here, you will get a HEAP of support & info on all sorts of stuff that you may end up going thru.  Any question - just ask away.

    We have a few members in Canberra who may be able to help you out wth the local resources ...... you can add your town name to your profile, so others can see.  @CathyMac

    I had my surgery in mid Jan 2018, (didn't have chemo) and then had Rads and still got my holiday to Norfolk Island in late April, then went onto tabs afterwards  ..... so fingers crossed that you will still be able to go on your OS trip in July.  It would be terrific to be the 'reward' after your active treatment has been completed!!  

    From the day you find out you need more than a mammogram onwards - it is a real roller coaster ride - and your emotions can come in waves.  You are OK, then sad, then OK, then angry ..... all of this it totally normal.

    It is terrific that you have good friends & work colleagues who are so supportive of you.  Re going home alone after surgery - if your friends have offered to look after you - you will need to be picked up anyway, so I'd be suggesting you take them up on it.   I stayed at my brother's place after surgery just for 2-3 days (as you shouldn't be driving straight after - even for a week or two depending on the surgery performed.)   Also, you may get sleepy from the anaesthetic .... and altho not fully immobilised, it can be awkward in the first couple of days.

    All the best for your surgery in Feb xx
  • _Millie_'s avatar
    _Millie_
    Member
    7 years ago
    Hi Cruiser, sorry you've joined us. But, hopefully you'll find a lot of love and support here. I had a lumpectomy in July, and I think for the first few days you should have someone with you, or at least checking in each day. I needed help washing and combing my hair. Couldn't lift my arm too well. I also didn't want to do much in the way of moving my arm around. So, having someone able to make meals was handy too.

    I too had things planned, radiation was coordinated around an existing commitment. An overseas trip was booked 9 months out from diagnosis, so far it's still on. Although, I've got a specialist appointment next week, so we'll see how that pans out. Don't cancel anything until you absolutely have to. Treatment plans change, how you feel can change. Leave yourself something to look forward to. I'm not sure if you are going public or private, but my surgeon and oncologist pretty much said there is more flexibility around appointments and scheduling if you are private. So, that's the way I went.

    Best wishes xx
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