New diagnosis, have had mastectomy

Hi TeePee, I am sorry to hear you have had to go through this. I too was diagnosed with BC in August. I have had a left breast mastectomy and axillary clearance and seen radiotherapist and waiting to see oncologist this week. My experience has been a mixture of being surrounded by supportive wonderful people including medical staff and breast care nurses and this online forum. I am lucky my children are all adults (most of the time haha). They have had mixed reactions. Sometimes they seem to be coping with the information and other times its a bit overwhelming for them. I think when children are younger they mostly deal with the facts. Not to say they won't be worried but they are very resilient.
My surgeon didn't feel I needed to record any information but he explained everything and gave me pamphlets to bring home. He did an amazing job with surgery. I don't need to see him for 3 months now. 
I found the My Journey Kit very informative and helpful. My BS also ruled out Breast Reconstruction for me for 18 months as he wants me to heal completely and ensure I don't get BC in my right breast. His thinking was based on the fact if I have a tummy tuck it can only happen once. Your situation may be completely different to mine. We are all unique in our own way. I hope your journey is smooth and successful. Always here if you want to chat. I found the Breastcare Nurses extremely valuable. Still seeing them at my oncologist appointment and in 3 weeks to help with a fitting for a wig. It's a bit of a roller coaster ride emotionally but there is an enormous amount of support here for you. Best wishes.

hi TeePee 
here is a helpful few links 

Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. 

It can be a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. 

Navigating the online community formerly the what and how thread.

http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/navigating-the-online-community-formerly-the-what-and-how-thread

Breast Care Nurses

https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx 

My Journey Kits and other resources. 

https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258

If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. BCNA’s helpline will now be open from 9am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 5pm Fridays.  

 

How to understand your pathology reports

https://www.cancer.org/treatment/understanding-your-diagnosis/tests/understanding-your-pathology-report/breast-pathology/breast-cancer-pathology.html

All the best for your Path report on Thurs, @TeePee - then you'll have a clearer idea of your ongoing treatment.

If you can, take a buddy with you for moral support AND an extra set of ears (or record it on your phone so you can go over it later on if needed - I did both!)

Yep - accept any help from family & friends that is offered!!  Pre-Cooked meals from one friend was a real bonus for me!

Hoping you are recovering well from your surgery xx

Hi @TeePee. Welcome to this forum. I hope you find it as warm and supportive as I have.

Can I suggest you ask to join the Choosing Breast Reconstruction group here? I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction at the end of April and that closed group was a tremendous help to me. It can be very confronting, but it's wonderful to work through a very particular set of concerns with women who have been there and are honest about it.

Hang in there. It will get easier once you know your treatment plan. Be honest and open with your kids, age appropriately, and they'll be OK. Don't let them backslide! My being incapacitated on and off during my treatment taught my four a new set of independent skills that they've maintained because I haven't gone back to the way it was before!

Accept all the help you're offered, and be kind to yourself. K xox

Hi @TeePee
Things will get a lot clearer when you have a treatment plan. A few things to bear in mind that may help: 
* You don't have to make a decision about reconstruction straightaway. You have plenty of time to think about it and look at your choices.
* Whatever treatment is recommended is finite. It may seem a long time at the start but it can pass faster than you think.
* Accept any help that's offered. Some people sail through treatment (I did mostly) and others don't. As @Sister says, your first instinct may be to protect your children from exposure to your illness, but ultimately they are resilient and will do better knowing what's happening and how they can help you.
* Be cautious about websites and Dr Google. Breast cancer is very variable, websites can be hopelessly biased and people tend to talk about problems online more than successes (this site is an exception!). A trusted medical team is your best source of advice, but you will also get lots of practical tips, shared experiences and some humour here.
I had a mastectomy and axillary clearance, 6 years ago next month. Well and living normally. Best wishes for next Thursday.

Hello @TeePee welcome also. In addition, to the wonderful support and valuable insights provided by the online community, please don't hesitate to call the BCNA Helpline on 1800 500 258 to speak with a cancer nurse if you have any questions or concerns

Hi @TeePee and welcome. It's such a shock, isn't it? Once you know your treatment plan, things will settle a bit. I was diagnosed just before Christmas and have now finished active treatment. I have kids not too different in age to yours - 11, 12 & 15 at time of diagnosis.  I have been honest with them and apart from the odd wobble, they have managed well.  It is important though (and particularly as you're a single mum) that they understand that they need to help you.  You (and they) might be surprised at just how much support they can be.

Good luck on Thursday @TeePee. Mxx