I had my first mammogram a few weeks ago. Got called back for a follow up assessment with Breast Screen Qld (amazing staff at the Toowoomba clinic) After another mammogram, US and two biopsy’s I was diagnosed on 4/7/23 with invasive ductal carcinoma in my left breast. I’m a public patient, booked in to see the specialist in 2 weeks for the next steps. Just wondering what everyone’s timeline is like as a public patient? How long after diagnosis did you have a treatment plan? Located in Toowoomba, Qld.

Hi @CathL, you may find the below information helpful:Download the Guide to best breast cancer care This will help you understand the optimal cancer care that should be provided at each step of your cancer care It also provides information to help you and your carers communicate with health professionals

Hello @CathL - I am in Victoria but I think the public system has the goal of surgery within four weeks of diagnosis. Hopefully someone who is near you will come on soon to assist you further. Once you have more information do come back on if you need support or advice. All the best.

Hi @CathL I’m in western Sydney. Not sure how Qld system is running. They would have a protocol for wait times etc. i was in slightly different order and got done before covid19 messed up the hospital systems that Showed the weaknesses as well as its strengths for each hospital. It took a week to get into clinic Once my plan was sorted which only took a week then plan was put into action. I had a few extra tests before chemo then Once my chemo stopped i was only 2 weeks to surgery. Then after healing the rads started. Each of person has an individual treatment plan. Worked out by a team who look at what would work the best in your situation.Take some notes and someone with you armed with it all to your appointment. Its your body you shouldn’t be judged for it. Best wishes. One step at a time

Hi @CathL I was in the private system but didn’t actually have my mastectomy until 6 weeks after the diagnosis - my surgeon said the aim was 4 weeks but I caught a cold just after the diagnosis and lost a week due to the covid precautions ( I had a number of scans including MRI )and also had a pet scan due to the size of my tumour - I felt like I had a radioactive beacon in my breast and found the delay very anxiety producing that’s for sure.My surgeon also said my cancer as next was very slow growing but I still was anxious.Rest assured they will do everything to get you in for surgery as soon as possible ( assuming you have surgery first - some ladies have chemo first but that is not too common).Its easy to say but try and keep busy.All the best 🌺

Hi @CathLI am in Toowoomba and went through the public system when I was diagnosed in July 2021. I had an appointment with my oncologist within 2 weeks of diagnosis (saw Dr Donaldson the day after my results came back from my GP). Was originally going to go private but there was an immunotherapy trial being conducted for triple neg through the base so I went there.I think I started chemo within the month. I had a port put in privately so not sure the timing if you want a port and going public sorry. The staff at the base are amazing. Do you know the hormone receptor status of your tumor? That may impact your treatment plan as far as surgery first v chemo first. My oncologist was Dr Karki and he is very caring (also works out of St Andrews). Feel free to message me if you want any more info :)

New Diagnosis | BCNA Online Network

14 Replies

Julez1958
Member
2 years ago
Hi @CathL
I was in the private system but didn’t actually have my mastectomy until 6 weeks after the diagnosis - my surgeon said the aim was 4 weeks but I caught a cold just after the diagnosis and lost a week due to the covid precautions ( I had a number of scans including MRI )and also had a pet scan due to the size of my tumour - I felt like I had a radioactive beacon in my breast and found the delay very anxiety producing that’s for sure.
My surgeon also said my cancer as next was very slow growing but I still was anxious.
Rest assured they will do everything to get you in for surgery as soon as possible
( assuming you have surgery first - some ladies have chemo first but that is not too common).
Its easy to say but try and keep busy.
All the best 🌺
cranky_granny
Member
2 years ago
Hi @CathL I’m in western Sydney. Not sure how Qld system is running. They would have a protocol for wait times etc.
i was in slightly different order and got done before covid19 messed up the hospital systems that Showed the weaknesses as well as its strengths for each hospital.
It took a week to get into clinic Once my plan was sorted which only took a week then plan was put into action. I had a few extra tests before chemo then Once my chemo stopped i was only 2 weeks to surgery. Then after healing the rads started.
Each of person has an individual treatment plan. Worked out by a team who look at what would work the best in your situation.
Take some notes and someone with you armed with it all to your appointment. Its your body you shouldn’t be judged for it.
Best wishes. One step at a time
Mez_BCNA
Community Manager
2 years ago
Hi @CathL, you may find the below information helpful:

Download the Guide to best breast cancer care

This will help you understand the optimal cancer care that should be provided at each step of your cancer care

It also provides information to help you and your carers communicate with health professionals
June1952
Member
2 years ago
Hello @CathL - I am in Victoria but I think the public system has the goal of surgery within four weeks of diagnosis. Hopefully someone who is near you will come on soon to assist you further. Once you have more information do come back on if you need support or advice. All the best.

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