Newly diagnosed and pregnant

No wonder you feel stressed. But you will start treatment and that's a good thing (even if it doesn't feel at all like that at the minute). Now is the time, if you can, to put your welfare first - both you and your baby need that. Take what help you can get. Don't get too caught up with long term issues but take each step one by one. Being scared is natural but can get in the way. Get determined and never underestimate your own capacity to handle stuff. Very best wishes. 

@"Courtney Bianca" I'm so, so sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was diagnosed right after breastfeeding my 2nd and I'm so grateful my family was done. You have an added element that most of us have not had to go through. I can't imagine how much tougher this will make your journey to recovery. Try not to be too scared. You can do this! We all have/are and we're here for you. I'm sure your bubba will make you all the more fierce in your fight. I hope someone who has had a shared experience can jump on and chat with you. Otherwise there are lots of warm, caring, wise ladies here to chat with about all things bc. We get it! It's really scary in the beginning when everything's unknown, but once you've had your surgery you'll get your pathology and know what your dealing with. It gets easier once you have a treatment plan and can focus on getting better. I'm not sure how different your treatments will be because of your pregnancy, but I'm sure your docs will take the best care of you & bubs.

@Courtney Bianca congratulations on having a baby. I could think of better circumstances. I would like to give you confidence in the medical team. Time and time again ladies  problems occur with treatment ,after effects etc. 
Without exception the problems are resolved to the best of the medical teams ability. Being pregnant sure does complicate things. However this site is proof bc is beatable . 
Perhaps ring the cancer council as they maybe able to put you in touch with some one who had  similiar circumstances.
Another group is breacan or now called counterpart in melbourne they may be able to assist.
You can not be the only person this has happened to  

Hi @"Courtney Bianca" and so sorry to say Welcome to the network. Here's a little bit of reading for you..
http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/20120821-2 in regard to pregnancy and needing chemo. I'm sure that studies since 2012 would have pinpointed time frames for chemo to be administered and while it's never a good time to get breast cancer how lucky to have it in this day and age where there is such a wealth of knowledge in the medical community. I'm absolutely sure your team will do absolutely everything to ensure yours and bubs health and well being. Wishing you all the very best with your surgery tomorrow and let us know how your visit to the oncologist goes next week. Big calming hugs to you. Xx Cath

I was diagnosed at 35 years of age and 32 weeks pregnant. I had a mastectomy within 4 days of diagnosis. Bub came through surgery great. I then hung out for natural delivery until 39 weeks and started chemo 4 weeks later so I could breast feed. Bub and followed me to all chemo and radiation treatments. He is a happy healthy rambunctious 6 year old today. Dont be afraid. Trust your medical team but please if something doesnt feel right get a second opinion.The health of you and your baby is paramount. Stay strong. You will get through this. Here to chat any time

@Tennille I am filled with admiration for what you went through. I am so glad you posted to give encouragement to others.
Such an awful train of events with such a beautiful happy ending. I despair sometimes at the unfairness of bc. 
However connecting with others here and knowing many survive this disease makes me happy best wishes

I am wondering since you are caught at a rather inopportune time to have breast cancer whether a single mastectomy might be better than a lumpectomy and like Tennille, stall for time to have the baby and then do chemo? Don't be scared to put questions to your medical team and if you arent getting the right answers get on to a Macgrath breast nurse to ask for you.

@Brenda5   I personally agree that if its suitable for a mastectomy that allows a delay in chemo and later reconstruction if wanted then it would be a good option. I was told you have a 12 week window for starting chemo before it may not be beneficial so if you are 17 weeks pregnant and a mastectomy and axillary clearance allow for bub to grow and deliver to term then as your Doc if this is possible? I chose not to have reconstruction but you can definitely choose to later if that's what you want.

Hi everyone
thank you all for your responses and kind words. Surgery yesterday seems to have gone well and baby is still happy and kicking away. A mastectomy wasn't discussed in detail as research has shown that there would be no difference in benefits in my situation. It was my preferred choice for breast conserving surgery as well. I'm lucky to have the top doctors in Perth looking after me and have full confidence in the treatment plan so far. Just obviously worried about baby, and I'm learning that a mums worrying doesn't start when they're born!! :smile:
thank you again to everyone for responding and fingers crossed for great results next week! Xx

What a shitty spot to be in @"Courtney Bianca" Wishing you and bub all the best.