Newly diagnosed over Christmas..
Hello to everyone going through this frightening journey. I am a 59 yo post menopausal woman who at this moment feels absolute terror. i had a routine mammogram and was recalled due to cancer being de...
Forum Discussion
Hi @Tidden.
You should be able to have chemo and radiotherapy in the public health system without paying a cent. If they try to charge you, query it. I'm not sure about the post-treatment costing thousands... Maybe if you went on a luxury cruise ship holiday?! If your cancer is estrogen receptor positive you will probably be prescribed daily medication for 5 - 10 years. The cost of that does add up over time but it's not prohibitive.
I agree, the not knowing is the absolute pits. However that feeling passes, and you'd be surprised how quickly treatment becomes routine.
There are many emotions along the way, surprisingly not all awful. None of us wanted to be here, but it is what it is eh?
Try to stay in the moment as best you can. Take it day by day, hour by hour if you need to, and do your best to try not to cross the bridges until you come to them. We are very fortunate to have a world leading, well oiled breast cancer treatment system in Australia. You're in good hands.
In the meantime, distract yourself as best you can. I watched a truck load of stupid sitcoms, meditated and did a lot of walking. Friends can be awesome for making us laugh, and laugh at ourselves too! Hobbies, work, family, whatever distracts you best.
My mum had very aggressive breast cancer in 1986 and she's still alive and kicking at 84.
Sending you a very big hug, K xox
You should be able to have chemo and radiotherapy in the public health system without paying a cent. If they try to charge you, query it. I'm not sure about the post-treatment costing thousands... Maybe if you went on a luxury cruise ship holiday?! If your cancer is estrogen receptor positive you will probably be prescribed daily medication for 5 - 10 years. The cost of that does add up over time but it's not prohibitive.
I agree, the not knowing is the absolute pits. However that feeling passes, and you'd be surprised how quickly treatment becomes routine.
There are many emotions along the way, surprisingly not all awful. None of us wanted to be here, but it is what it is eh?
Try to stay in the moment as best you can. Take it day by day, hour by hour if you need to, and do your best to try not to cross the bridges until you come to them. We are very fortunate to have a world leading, well oiled breast cancer treatment system in Australia. You're in good hands.
In the meantime, distract yourself as best you can. I watched a truck load of stupid sitcoms, meditated and did a lot of walking. Friends can be awesome for making us laugh, and laugh at ourselves too! Hobbies, work, family, whatever distracts you best.
My mum had very aggressive breast cancer in 1986 and she's still alive and kicking at 84.
Sending you a very big hug, K xox