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Not sure where to turn for advice
Having been recently diagnosed with a 7.7cm tumour in my B-cup breast (luminal A, invasive ductal carcinoma) and no detectable tumours elsewhere, I've been scheduled for a mastectomy next week, follow...
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So sorry to hear of your diagnosis @ay123! I was 41 when I was diagnosed and it honestly was the furthest thing from my mind.Life was fast paced and I was flat out keeping up with my 3 teenagers. I didn't need anything to interrupt all the fun I was having with them.
It really does take a while to process all the thoughts that go through our minds and I must admit I felt like you.. with no pain & loads of energy why do I need to subject myself to all this pain & disfigurement?
But then I had to stop and think.. who do I want to listen to? The wonderful doctors with all their learned wisdom and evidence based statistics or my own ignorant reasonings.
Invasive cancer is just that..Invasive. it waits for no one and has a mind of its own. Too many lives have been cut short by its willful ways leaving loved ones distraught.
Ultimately the decision for treatment is your own..it's your life. But remember your family and friends and the medical staff only want the best for you. If that means a chapter of suffering to give you a lifetime of joy then it's worth it. Life is a gift..live it.
I suggest you give BCNA helpline a call tomorrow..1800 500 258. They are so willing and able to hear your concerns and will help you sort through your thoughts.
Do you have access to a McGrath breast care nurse?
If not, look up https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse/
Once you enter your postcode you'll find all the details of a nurse who can be there just for you to answer all your questions.
Wishing you all the best for all that lies ahead for you. Remember you are not alone, there are thousands who have travelled this road and are again living their best life.
It really does take a while to process all the thoughts that go through our minds and I must admit I felt like you.. with no pain & loads of energy why do I need to subject myself to all this pain & disfigurement?
But then I had to stop and think.. who do I want to listen to? The wonderful doctors with all their learned wisdom and evidence based statistics or my own ignorant reasonings.
Invasive cancer is just that..Invasive. it waits for no one and has a mind of its own. Too many lives have been cut short by its willful ways leaving loved ones distraught.
Ultimately the decision for treatment is your own..it's your life. But remember your family and friends and the medical staff only want the best for you. If that means a chapter of suffering to give you a lifetime of joy then it's worth it. Life is a gift..live it.
I suggest you give BCNA helpline a call tomorrow..1800 500 258. They are so willing and able to hear your concerns and will help you sort through your thoughts.
Do you have access to a McGrath breast care nurse?
If not, look up https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse/
Once you enter your postcode you'll find all the details of a nurse who can be there just for you to answer all your questions.
Wishing you all the best for all that lies ahead for you. Remember you are not alone, there are thousands who have travelled this road and are again living their best life.