Rural surgeon vs city surgeon

Yep, Scary is totally normal - you'll be angry sometimes, get emotional & teary at other times -  all totally normal.  Let it out.  How old are your kids?   Having family around you is very important, to give you emotional & physical support. 

Do you have someone to go to your appointments with?  My sister in law was brilliant - as a 2nd set of ears, asking pertinent questions that I'd forgotten to ask!  I also recorded a lot of my early appts on my phone, as it is very difficult to take in a lot of what is said ..... 

Until you have your surgery, my best advice is to just keep yourself as busy as you can, doing what you love!  That also may entail cooking up some meals that you can freeze, so that you have them 'on hand'  when you are out of hospital!   And if ANYONE says they'll 'do meals for you' - just nod and say "that would be terrific''!!  It is a win win - they feel better & it takes a load off you as well.  

Try NOT to use Dr Google for any of your treatment - a lot of stuff is SO out of date - and everyone's case is SO DIFFERENT .... rely on your medical team.  xx

take care . xx

Thankyou so much , I live around the rural town of Dubbo , so about 5 hrs from Sydney , have a family so have to think of them, have been in touch with breast cancer nurse 
I have  been reading the comments all day , comforting some what but scary 

Hi @Rachelvill

So Sorry to see you here - but we will do our best to help allay your fears & give you tips & advice if & when needed  xxx   You can do this.  I was in your shoes 2 years ago - tho my diagnosis wasn't confirmed til Jan 5th .....  Put up any questions that you can think of!!  xx

Yes, I can well remember my fears & it is all totally normal & to be expected - However, I was amazed at how everything felt 'so much better' after my surgery was done - and I was lucky enough to have a lumpectomy & no massive scarring, then radiation & tablets.  Once you've had your surgery & received your pathology - your immediate plan for the next 6 months will become very clear.

I am also rural, being mid north coast .... and my GP immediately  gave me the names of 2 surgeons in Sydney.  I also had close family in Sydney as well, so was able to convalesce with them for a few days after the surgery, whereas I had no family 'at home' other than my husband (who has mod/severe dementia.)  So the break in Sydney staying with my brother & wife was invaluable to me - plus I had the followup appt with my surgeon the week after as well.  We stay with them most times we go down, staying with another brother as well at other times.

If you put your town name in your 'profile', we may have members there who can let you know of services already available in your town - or already be familiar with surgeons in or near the town.

You may have excellent surgeons in your home town - have you been given the name of a Breast Cancer Nurse in your area yet?  They may be able to guide you in that area as well.  Go here & see who is closest to your town
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/get-support/find-a-nurse/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMItfOIjMy55gIVASUrCh1WlQ_CEAAYASAAEgJJGfD_BwE
(this is just a photo of where some McGrath Breast Care Nurses are in NSW)


All the best xxx take care xxx