I was diagnosed with grade 2 IDC ER & PR + Her2- on 19/12. I am 50 years old, married with three teenagers at home, two homeschoolers, one working. I work as a nurse for NDIS. Getting the diagnosis just before Christmas was horrific. So far this has been my plan. Diagnosed 19/12Follow up call from GP on 21/12 to see how I wasNothing happens for a couple of weeks over Christmas/New Year. Bone scan and dye CT scan 5th Jan ( all clear and no lymph activity) Surgeons appt Jan 8th. She was lovely and very respectful ( had sat in on a couple of her operations on my surgical rounds)She talked me through the process and I felt a lot better after that. She also examined me and noted that the lump that was the issue is not actually the cancer, it’s sitting next to it. I have type D density and very fibrous. She mentioned that it’s a tricky one to find and that she’ll need to follow a trail of breadcrumbs. Also mentioned that the cancer is sitting in a DCIS. I can’t find any info on others having that. Today I get the carbon tracer injected and she said that will attach to the cancer so she can see what to take. Next Tuesday I get the blue dye injection for the lymph node activity then Wednesday have the surgery. Nothing happened then everything happened!All this appt making and phone calls while attending a cricket carnival for my son 4 hours from home. My surgeon recommended this site and I’ve been lurking for a bit but today thought I’d share my story. I can’t believe this is happening and I’d love it to go away but it won’t and I need to remember how fortunate this happens in our public system.

It's the questions of statistics and the fact that we don't know on which side we will be. The 97%...or the 3%....and there's no "Stop" "Rewind" button. Very often, the oncotype test puts you in the same position as $5000.00 before...a number, a percentage...a statistic. If I passed a shop advertising 3% off all handbags, I probably wouldn't even bother, but that same statistic in a different scenario seems a lot larger. Remember, these statistics for breast cancer relate to hundreds of thousands, even millions, not just the individual, their cousin and the other ladies in their book group. The MCG holds 100 000 spectators. If a fire was to break out, causing a stampede for the exits, and 3% were crushed to death...that would be 3000 dead people. I doubt that their family and friends would not be content if they were told "Well 97% were fine". For myself, I asked the question that if I declined the chemo, and it did return as stage 4...would I still be happy with my choice or would I wonder if I might have been one of those small percentages?

So sorry to see you join our select little group @MrsMorrisey and @Sliv Re Telling others - I initially told my nearest & dearest first, and then only after surgery & active treatment, I advised others - otherwise you are just repeating yourself over & over & until you get your pathology back, you really won't KNOW your game plan. I let them know that I'd do an email every week or two to fill them in on what was happening - so I didn't have to keep repeating myself, which only kept upsetting ME as much as anything else! Some of my extended family members didn't find out for a year ....Some members open a 'private Facebook Page' or a personal blog, and invite important friends & family to join for updates .... it also ends up being like a diary too .... a day by day narrative of your BC Journey.It's a good idea to cook up some meals in advance and freeze them, so you have food 'ready to go' after your surgery. If family or friends offer to bring some meals, mow the lawn or do ANYTHING for you - say YES! We 'like' to be independent - but this is a win/win situation for both you and your family/friends. It could even be walking the dog or picking the kids up from school/activities.Jump onto this thread & it covers a lot of other areas on the forum - including 'other topics' like your pets, gardens, art & craft & other stuff you may like to check out. We even have some laughs! We NEED to laugh! https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latestWe have a 'Christian Group' that you may like to join .... click on 'Groups' in the Blue Banner above - and the 5th one down is the Christian Group.Re diet & cancer - there is SO much rubbish out there about BC being caused from what you eat .... if you have a normal healthy diet - you should be fine. Your Medical team may include a dietitian - or you can ask to see one. It is always advised to not drink too much alcohol - You may find that some friends/family just don't know how to react or what to say - so they do NOTHING. It is as if they've 'dropped' you, and can be upsetting. Try not to take it personally .... you may be surprised who will 'step up to the plate' and who will 'disappear'. It is what it is ..... you will make new friends, and some old friends - you may not see them again! Sadly, that happens. Personally, I've made fantastic friends with some BCNA members & we natter away in the background, via Personal Messages. Your time frame from discovery to surgery is actually quite prompt for this time of year - I went private for my surgery (to have it done as soon as possible) then all my Onc/Rad Onc is on Public & it has been a very smooth journey. .... Your surgery date is the 6th anniversary of my own! Things always move a bit slower over the Xmas Break. You also have confidence in your surgeon, which is great. Make haste slowly afterwards.Take plenty of Deep breaths - take each day as it comes and do NOT try to do things too early after your surgery (eg cleaning etc) as this can actually set your recovery back. It takes a bit of time for things to settle down, for nerves to reattach .... so little stabbing pains around the surgery site may occur. Have you been assigned a Breast Care Nurse yet? Your surgeon may have her own BC Nurse - or if you are in a public hospital, you may be introduced to a McGrath Nurse. They are your 'go to' person for initial questions and answers (apart from us!) take care, and wishing you all the best

Hi @MrsMorrisey, depending on the cancer size,pathology and if no lymph nodes involved you might get lucky and just need the anti hormone drugs. I didn’t need chemo the first time but I did when I had a recurrence.Don’t think too far ahead.As far as telling people, I was really sorry I told everyone the first time as I ended up consoling them.I handled it differently the second time by only telling people when I had a plan and information. I also put my husband in charge of answering the phone and front door- instructing him whether I wanted to talk or not. You are going to need about 2wks at least post surgery of being looked after ie someone to cook,clean and maybe wash your hair for you.Time to put yourself absolutely first.Big hugs xx

Surgery all done. Glad that sneaky bugger is gone.

Understand your breast cancer pathology report (bcna.org.au)The link above, if you haven't seen it already, will help to understand your pathology results as a result of your recent surgeryTake care

The “journey” begins. | BCNA Online Network

102 Replies

MrsMorrisey
Member
2 years ago
I’m really angry now. Not sure why.
nicmaree
Member
2 years ago
@MrsMorrisey, sorry to hear this news. Try and keep a positive mindset . My go to is walking, music and fresh air
Get in to see your onc asap . Take a friend . Ask lots of questions. Sending hugs. Xx
arpie
Member
2 years ago
Oh FUDGE @MrsMorrisey!! That is not what you wanted to hear xx ..... Sadly, it does happen to quite a few members xx. Take lots of Deep Breaths, pull on the 'big girl pants' xx. If this is what is needed to get the sucker out .... you do have to roll with it xx

Did they give you a copy of your pathology? It should give your grade & stage & other info ....

I was lucky & didn't need extra surgery, tho one of my margins was 'only just' clear ....

take care, thinking of you xx
MrsMorrisey
Member
2 years ago
Well that wasn’t what I expected

My surgeon has removed the IDC but the margins were not clear and some DCIS remains so I have to have more surgery.

I’m really upset about this.

She said I need to see the oncologist next week to make a plan preferably before surgery. Not sure why.
She said radiation will be happening and hormone therapy.
The grey area is chemo where we need to have discussion on whether it’s required.
How on earth am I supposed to make that decision.
It’s so tricky working out how to feel going into these appointments because you don’t want to get your hopes up but you need to stay positive.

Feel really crap now.
At least I know what to expect from surgery.
arpie
Member
2 years ago
All the best for tomorrow, @MrsMorrisey .... make sure you ask for paper copies of your pathology & ALL reports (and that they are sent to your GP too.)

Mine was brought forward too, and it was great! Less waiting & worrying! ;)

take care
iserbrown
Member
2 years ago
Understand your breast cancer pathology report (bcna.org.au)

The link above, if you haven't seen it already, will help to understand your pathology results as a result of your recent surgery

Take care
iserbrown
Member
2 years ago
Best wishes for your results tomorrow @MrsMorrisey
MrsMorrisey
Member
2 years ago
I certainly will. I have my friend coming with me.
My husband is not the best for these things, he’s a hands on man not a listening to results man.
I’m so surprised everything is happening so quickly. I was quite enjoying this time after surgery cos I didn’t have to think.
At least the surgeon can take my dressing off instead of me.
It’s going to be good news. 🙏🙏
cactusk
Member
2 years ago
@MrsMorrisey It will be good to hear the results of your pathology and the proposed path for treatment. I know for me at least, once I was aware of what the next steps were, I could start to plan and prepare myself. Do you have someone to go with you to the appointment? My best friend came and took notes for me, that way I made sure I didn't miss anything. Hopefully you'll meet or be assigned a breast cancer nurse soon too - so far they've been very helpful at answering questions I forgot about or only thought about afterwards.
Best of best of wishes for tomorrow - do let us know how you go (when you feel ok with it of course)
Kelly
MrsMorrisey
Member
2 years ago
Oh my goodness. My appt has been brought forward from 5th Feb to tomorrow!!!

Keen but not keen. 😱

Forum Discussion

The “journey” begins.

102 Replies

Recent Discussions

Triple Positive HER2+

Feeling lost

Second Opinion

Inoperable

Recommendations-North Brisbane -Public v Private- Surgeons