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KatWat's avatar
KatWat
Member
8 years ago

The wait is frustrating and worrying. And so many questions!

Hello, I have been recently diagnosed and it has been a whirlwind of events.  I had a lump on my left breast which I was confident was just a fibroadenoma but went to have it checked out anyway.  The GP sent me off for a mammogram and ultrasound, then core biopsies of said lump.  Whilst having the core biopsies the radiologist asked if I had noticed any changes in my right breast.  I had not, neither had the GP. He said there was a lump there too and should be biopsied but I would need a separate referral.  I booked an appointment for the following week. In the meantime I went back to the GP and the results from the scans and biopsies confirmed a fibroadenoma in my left breast and that the lump in the right was probably the same.  We decided to go ahead with the biopsies.  feeling confident it was benign I had no concerns abut the results.  Until, taking my daughter to her first day of high school I get a call from my GP reception suggesting I bring someone to the appointment with me!  I felt my world cave in.  Thank goodness my Mum was with me. I had breast cancer.
Everything happened so fast initially. I was diagnosed on the Tuesday, saw the breast surgeon specialist that Thursday and had surgery on the Monday!  Now I'm home 1.5 weeks after surgery, relieved that the cancer has been removed but frustrated waiting on a treatment plan.  It was stage II, ER+ and PR+, and node positive.  Do I opt for chemo (there is no way I can afford the oncotype DX testing)?  Do I use the cold cap thingy or just shave (maybe I'll dye it pink too!)?  What about dose densing (more chemo over shorter time so I can get back to normal work sooner)?  Radiotherapy? Hormone therapy? The waiting is frustrating, I just want this all to be over and done with. I'm worried that I won't have enough sick leave left for those days I may need off during treatment.  How will I provide for and support my darling daughter?  Will I be able to pay my mortgage and other bills?  How much will the treatment cost?
There is so much going through my head right now...  :'(  :s  :/

Sorry I went on and on... Just needed to get it out.  <3
coping
diagnosis
surgery

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  • Brenda5's avatar
    Brenda5
    Member
    8 years ago
    Sorry to hear yet another one diagnosed. I would suggest you ring bnca on 1800500258 and do a search for your nearest Mcgrath nurse who can do a bit of running around finding info for you as well. https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx
    It can all get  bit overwhelming especially in juggling finances. Best wishes for you. <3

  • KatWat's avatar
    KatWat
    Member
    8 years ago
    @SoldierCrab Thank you! :) 
    I do have the Kit and a Breast Care Nurse... I think this is why I now have so many questions and worries, I'm overloaded with information.  
  • Eastmum's avatar
    Eastmum
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi @kathleenMW what a whirlwind ride you've been on! I'm not surprised you've got so much going on in your head. It's so frustrating waiting for information. I'm also fairly newly diagnosed - in January - but for a stack of reasons I've put off my surgery until the first week in April. I'll be having a double mastectomy with expanders. Will probably need radiation and will definitely need hormone therapy. Won't know about chemo until node info. 

    If I can offer you any suggestions at all I'd say take deep breath and take one step at a time, use the waiting time to do lots of research but stick to reputable sites like Garvan and Cancer Australia, BCNA, Mayo Clinic etc and read as much as you can from other women's experiences on forums like his one. I've learned so much from this forum and it's helped me to go to my dr consultations armed with lists of questions that I never would have thought of asking. Even though I haven't had my surgery yet, I've read a lot about how positive psychology has a great effect on healing and recovery so being proactive and trying to minimize the anxiety can really help. Don't be afraid of asking for medication that helps you with this - it can really help to relax you and put you in a good headspace. 

    Even though I've chosen not to tell my friends and extended family about my BC until I'm closer to surgery, I have talked to my boss and he has been incredibly supportive, which has taken the issue of what will happen at work, off my list of concerns. Are you able to do something like that?

    Also having the financial concerns causes so much anxiety. I'm not sure if it helps, bit I've been very pleasantly surprised to find how quickly I've reached the Medicare safety net, which has really helped financially as you get so much more back. I guess there has to be a silver lining somewhere! 

    Wishing you all the best for the road ahead! Xxx
  • SoldierCrab's avatar
    SoldierCrab
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hi Kathleen MW 

    sorry you have need to join us here.... 
     it is frustrating waiting
    Do you have a My Journey Kit ? 
    Do you have a Breast Care Nurse ? 
    If you have superannuation there is often income protection built into it.  Others will help with this... 

    It is ok to come on here and go on and on as you put it .... we accept venting ranting crying laughing etc.... we are a supportive bunch and we will all help you navigate the roller coaster ride. 

    here are some links to help you with things I asked above .... 

    Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet. 

    It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time. 

    The what and how thread.

    http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1 

    Breast Care Nurses

    https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx 

    My Journey Kits and other resources. 

    https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

    BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258

    If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258.  The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.


    hugs 
    soldiercrab