Forum Discussion
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
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
54 Replies
- @katwat great news you have your Oncologist appt, let us know how you go with it. I agree with the Oncotype test, your the first Ive heard of them wanting it here in Australia. Its something used more in America isn't it?? anyway, for $2000 I wouldnt bother, I think you'd get a pretty good idea of your diagnosis by everything else. M x
- Try not to stress about the oncotype test. Ask your doctor about the ki67 number. My breast surgeon told me yesterday that it's a poor man's oncotype test!
If you do have a choice about chemo, try thinking about how you'll feel further down the track. Will overtreatment or undertreatment sit more comfortably with you as a risk? Do your due diligence so that you can't look back and torture yourself once you've made your decision. Life's hard enough to live without throwing regrets into the mix. It sounds like neither decision is wrong or right at this stage. Try to choose the one that is right for you and you alone.
Be kind and gentle with yourself. It's a dreadful time but it will pass. Hang in there. K xox - Oh my goodness!! Thank you, everyone, for your support and advise. I finally have an appointment with the oncologist on Thursday (and he happens to be my GPs brother!) I've been back at work this week, great to keep my mind off things but I'm exhausted today. The team want me to consider having an OncoType test done but it costs about $2000 I think. From what I can gather it's a test done on my tumour to determine whether or not I'll benefit from Chemo. I barely have a spare $10 let alone $2000!! Anyway will keep you posted... <3
- Dear @KatWat, Nothing to add to the great information in all the posts above; just best wishes from jennyss
- Hi @KatWat
Dont hesitate to call our helpline on 1800 500 258, we can certainly help with some of your questions. - @KatWat If you do choose to go privately, do not be scared to mention financial circumstances to your team. I'm doing a mix of private and public and I have been amazed at how willing the private sector professionals have been to minimise or waive gaps.
- Hey @KatWat I've just caught up on this thread, we all absolutely know where you are at and how incredibly stressful it is. I think the key is as its overwhelming is to slow everything right down. My last diagnosis was Stage 2 also but grade 3 so I had to do chemo, no node involvement either ER+ only. Only your Oncologist can tell you after pathology results what your recommended treatment would be, I didnt have a choice in treatment nor do most people. So wait and see what is said. Its hard to know how you will go with Chemo, unfortunately I made all these plans how to work around it all but I was drug sensitive and ended up having to take a few months off work. I work in education so have an inbuilt income protection component with Vicsuper, not alot of Supers have this but its worth checking. I was Income protection for 2yrs from treatment which allowed me to work 3 days a week and receive up to 75% of my predisability wage of those 2 days, it was taxed heavily but it was better than nothing. Centrelink are USELESS!!
I was raising my 2 children alone at the time, so I know what you mean about finances. I had savings and over the long period I spent over $20,000 of my own money to survive. If you go public you'll have no out of pocket at all, I did radio public but chemo private. Really makes no difference care was the same.
So 1 step at a time and see what your direction is first, its so hard to not spin into the world of whatifs and try and plan without clarity...so hold tight. You will manage and you will get through it. Hugs Melinda xo - @PatsyN thankyou for the clarification.
- @primek
It was her father who gave her a lifetime of abuse, father-in-laws can be easily avoided...
PTSD is a very common result for children of narcissists...
@KatWat has dealt with more than most in her life already.
xoxo - This link could be helpful for you and your daughter
https://mummyswish.org.au/
The cancer council also have social workers thst can help you navigate through the endless hurdles.
https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/74262/cancer-information/after-treatment/when-treatment-finishes-after-treatment/practical-support-services/
I hope all goes well. Dose dense treatment is reserved as needed for the cancer not about speeding through it. Normal chemo is hard enough. Not everyone can work during chemo so its important to look at what you can do if you aren't able.
As to the father in law. Good riddance. I had trauma from a workover incident ...my cancer enabled me to just let that shit go and move on. It was one big positive about the whole experience and meeting some wonderful people on this site was another.
