Hi everyone, I'm currently on a bit of a waiting game so thought I'd introduce myself as I'm new to this club that none of us wanted to be a part of! I was diagnosed with "locally advanced multicentric left breast carcinoma" on my 46th birthday a couple of weeks ago. It was quite a shock as I'm super healthy and have zero cancer in my family!I was diagnosed after me noticing a lump and strange dimpling, plus feeling discomfort. I was convinced it was a cyst that needed draining as it felt (and still feels) like I did when I was breastfeeding and parts of my boobs would fill up with milk! My GP referred me for a mammogram and ultrasound plus I also had two biopsies - one core needle, one fine needle - in to different locations of concern. I'm going through Flinders Public here in Adelaide. Have meet with the surgeon for my initial appointment then at her request this last week I've had a bone scan, CT scan and MRI scan, plus a blood test. And now I wait for my follow up with the surgeon for all the results and plan of attack on 1 July. The waiting is definitely the worst bit! (and to top it off, I've caught a horrid flu type lurgy off my kids so am totally down in the dumps!)What I know so far (everyone seems to speak in such technical terms here - I guess we become pros in our own experiences!) is it's grade 2 and Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It's also a Hormone Receptor Status type of breast cancer. Just here to say hello really but also keen to discover other women at a similar stage to me, or anyone who's been through Flinders Public. Always just nice to know I'm not alone! x

Hi Gemini78I have stage 2 ductal invasive carcinoma also.Had my surgery nearly 2 weeks ago.I had it at Flinders private but the bonescan and radioactive injection was done at FMC.Mine was picked up by breastscreen SA where I also noticed dimpling and a lump. So took myself off to the dr. Core biopsy followed by a call from my gp with results.Yes the waiting is the hardest and being sick on top you poor love.Agree I have been cooking meals to pop in the freezer. Also I have sucked it up and if anyone asks to help I say yes. I.e. a friend came round and helped finish our garden pruning. Another dropped in soup and another helped me get drunk and cry.I had a list of questions for the surgeon but found the time wasn't right to ask.All our stories are so different but, we are strong supportive women, we can deal with this. But it is also scary... the not knowing... big hug.Please let me know how you go tomorrow.

Thanks everyone.Quick update from today. I'm booked to have a mastectomy on Tuesday 9 July. This will be followed by 4-6 months of chemotherapy. Mixed emotions but mostly I'm just pleased to have a plan to focus on now.

Hi, I was given a positive IDC grade 3 with lymphnode involvement on 22/12/23 (after needle byopsy). I was referred by dr to flinders public. I live close to fmc so was happy with that. I had surgery (lumpectomy) in late february, after many scans and anxious waiting for results. I am now half way through chemo (with radiotherapy and hormone blockers to come). I am more than happy with the care through the breast clinic, and cancer centre. My surgery I was overflowed to private (as a public patient), and the multidisciplinary approach at fmc is brilliant. I felt very comfortable with the surgery team. Now, each week while in chemo I get a coutesy check from the mcgrath breast nurse, and often also the outreach nurse. I attended the look good feel good workshop in june which was a good workshop on site, and have started a 12 week gym program (1 day a week for me to keep it achievable) through the physio/lymphodema clinic/allied health. I have private health, but have not needed to use it on any of the breast cancer care received this year (crazy, but I feel my care would not be improved anywhere else!).

Hey @Alfie thanks for checking in. I'm one week post mastectomy. It's been an up and down week. Flinders was amazing. I ended up in private for most of it - surgery and recovery. Went home after one night when given the choice. Mostly felt ok but I'm starting to get frustrated at just how long it's going to take to heal. Much like my original title - the waiting game - I need to work on my patience! How are you doing? How long after yours did you start to feel normal again? (I'm excited to swim, by the way - not sure it'll be in the cold sea but you've inspired me!)

Will do @byo_boy - the wait really was so hard and there's so much info that bombards you in those first few weeks. But I assure you the time will come when you have a plan just like I got today. x

The waiting game... | BCNA Online Network

23 Replies

Alfie
Member
9 months ago
Gemini78 It will be up to you when you want to go.

I went to the Hat Show near the Marion Shopping Centre today.
Bought some hats for when the hair goes.
Lovely lady really helped.
I just wanted it done.

Also the lymph nodes taken out last week were clear.

So I can drive, get back in the sea... Now that's going to be a struggle as the water temperature has dropped. Freezing ....

Did you book the look good session.

I was also told that when we have chemo, we should get vouchers for cheap parking.
Hope that's right.
Gemini78
Member
9 months ago
@Alfie That's the date I was looking at. I'm going to book on - and I can always cancel if it's too soon for me, timeline wise. I'm the opposite by the sounds of it - just desperate to get on with things. We can try on hats together.

So good to connect.
Alfie
Member
9 months ago
Jennys thankyou so very much. 6yrs is great.

Gemini yes see when your chemo is. Mine will be Mondays. Go on the look good feel good website. I booked for the 6 th of August at Flinders. Can always cancel There are others before but I am not ready emotionally yet.

The cancer nurse said we can go to any and they are great for us.

I am glad you didn't mind me checking up on you. We live so close. How good would it be if we had the champers on the same day...

I have found some good hints here on the forum.
Alfie
jennyss
Member
9 months ago
Dear @Gemini78 and @Alfie,
From someone six years down the track, retired now and doing well, including regular swimming, walking and exercise class

from jennyss in Western NSW
Gemini78
Member
9 months ago
@Alfie Oh your words are so comforting to just know of someone who’s so close in their timeline to me!

Oh yeah you’re right re bugs - the sea does come with that added benefit. Perhaps I’ll just put on my big girl swimmers and go for it in the sea!

I was looking at the next Look Good Feel Good workshop at Flinders too. Will book on if it’s all confirmed for chemotherapy at my appointment on Friday. Might see you there!
Alfie
Member
9 months ago
Hi
Thanks for replying, it's only been a week.
I had an axillary clearance last Monday. I am similar, this is a little bit more challenging than the partial mastectomy and a couple of lymph nodes removed.

Great you were in Flinders Private, amazing just one night. I was in Ashford, tried to get out after one night but stayed for 2. They were also wonderful.

See the surgeon tomorrow. Oncologist Monday, it's all go...Plus have found a place to try on a more funky hats for when I presume my grey hair goes. I ordered one online but it's not the best.

Rang Cancer SA for advice today, spoke to the nurse, she was fantastic. So I have booked into the Flinders look good feel good workshop.

Anyway swimming will be great but not sure about pools and bugs.... I just contend with the cold and dumpers....oh yes and hoping the fishing community don't snag me on their lines.

You can always private message me.
Keep in touch. Might see you at Flinders.
Gemini78
Member
10 months ago
Hey @Alfie thanks for checking in. I'm one week post mastectomy. It's been an up and down week.

Flinders was amazing. I ended up in private for most of it - surgery and recovery. Went home after one night when given the choice.

Mostly felt ok but I'm starting to get frustrated at just how long it's going to take to heal. Much like my original title - the waiting game - I need to work on my patience! How are you doing? How long after yours did you start to feel normal again? (I'm excited to swim, by the way - not sure it'll be in the cold sea but you've inspired me!)
Alfie
Member
10 months ago
Hi Gemini
Just wondering how you are going.
Sending positive thoughts.
Alfie
Member
10 months ago
Well Gemini
Back in the sea today. Boy is it cold but I know after Monday it will be a while till I am back in. It is very good for our arms. My surgeon is a swimmer so understands and wants be back in as soon as possible as does my oncologist. It must be cold where you are and a beautiful place. I used to do art at Blewitt Springs.

JenD your care sounds great.

Gemini I may not be on here a lot as at the moment I find it all a bit scary. I am positive but step by step. Tomorrow dental check then echocardiogram in the afternoon. Friday off out with hubby as Monday is my second lot of surgery as they found ca in my lymph nodes..little poops.

Good luck on Tuesday. I have to go to Ashford for this next surgery due to theatre space. In for 2 days.

Keep in touch.
JenD
Member
10 months ago
Hi, I was given a positive IDC grade 3 with lymphnode involvement on 22/12/23 (after needle byopsy). I was referred by dr to flinders public. I live close to fmc so was happy with that. I had surgery (lumpectomy) in late february, after many scans and anxious waiting for results. I am now half way through chemo (with radiotherapy and hormone blockers to come). I am more than happy with the care through the breast clinic, and cancer centre. My surgery I was overflowed to private (as a public patient), and the multidisciplinary approach at fmc is brilliant. I felt very comfortable with the surgery team. Now, each week while in chemo I get a coutesy check from the mcgrath breast nurse, and often also the outreach nurse. I attended the look good feel good workshop in june which was a good workshop on site, and have started a 12 week gym program (1 day a week for me to keep it achievable) through the physio/lymphodema clinic/allied health.

I have private health, but have not needed to use it on any of the breast cancer care received this year (crazy, but I feel my care would not be improved anywhere else!).