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
10 months ago
Hi Gemini78
I 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.
iserbrown
Member
10 months ago
https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/articles/types-of-breast-cancer/

@Gemini78

The link above explains different types of breast cancer. Hopefully it will give you an insight!
Yes we learn terminology that we never heard of nor needed previously!
Once you have a treatment plan a little bit of control comes into it.
Take care
Best wishes
arpie
Member
10 months ago
Welcome to the group, @Gemini78. .... so sorry to see you join our select little group xx. It is a whirlwind of emotions & a bit of a treadmill to start off with ... go here, do this, go there, do that .... but it is all collecting information for the best plan of attack, in your case. I hope you recover from your flu fully, so that it doesn't impede your progress.

Yes, the waiting definitely sucks. All the best with your appointment on July 1. Consider taking a trusted friend/relative with you, as both physical and emotional back up .... and an extra set of ears!! Also consider recording all your early meetings, as it is easy to miss bits, as you ponder (or write down) something they'd just mentioned!

I didn't go thru Flinders Public, but one other member was very happy with their treatment there .... and I can only imagine you'll get the best treatment too. I went private for my surgery (coming off the Xmas holidays, I wanted it done 'then & there') and then went public for Oncology radiation & medical oncology for tablets. I have nothing but praise for everyone I've had treatments with.

Jump onto this thread, to read up on what to take to hospital, maybe cook up some meals & freeze them now, so that you have them 'ready to go' when you come home ..... also there is a lot of 'off topic' threads you may like to check out too - re pets, gardens, art & craft, even cooking & 'funnies' ... as we all need a giggle at some stage or another!!
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

Take care and all the best.

Try & keep as busy as you can in between appointments (I went fishing virtually every day, to help pass the time! It is my 'safe spot'!)

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The waiting game...

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