Forum Discussion
The waiting game...
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
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
23 Replies
- Dear @Gemini78,
from jennyss in Western NSW (but a South Australian in exile)
Haha Gemini58! Brilliant! You raise a good point about mindfulness. I think practicing being in the here and now might be a good skill to get on top of. Thank you for the reminder.Julez1958 said:Hi @Gemini78
I am a Gemini 58 ( aged 66)
anyway , waiting is something we all need to get used to with this disease - waiting for
appointments, waiting for scans, waiting for scan results, waiting for treatment to be over , etc etc.
I did a mindfulness course years ago and had “ lapsed” and found myself taking it up again - whatever works for you works - rest assured you can seek any advice / vent on this forum- we have all “ been there “ one way or another 😎- @Alfie I'm a bit inland - just beyond McLaren Vale. But yes, I know Porties well!
Agree about cold sea swimming. I've dunked myself in the winter sea before but never made it a regular thing. Maybe I should! - Hi @Gemini78
Gosh do we have to keep putting in our profile name..
You must be a mid coaster..and local to know porties as that and not Port Noarlunga.
Yes water is cool but I have been a swimmer for years and love it. Most people down there know me.
You should do it, never regret it and let's face it you won't be thinking of everything else.
Yes looks like we will be buddies, I am a bit older at 65 but not at heart... We are all going to go through this differently.
Hope you feel better. - Hi @Gemini78
I am a Gemini 58 ( aged 66)
anyway , waiting is something we all need to get used to with this disease - waiting for
appointments, waiting for scans, waiting for scan results, waiting for treatment to be over , etc etc.
I did a mindfulness course years ago and had “ lapsed” and found myself taking it up again - whatever works for you works - rest assured you can seek any advice / vent on this forum- we have all “ been there “ one way or another 😎 - @Alfie Ohhhh Porties! No better place to heal the soul - and the body! You’ve inspired me! Must be sooo cold in there at the moment but I can imagine it’s incredible.Sounds like we might end up as chemo buddies.What a ride. X
- Hi Gemini
I am now in a similar boat.
Saw oncologist yesterday.
I have the rest of my lymph nodes out on Monday. If more nodes found to have cancer cells , then scans.
On the 29th of July I start 5 months chemo.
A break then radiotherapy. Then hormone tablets.
I am lying here thinking have I done the right thing saying yes. I think it's just fear of the unknown. I always said I would never have chemo. It's so different when you are affected by this hideous disease.
Anyway I am usually pretty positive. My calm place is the sea, even though it's cold at porties. It's my happy place. I was back in as soon as I could after surgery plus swimming is the best for moving arms. Plus my head.
@boy boy good luck with results. I saw a previous post of yours about exercise,totally agree so much research into exercise when going on this journey.
Funny I asked my hubby how will he be looking at me if I lose my hair. Well he doesn't have much anyway, boy did we laugh. Mind you I will go for the shaved look and rock those hats.
Might try and close my eyes before our cocker spaniel bounds in.
Take care guys... - 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
- @Gemini78 glad to hear that you have a plan now - it must really help to clarify things. Unfortunately we're still in that waiting stage, with our first PET scan tomorrow which we're praying will be clear.Please keep us updated with your journey, it sounds like we're about to travel a similar path.Stay safe.George
- 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.
