Usure what decision to make
Hi, I was diagnosed on the 13th of September 2024. I have had my surgery, a right breast mastectomy. I am now 3 weeks post-surgery, I met with an oncologist two days ago to have an informed discussion...
Forum Discussion
I am So sorry to see you join us here @zoe - we'll do our best to support you & answer any questions that you have. I hope you are recovering well from your surgery.
What was your diagnosis? Which type of BC is it? Is it an 'invasive' one? Was there any node involvement?
Where abouts are you? State/Town/Region? You can add it to your profile by clicking on the image next to the 'envelope' in the top blue bar, far right hand side. Knowing where you are, we can direct you to actual services in the area that may assist you now & in the future. xx
Do you have a Breast Care nurse assigned to you, that you can chat with her about it? I HATE it when the health professional doesn't 'actually advise' you what to do .... You are under enough pressure as it is, without adding to the stress. :(
I was lucky & didn't need chemo - but I DID have the option of either doing or not doing Radiation, as they were doing a trial on 'early stage BC' without Rads - but I wanted to throw the whole bus at it ..... and am glad I did.
There IS a actual test (Oncotype Dx Test) that you can do to positively see if chemo would 'help you' .... but I believe it is quite expensive - up to $5000. Further down the line, I believe it should be available as part of your diagnosis/treatment plan ... maybe one day xx
I don't envy you your choice - but the fact that they've even suggested it as a part of your ongoing plan ... means maybe you should do it? It is such a difficult question - and a very personal choice.
take care & all the best
Maybe ring out helpline & have a chat too - they may be able to explain things to you better than me ;) 1800 500 258 (normal business hours)
Also, jump onto this thread for lots of 'general' info on the forum that you may find helpful xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest
What was your diagnosis? Which type of BC is it? Is it an 'invasive' one? Was there any node involvement?
Where abouts are you? State/Town/Region? You can add it to your profile by clicking on the image next to the 'envelope' in the top blue bar, far right hand side. Knowing where you are, we can direct you to actual services in the area that may assist you now & in the future. xx
Do you have a Breast Care nurse assigned to you, that you can chat with her about it? I HATE it when the health professional doesn't 'actually advise' you what to do .... You are under enough pressure as it is, without adding to the stress. :(
I was lucky & didn't need chemo - but I DID have the option of either doing or not doing Radiation, as they were doing a trial on 'early stage BC' without Rads - but I wanted to throw the whole bus at it ..... and am glad I did.
There IS a actual test (Oncotype Dx Test) that you can do to positively see if chemo would 'help you' .... but I believe it is quite expensive - up to $5000. Further down the line, I believe it should be available as part of your diagnosis/treatment plan ... maybe one day xx
I don't envy you your choice - but the fact that they've even suggested it as a part of your ongoing plan ... means maybe you should do it? It is such a difficult question - and a very personal choice.
take care & all the best
Maybe ring out helpline & have a chat too - they may be able to explain things to you better than me ;) 1800 500 258 (normal business hours)
Also, jump onto this thread for lots of 'general' info on the forum that you may find helpful xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest