Forum Discussion
VERY newly diagnosed Mucinous breast cancer
I found out less than 2 days ago that I have the relatively rare mucinous breast cancer, 3cm in size in one breast... what a shock, and am just starting my journey. I have been reading up on breast cancer types, surgeries, treatments etc., online and in medical journals and wanted to connect with other people who are happy to share information. My diagnosis was made after a mammogram, ultrasound and core biopsy - I am still awaiting the results of hormone tests and yet to have all of the other rigmarole that I need to go through prior to (and after) surgical intervention. I am 54 years old and a retired university professor. I have no known family history of breast cancer on my mother’s side, but we don’t known about my Dad’s side. I have been on HRT since I was 36 following removal of uterus and ovaries (not due to cancer of any type). My risk factors, beyond HRT, include that I have never had children and that I have 4% Ashkenazi Jewish DNA (which, so I understand, can heighten risk). I would be thrilled to hear from anyone here who has advice to offer me and would be especially pleased to hear from anyone with mucinous breast cancer as there’s not a lot of information out there about it. Cheers, Taji
27 Replies
- Just received the My Journey Kit from BCNA. What a fabulous resource. Filling out the included diary today. Thank you BCNA & am making a donation to provide this fabulous kit to another newly diagnosed bc woman/man.
- Dear @Taji , ditto to all above and
- Thanks SoldierCrab - once I see the specialist and find out what’s going to happen with me and will no doubt have to stop HRT if I am pos+ on the hormone tests, I will join the sexual health group.
- Ouch re spinal surgery.... I look for all positives in a Sh*tty situation called BC ( refuse to call it a journey (ROLLER Coaster from hell) .... none of us want it to begin with but we learn to deal with it in our Lives .... I am now nearly 6 years out from diagnosis and Cancer free. You might want to join the Lets talk about Vaginas group as sexual health can change due to treatments we have a Q&A session this Tuesday night.
- Yes, I worked at CSU for almost 30 years!! I had to retire when I was 50 due to having had multiple spinal surgeries - thankfully I had another spinal fusion in the middle of last year and I can now walk, sit etc., like a normal human being. Bit of a smack in the face to get that fixed and find I now have bc, but at least I only have to worry about the bc now. I moved to Noosa in the middle of 2013 and kept working for CSU for 6 months from here. Being retired, I have another thing I don't have to think about compared to those who are still trying to juggle work and their illness at the same time.
- wow Taji, when did you move to Noosa, ? I moved to Bathurst in 2002 never going back to sydney .... does that mean CSU was your workplace also?
- Wow so many responses - thank you!!! The record keeping thing has been such a great piece of advice for me - I will start preparing it tomorrow as I already seem to have reports and receipts and bits and bobs that need to be kept organised. Thank you too SoldierCrab for all of the links - I couldn't remember the name of the McGrath Foundation so that is extra helpful. By the way, I lived in Bathurst for over 25 years before moving here to Noosa, Qld.
- Thank you kmakm - sounds like we are very similar - planners & not help-accepters. Thank you for the advice about accepting help - I hadn't really thought about it, plus even if I don't want it myself, it could be a big relief for my husband.
- HI Taji,
I am posting links to some things I think you might of already found ....others maybe not and how to use the forum and find things more easily on here.... IF you hit any stumbling block on here just ask a question someone will always point you in the direction of the answer.Below are a couple of links to help you find your way around the forum and also how to find a breast care nurse and how to order a MY journey Kit if you haven't got one yet.
It can be a a whirlwind when we first get a diagnosed.... Breathe and take it one step at a time.
The what and how thread.
http://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/14879/the-what-and-how-thread/p1
Breast Care Nurses
https://www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/OurMission/OurNurses/FindANurse.aspx
My Journey Kits and other resources.
https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/
BCNA Helpline 1800 500 258
If you have any questions, concerns or require any further information or support please call 1800 500 258. The Helpline is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am till 5 pm EST and Tuesday and Thursday from 9 am till 9 pm EST.
How to understand your pathology reports
Yes there are men and women on this forum as approx 149 men per year are diagnosed with BC
Sorry we have need to welcome you to the forum but know this group are supportive and will always encourage, laugh, cry and listen to your vents when needed.
Soldiercrab - Oh and put 'mucinous' in the search bar above and see what you come up with.
It's not an unfamiliar term to me. I grew a mucinous cyst in my vagina when I was pregnant with my first child. I was told it was quite unusual, and had to have an operation to have it removed six weeks after my son was born. That was 18 years ago, no problems since I'm happy to say. I do remember the general anaesthetic made my breast milk green! That was startling to say the least :o :D :)
