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Avalon's avatar
Avalon
Member
11 years ago

Clueless

I have no idea what to think. Reading all your posts you all seem to know what your diagnosis is. I have had a stereo static mammogram, followed by a hookwire mammogram and an excision biopsy. But no-one has yet told me I have cancer. Got home from day surgery yesterday and have felt little pain but my right boob is a weird shape. I am seeing my surgeon for a check up on Monday. Was expecting to go back to work next Monday too after having three days off after the excision but she has signed me off for ten days which was a bit of a shock. I am feeling strangely calm even though I have a strong family history of women dying young of breast cancer. Maybe this is the calm before the storm I don't know. Anyone else been in this situation? No-one's really telling me very much and I don't know what to ask. Thanks - appreciate any help you can give this newbie xxx
  • Avalon's avatar
    Avalon
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks - I don't find it easy to question doctors as I always tend to think they know best but I realise I have to on Monday to really understand what's going on. Awesome news about your job interview - really hope you get it!
  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Avalon What Christine has said has hit the nail on the head. The only thing I would like to add from my own experience was that very early in the peace I didn't really know what questions to ask. I sat and listened and once I got my pathology report back, I got the doctor to explain it to me (which I ended up asking him to do several times). Once I had that info I was able to learn more about treatments etc and more questions naturally started to follow. The waiting is dreadful, so perhaps plan something nice on the weekend to give you something to look forward to. That's a good trick whilst your having treatment too! Good luck with it all. Karen xox
  • Avalon's avatar
    Avalon
    Member
    11 years ago
    Dear Lynne Thanks for taking the time to reply to me, even though you're in hospital after such major treatment and still more to go. I hope you are not in too much pain. All I've been told so far is that I have atypical cells but no-one has really explained what that means and whether I will need more treatment. Too scared to Google it so I guess I just have to steel myself to wait until Monday to find out. Sending positive healing thoughts to you and all the brave women out there fighting this horrible disease xxxxxxx
  • Lynne48's avatar
    Lynne48
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Avalon. I was diagnosed with BC earlier this month and am now sitting in my hospital room, having had a bilateral mastectomy (that's both boobs removed) and an axillary clearance (all lymph nodes removed under my arm) on the left side, and still don't know what type of BC I have! I should have the full path results early next week and from there will go onto a course of chemo. I found it useful to do my research and read up on all the different types of Breat Cancers so that when I discuss the different courses of treatment with the surgeon and breast care nurse, I am able to ask questions and understand their responses. Just knowing the 'Cancer' lingo is a big help. Always take someone with you to appointments, as it is difficult to remember everything you are told. Take care. Lynne
  • Avalon's avatar
    Avalon
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thank you again so much for all your advice and support. I shed a few tears today - not for me funnily enough - but for my beautiful mum who had to struggle along and dying so young. You are right when you say our health system is the best - the doctors and nurses are all total professionals , it's just communicating that's the problem. I truly have no idea what awaits me next week, hopefully it will be good news but if not I'll take your advice and have someone with me and ask lots of questions. The waiting is very hard, such a nice day here in Sydney and perfect for a swim, but I can't go for one! Makes you appreciate the simple things in life and that your health is everything. Thank you again for being my friend guide when I needed one xxxx
  • Avalon's avatar
    Avalon
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thank you again so much for all your advice and support. I shed a few tears today - not for me funnily enough - but for my beautiful mum who had to struggle along and dying so young. You are right when you say our health system is the best - the doctors and nurses are all total professionals , it's just communicating that's the problem. I truly have no idea what awaits me next week, hopefully it will be good news but if not I'll take your advice and have someone with me and ask lots of questions. The waiting is very hard, such a nice day here in Sydney and perfect for a swim, but I can't go for one! Makes you appreciate the simple things in life and that your health is everything. Thank you again for being my friend guide when I needed one xxxx
  • Avalon's avatar
    Avalon
    Member
    11 years ago
    Thanks for your kind words - I find out my fate on Monday when I see the surgeon again. I hope everything goes well for you, so many brave women on this site. Makes me feel very humble and proud at the same time xxxx
  • LindaN's avatar
    LindaN
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi Avalon I'm at the waiting stage also, a newbie, diagnosed with BC on 10 Feb. Surgeon didn't have all my results back when went to first appt with him 2 weeks after diagnosis. I foolishly thought if come away x that appt knowing type, grading and treatment plan. The waiting is so hard! I have an appt in another fortnight when they will have already had multi disciplinary team meeting and discussed treatment options. Sending my love and kind thoughts to you today and hope the wait isn't too much longer for you. Christine's post was awesome! Full of helpful info and loads of reassurance this initial whirlwind is normal. Take care! Linda x
  • Avalon's avatar
    Avalon
    Member
    11 years ago
    Christine a thousand thanks for your long and fantastic reply. You have told me more in one post than I've learnt in three weeks!! Hugs back to you and your daughter thank you again I appreciate it so much xxxxx
  • Avalon's avatar
    Avalon
    Member
    11 years ago
    Christine a thousand thanks for your long and fantastic reply. You have told me more in one post than I've learnt in three weeks!! Hugs back to you and your daughter thank you again I appreciate it so much xxxxx