Hello there - I'm Lisa, 49 years old from Hobart. I've just been told by the Breastscreen people that I have invasive breast cancer, 9 mm, about an hour ago. Have got an hour to kill before I see my GP and get a referral to a surgeon. I feel like I've been hit by a truck. So many decisions to sort through today and all I feel like is curling up in a ball and crying. I have no idea what to do about the surgeon -- does anyone have advice for me?

Hi Lisally, I'm at the beginning of my journey too; 2 weeks since diagnosis of Invasive Lobular Carcinoma and my surgery is scheduled for this coming Friday. The advice I have right now is One Step At a Time - don't think too far ahead. Your focus right now should be getting in to see a surgeon in the next week or so and finding out exactly what you're facing (knowledge is power BUT try not to be like me and google the hell out of everything, it will just freak you out). Today will be a blur, there'll be a myriad of emotions. Reach out to anyone and everyone in your support network (which will end up including many "strangers", like the pretty incredible women on here, and will be huge). There's no "right" way to feel. Put your head down and focus on the next step you're taking, even when I'm running (which I bloody hate) I find it so much more doable than looking to the horizon for the elusive finish line. Good luck, you will find LOTS of information, support and encouragement here. Jules x

Hi Lisally The best advice I got from a lady that I worked with that had breast cancer 7 years ago is don't get ahead of the process ....it did not make sense at the time but as soon as you are told you have cancer your mind goes crazy and all you want to know is that you will be ok and no-one can give you that assurance as there are so many tests and procedures to go through...I found my GP was good but the real answers I got from the surgeon and by the way my breast screen report was not quite right and the more information you receive the picture will get clearer there is a lot of help and information out there and it is ok to feel fragile and confused, it does get clearer...big hugs your way and i hope you get information and advice from your surgeon quickly...Elizebeth xxooxx

Hi Lisally, It is such a shock to hear you have breast cancer. It will take a while to sink in. The first few weeks whilst you are learning more about your cancer, your options, your treatment will be the hardest. I found when you start doing something it starts to get a little easier. My best advice is take someone with you when you see dr's and specialists as second set of ears is important and write down your questions so you don't forget them. You are not alone. There are a lot of us out here who know how your feeling so ask questions or link with people for support as it really helps. It will get easier as your knowledge grows and you start to feel the support of those around you, including surgeon, oncologist and nurses. Keep in touch. I'm in Smithton, so really the other end of state, but sending lots of hugs and thoughts. You will get through this. Gaylene

Hi Gaylene You have made me cry with your kind and compassionate email. Thanks so much - just knowing I'm not alone is so great. Wow I didn't expect all these replies. My doctor told me I was the third woman today diagnosed in his practice. I am obviously joining an elite group of wonderful women. Thanks so much for reaching out. Lisa

Day 1 of cancer | BCNA Online Network

23 Replies

Custard
Member
12 years ago
But do try to not panic at the very least, eh? XX
Lisally
Member
12 years ago
Dear Mandy I just read your comments to my husband with tears streaming down my face. I can't imagine how hard that drive from Hobart must have been for you, nor what you went through after, and feel so fortunate that I live so close to services here. I am especially grateful for this network and blown away by the wisdom and care of the women on it at a time of such vulnerability. Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me - I really truly appreciate it and am grateful for your words, kindness. and support. Xx Lisa
Lisally
Member
12 years ago
Dear Mandy I just read your comments to my husband with tears streaming down my face. I can't imagine how hard that drive from Hobart must have been for you, nor what you went through after, and feel so fortunate that I live so close to services here. I am especially grateful for this network and blown away by the wisdom and care of the women on it at a time of such vulnerability. Thank you so much for taking the time to write to me - I really truly appreciate it and am grateful for your words, kindness. and support. Xx Lisa
Lisally
Member
12 years ago
Thank you so much Elizabeth. I am definitely guilty of getting ahead of myself so will take your advice to heart. Have got in to see a surgeon on Thursday so will just take deep breaths til then. So much appreciate your wise counsel and am very touched by your supportive and kind words! Take care Lisa
Custard
Member
12 years ago
much closer on-line, Lisally!

The Tasmanian Breast Cancer Network members are all around you and although nobody wants to join this exclusive club, we know that is not ever going to happen so we welcome anyone who needs us to be part of the Tassie girls- we all gain strength from each other! You will also make new pals across Australia, I have.

I agree with what has already been written, take deep breaths, write everything down, have someone with you to hear the answers to your questions and write them down too as you will forget things with all this stress.

When I was diagnosed, 9+ years ago, I felt like a cartoon character sitting on rail tracks and a cartoon locomotive rushes out of a cartoon tunnel and slams my guts out and across the room behnind me.

I cried all the way home from Hobart to Lonny. 7 days later my left breast was removed, and I started chemotherapy a few weeks after that.

I have met incredible women, survived, and yes even laughed again. You will too, but take it slowly now. I have a friend who had a similar diagnosis to you many years ago- she lives in Hobart and I can give you her details if you want.

I found, in time, that I wanted to talk with women who had also heard those dreadful, disgusting words, "I am sorry, but you have breast cancer."

The BEST thing you can do you have already done- got online with BCNA.

Much love

Mandy
Lisally
Member
12 years ago
Hi Jules Thanks so much for your excellent advice to stop googling which I will take on board tonight. My GP was wonderful and has got me into a surgeon on Thursday, so I feel a bit less full of anxiety than I did earlier. I really appreciate you taking the time to reach out to me - very kind of you! All the very best to you for Friday and I hope it all goes really well for you. Xx Lisa
Lisally
Member
12 years ago
Hi Gaylene You have made me cry with your kind and compassionate email. Thanks so much - just knowing I'm not alone is so great. Wow I didn't expect all these replies. My doctor told me I was the third woman today diagnosed in his practice. I am obviously joining an elite group of wonderful women. Thanks so much for reaching out. Lisa
Gaylene
Member
12 years ago
Hi Lisally, It is such a shock to hear you have breast cancer. It will take a while to sink in. The first few weeks whilst you are learning more about your cancer, your options, your treatment will be the hardest. I found when you start doing something it starts to get a little easier. My best advice is take someone with you when you see dr's and specialists as second set of ears is important and write down your questions so you don't forget them. You are not alone. There are a lot of us out here who know how your feeling so ask questions or link with people for support as it really helps. It will get easier as your knowledge grows and you start to feel the support of those around you, including surgeon, oncologist and nurses. Keep in touch. I'm in Smithton, so really the other end of state, but sending lots of hugs and thoughts. You will get through this. Gaylene
Elizebeth
Member
12 years ago
Hi Lisally The best advice I got from a lady that I worked with that had breast cancer 7 years ago is don't get ahead of the process ....it did not make sense at the time but as soon as you are told you have cancer your mind goes crazy and all you want to know is that you will be ok and no-one can give you that assurance as there are so many tests and procedures to go through...I found my GP was good but the real answers I got from the surgeon and by the way my breast screen report was not quite right and the more information you receive the picture will get clearer there is a lot of help and information out there and it is ok to feel fragile and confused, it does get clearer...big hugs your way and i hope you get information and advice from your surgeon quickly...Elizebeth xxooxx
Elizebeth
Member
12 years ago
Hi Lisally The best advice I got from a lady that I worked with that had breast cancer 7 years ago is don't get ahead of the process ....it did not make sense at the time but as soon as you are told you have cancer your mind goes crazy and all you want to know is that you will be ok and no-one can give you that assurance as there are so many tests and procedures to go through...I found my GP was good but the real answers I got from the surgeon and by the way my breast screen report was not quite right and the more information you receive the picture will get clearer there is a lot of help and information out there and it is ok to feel fragile and confused, it does get clearer...big hugs your way and i hope you get information and advice from your surgeon quickly...Elizebeth xxooxx

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