Early breast cancer treatment

Does she feel comfortable going there? What are your issues. ..is it the location or not keen on the Surgeon / oncologist? Perhaps wait until after the appointment.

Yes you can ask for another  referral  I went through  breast cancer institute at westmead.  Highly recommend  them.

You can get more than one opinion - I did :). I needed to see a couple of different surgeons to determine whether or not my treatment plan was right for me, and how I felt about the team I would have working with me. It's important for your mum to feel confident in her team.

Thanks for your support ladies!! Mum was recommended by the GP to see a specialist at Bankstown hospital, I don't feel comfortable of her going there. Do you think I can go back to the GP and ask for a referral elsewhere? Can the GP give us another referral or can we only go the the one she has recommended?

Hi @tinango . It is really difficult to predict. Each cancer is different each person is different. Treatment plans differ from person to person. Initially I was told probably  I would have a double masectomy...the surgeon only recommended a lumpectomy. Initially told chemo every three weeks . Had chemo fortnightly then weekly. Told probably six weeks radiation or no radiation. I had 5 weeks radiation.
Of course the specialists know what they are doing it is just when they do further tests and surgery things can change.
It was a huge shock to my daughter. Well a year later I am now cancer free and happy to be here...good luck

Hi @tinango - the ladies here have given you the answers.....the word "early" is a good one though  :). Once the pathology results are back your mum will have a much clearer idea about what the plan is.

When I was diagnosed with BC it was described as "as early as you can get", but the breast surgeon still warned me that I would need a mastectomy simply because the mammogram showed multifocal calcifications (looked like little stars in the night sky across my breast - tiny white dots....) These are like the canaries in the mine...they warn that something is on the move. When my pathology came back, it confirmed what the breast surgeon had said - that it was very early, not aggressive, but i would need a mastectomy. 

Don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you feel you need one either. For my own peace of mind, that's what I did...and then I felt like I was more able to make an informed choice about the path ahead - and I have been so pleased with my team along the way. They have all, without exception, been amazing.

Remember, this is a time when you can all feel so overwhelmed but you can control some things.

Take care - and how wonderful that you are there to support your mum through this. We will be here to support you both  <3

Nikki x

@tinango has mum been given "my journey kit" https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/

Hey @tinango I can't really add to what these lovely ladies have said. It really is too dependent on what her diagnosis actually is, no way of knowing without seeing the Breast Surgeon. My first diagnosis was early high grade though DCIS, I did not have to see an Oncologist but I did have to do 6 weeks of radiation therapy and then an Oestrogen blocker. 2nd diagnosis was different so had to see an Oncologist. Let us know how you go, or if we can help with anything at all :) Hugs Melinda xo

All will be based on your mums path results and the medical teams decisions

It varies a lot dependent on size, treatment recommendations, surgery choices etc. It can be anywhere from 6 weeks to 15 months dependent on the type of cancer and treatment regimes. Of course then there is oral treatment options of 5 to 10 years. You will know more after the 1st appointment. Kath x