Forum Discussion
Feeling frustrated!
Hi lovely people and Happy New Year! I was diagnosed on the 8th November 2018 and had the usual gamut of tests before seeing my surgeon on the 21st November where the intitial plan was lumpectomy followed by rads as it was thought no node involvement. My surgeon requested I have an MRI so she could map surgery. MRI showed the mass to be bigger than the other imaging so plan changed to mastectomy. Surgery was on the 6th December and my follow up appointment on the 21st December. Pathology results were the same as biopsy results in November. DCIS/invasive ductal in situ but there were nodes involved. I had 16 removed and 3 were cancerous. So my frustration lies in the fact that the surgeon said she would do referrals for oncology and rads as she thought the plan would be for both as there was nodal involvement. I know that we are in the midst of the holiday season so things slow down and shut down. My surgeon went on holidays on the 22nd December and is back in February. I have heard from radiation oncology and have a consult appointment on the 28th January. I haven't heard from chemo oncology. How would I go about chasing this up in the event I don't hear from them in the next week or two? Would I have to wait for my surgeon to return as I have no idea who I have been referred to as she was going to talk to two.i managed to take a chill pill over xmas/new year but I'm now getting twitchy as I want to be able to be able to see my way forward and I feel like I'm in limbo land.I assume that new patients are triaged and maybe I'm sitting at the bottom of the list and they've yet to get to me.
thanks for listening and any advice gratefully received
thanks for listening and any advice gratefully received
20 Replies
- Try not to overthink or second guess things - just take it as it comes. Happy to answer any questions if I can.
- Sounds like you are on similar regime to what I had to start with ....
Remember to take a breath and know it is one chemo at a time.... tick them off as them killing the Cancer and you being healthy again afterwards. - You now have a plan ..... try not to overthink it @CathyMac ..... fingers crossed you don't have big side effects & just sail thru this period of treatment xx Take care and big hugs coming your way xxx
- Well I know my path now! I really liked the oncologist but I didn't like what's in store for me. 1st round is 4 x fortnightly doses.(I know you'll all ask me what, I'll have to go look it up) 2nd round is 10 x weekly doses. Feeling totally overwhelmed with what's ahead😢 I'm hoping I'll be able to process,it and get to a happier space soon.
- Hey @CathyMac,
This is probably the scariest appointment. There is a lot to take in and it is quite overwhelming. Just remember, the list of possible side effects is long and daunting but it doesn't mean you will get them all or even many of them. Are you able to access a cold cap to try?
All the best lovely.
xoxoxo - All the best for your appointment today - maybe even record it, if you can? It is so easy to forget what is said in these appointments
Take care xxxx - It is daunting - you're about to buy a ticket for the express. Take someone with you to the appointment and have questions ready if you've got any at this stage. Remember that while some people really struggle with chemo, others have minimal issues - most of us fall somewhere in the middle. Do ask about the benefits of a port. I was overjoyed to see the back of mine when it was finally removed but I was very glad to have had it as it made the process so much easier and saved my veins. When you know what the plan is, let us know and we can give you any tips or info from our experiences if you would like it.
- @CathyMac That's progress. Deep breaths.
- Hang in there CathyMac, things are starting to role now, go with the waves, and it will all be over before you know it.
You will come out the other end biting this BC in the arse.
You have got this girl !
We are all behind you and here for you.
Sending massive hugs your way ❤️ - Me too Cathy...
