First appt at the hospital today

Everyone is an expert. Time will tell what they will recommend. I had my surgery and immediate recon through Royal Adelaide Public System and very happy. I waited 20 days...which felt forever...but it was quick...my cancer was under 2 cm but a her2+ so that might have made a difference. Large ones often go to chemo first so I don't  think it means you would wait longer because it is small. Best of luck. Kath

I agree Tansy

Trusting your care team is crucial. Doesn't mean i won't ask lots of questions though.

I didn't have a good day today as I had to deal with several well meaning people ( who don't have a medical background) trying to give me unsolicited advice . ie I was told I need to accept Chemo !!. I told this person it hasn't even been offered yet and besides I may not even need it. Her reply was that if I didn't get it then I need to find another Doctor who would give it to me. <unbelievable>

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Hi narwoo

I have been in the Queensland public system since the beginning & have no complaints.

I suspect the whole process may take a little longer, unless you are stage 3+ but the care, expertise, follow up & caring has been amazing ??

I trust the process & those looking after my continued good health ??

I hope you find the same,

Warm regards

tansy 

Hi Keiley

I felt like I was in good hands yesterday and everyone was very caring but also professional. I believe they see over 150 women a yr in that clinic so they know what they are doing. I was a bit concerned initially going to a public hospital as my mum went private so I thought I would get an inferior service. However after the appt I feel reassured that I am in the best place. I had prepared myself for a lengthy wait but was surprised that even the wait for the surgeon, chest xray and blood tests didn't take too long. I like the idea of a multidisciplinary team as I want this to be a collaborative effort. Hope your experience will be as positive as mine was. 

One thing I did yesterday was to be very open with the staff about what my fears are so they could address my concerns. 

Hi Ruth

I had a chat with the breast nurse today and she was reassuring .

I also looked at the link you sent and my twin sister may be at very high risk of having breast cancer before age 75. She has had mammograms every 2nd year since age 40 so is likely to catch it early. 

Anyway I have to be selfish and focus on myself for now.

Hi Narwoo, I just got my call from the hospital today to go meet the surgeon on Thursday morning. Thank you for sharing what it was like for you because I'm quite anxious now since my diagnosis Friday afternoon! 

I hope it goes well for you too, I'll be looking for your posts to see how you go. 

Hi Narwoo

The first appointment can be pretty spooky - hope they looked after you well. I probably looked like rabbit caught in the headlights. And the MRI will help with planning the next bit. Hopefully the hospital puts you in touch with a breast care nurse soon as they are so helpful in guiding through the process and very supportive.

There is an online tool that you or your sister or her GP may consider to assess her risk:

https://canceraustralia.gov.au/clinical-best-practice/gynaecological-cancers/familial-risk-assessment-fra-boc

Some people are eligible for medicare funded MRI breastscreening depending on family history. Hope that helps.

All the best with your MRI next week...yes, very much one day at a time. Let us know how you are going :) x