Is this all normal?

Hi Naomi, is it possible to ring the surgeons rooms and explain what has happened and ask if it's possible to talk to someone. Make sure you stick up for yourself. I had breast cancer 30 years ago and have learnt since then to speak up if things don't feel right. Ask questions....you do have the right to do so. Sorry I can't really give you any idea what to expect as things have changed so much since I had my mastectomy...I was 30 years old with a 3 and 6 year old. I had a good cry and then put in the brave face one got on with it.  Stay as positive as you can. 

Wishing you all the very best.

Julie

Hi Naomi,

I am so sorry to hear your stress - and to be feeling this way is expected, but the surgeon could be more helpful in dealing with your worries.

When I was diagnosed with Invasive Carcinoma and some DCIS in my left breast in January, I made an appointment to see one breast surgeon...(worthwhile mentioning I went private) then I did a little bit of research and made an appointment to see a second breast surgeon. It was very important to me at that I got a 2nd opinion, but also wanted to find out what two different surgeons might be like.

Once I'd decided which surgeon to go with, I made a second appointment to discuss the surgery (and met with the breast care nurse wt the same time to answer my 2 pages of questions!). I also met the plastic surgeon who was going to be doing my mastectomy and tissue expander twice.

I think you have every reason to want to see your surgeon again - to ask any questions you may have, to allay your fears and to feel confident about the course of action on which you're embarking.

One important thing (amongst many! :) that this BC journey has taught me is that you're allowed to be selfish; you're allowed to do the research; you're allowed to be your best advocate because in the end, YOU are the most important person in this equation.

I know you'll have many more questions - and we will all endeavour to help you answer them

Big hugs

Nikki xxx

Hi Naomi,

 I got a fill in GP when I first found my cancer, and it was a good month before I had my surgery.

Its so very normal to feel confused, scared and isolated. I hope that we can all help you to feel more supported.

Sending you a big cuddle, Trace ????????

Hi Naomi ??

So much harder when you are a youngie in your 30's, 

My heart goes out to you ??

The best advice I got from my sister in law who had been through similar 40 years ago, was to let the surgeons, doctors & specialists worry for you.    It sounds flip but was actually very comforting for me when I realised the level of skill, care & concern from a huge team around me. My survival is their first aim. 

Also, I didn't realise until much later down the track that my gp is fantastic as well. Wish I'd got to him earlier. He filled in a few blank spots & answered questions that I kept forgetting at the hospital . 

Also, your local cancer centre, mine is bloomhill in budrim, is absolutely fantastic. Again, I was late off the blocks & would have been so helpful at the beginning. 

Good good luck. It is all do able, one little step at a time ??

????

tansy

Unfortunately it is very normal... It is only after the surgery in your post op consult some 7 to 10 days later that they will have a good idea what the treatment should be.

I know how scary it feels but it is rather normal... If you are going in as a private patient you can ask to have a 2nd consult with the surgeon. It will cost you and probably give you no more info but it may give you a peace of mind.

Breast care nurses are absolutely fabulous and can help you understand more about your diagnosis and the process so it is worthwhile asking your surgeoun's office or the local hospital's Cancer Centre to put you in touch with her.

These ladies are absolutely invaluable and in daily contact with the whole breast cancer panel so really a good point of contact.

Hugs

Jel.

Hi Naomi, 

Sorry to say Welcome to the club :-)

The other ladies have given you some great advice about obtaining further information. One week ago I had a mastectomy with sentinel node biopsy and immediate reconstruction, so while I can't tell you about a lumpectomy I can tell you about the sentinel node biopsy procedure. The dye injection was done the day before surgery.  You will have a radioactive dye injected into the areola (mine was two injections both around 55ml) stings a little bit but I didn't find it anywhere as bad as the core biopsies) then you get checked after a short time to see how far the dye has travelled towards the sentinel node (it looks pretty impressive on the screen) if the dye is not moving fast enough you will be asked to massage your breast to help speed it along and then you have the ct scans done which in effect pinpoint where the sentinel node is for the surgeon. They pinpoint not only where it is from the nipple but how deep it is, etc etc 3d pinpointing for exact location. Then I was coloured in with a texta to show location on skin. Given report and scans which of course I promptly opened to check it all out ;-) saw a fantastic picture of my own skeleton with my arms above my head that looked as if I was yelling out WOOHOOOOOO!!!!!! All in all it took about 2 hours (had been told it could take anything up to 4).  And that was my part in the sentinel node biopsy.Had been told I would turn blue so had the camera ready to take a picture of my impression if being a smurf but I didn't even turn grey. During your lumpectomy you will have more dye injected again and that will stain parts of your breast blue (so don't be scared when you see it it's OK) the surgeon will use a machine like Geiger counter to track the radioactivity and confirm the sentinel node and then remove it for biopsy! How wonderful to have this technology so when it comes time to have it removed there is an accurate destination for the surgeon. Your bodily functions will leave your body as a brilliant green colour for a couple of days and again nothing to worry about. Hope this helps a bit. What day is your surgery? I'm sure we will all be thinking of you and wishing you the best. Take care Xx Cath

You need to find your nearest McGrath breast nurse. You can usually get one via the place where you got your mammogram done, they should have the list. She will be your support and go between for surgeons and specialists when you get a bit confused. The nurses are very highly qualified and really know their stuff.

Thank you for your comment - and your hug, all hugs are welcome here!

That's good advice, there is so much information and I will hopefully have my husband with me for the next few appointments. It's been hard with the kids - because they are so little I can't take them to appointments so hubby stays to look after them. It's definitely a roller coaster and I've hardly even gotten on the ride yet!

Hi welcome to the site it is a terrible time in the beginning being told you have bc. The other ladies have given you good advice ask to speak to breast care nurse also you can call the cancer council. Next time you see a doctor it helps to have another set of ears to listen and ask questions. When I visited the docs I would take my list and husband  with me, and no question is a dumb one.

When I was first told my treatment was explained, but after surgery my treatment plan changed. I ended up with chemo, herceptin, mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and now on Arimidex.It is a long trip it can be a bit of a roller coaster, try and take it one day at a time. Visit often lots of ladies at different stages of treatment and experiences, as you will find everyones trip is different.Sending you a hug take care xx

Accept any help offered there is also a young womens group.

Hi Nadine, thank you so much for replying! It's so reassuring to hear from others who have been what you're going through. You used the exact word to sum up how I've been feeling - frantic!

I really appreciate you taking the time to share your story, I can't tell you how much better I feel already - I don't know any more obviously but it's so good to know that it's normal not to, if you know what I mean! :)