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Hi, my name is Maria and this is one group I never expected to be joining! I was diagnosed with an early stage breast cancer 2 weeks ago. It is 14mm, grade 2 invasive ductal cancer of the left breast and I am due to have a wide local excision with sentinel node biopsy surgery in 4 days time on the 2nd of September in Adelaide followed up with 4-6 weeks of radiotherapy. I am trying to stay positive for myself and family about the outcome but it's the process that is so daunting. The waiting and wondering how I will cope with the pain side of it. Not looking forward to the radioactive injection I will need the day before the op. Any suggestions on how best to cope. I do have a very supportive family and group of friends but it's still only me that has to go through all this!
12 Replies
Well I do have a needle thing and after the biopsy which I found quite difficult I made sure I had a short acting anxiety med prior to nuclear procedure but I found it fine even a bit jovial if you can believe that. I like massage usually but didn't need that afterwards: got dressed, no pain and really my focus was the next day lumpectomy. It's kind of space age equipment so that might appeal. From memory they set you up and then leave so I had one support person which felt right but a group can kind of increase anxiety I think. Best wishes
yes I had the blue dye. I still remember being so zonked out after surgery and getting up in the middle of the night and peeing blue, strange the things you remember
Hi Rene, Sorry to hear that you are also starting this "journey" but hopefully we can support each other along the way. Not sure if we can just continue posting here or if you are happy to private message if we can work that out too. Anyway all the best for Thursday. XX
Hi Maria...It seems you and I are on very similar 'journies'. Last Monday I received the same diagnosis as you but mine is grade 3 and only 10mm. I am booked in for a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy on Thursday with the nipple injections to be done on Wednesday (that is also what I am most worried about at the moment). I Was told I will need chemo (up to 5 months) and radio therapy. Wishing you all the best for Wednesday xx
I tried to access the part where it says to check before posting rules but I couldn't access it.
Thanks Tracey B, I am taking it step by step as it's too much to think about if you go too far ahead.
Thank you Robyn W, it's fantastic that we can just pop online and talk to someone who has actually experienced what we are going through. Keeping in mind we are all a bit different and it is very reassuring.
Hi Rowdy, thanks for that. Yes I have ordered and received my kit and it makes for good reading. When you talk about the dye, do you mean the radioactive gear or the blue dye. I am having the radioactive one the day before and only need the blue dye during surgery if the radio one doesn't get to the nodes. Have not had any contact with a breast nurse yet as I live 2 1/2 hours from the city where my specialist, surgery and treatment will take place.
Hi Maria, welcome to the network, you'll get lots of support and advice along the way during your treatment. It's so normal to be worried about the unknown, and it is daunting to think about the big picture. Just take it one treatment and appointment at a time, and it will be easier to manage. I've had a mastectomy followed by chemo, and now I'm halfway through radiotherapy. The time has gone very quickly, and I'm pleased that I took that approach. Sounds like you have lots of positive people around you. I gave my support people my reference books to read along the way, so everyone understands your treatment. Best wishes for your surgery, and take good care of you, Trace ??????
HI Maria I wasn't sure so just checked you canorder the my journey kit from this site. Hopw you are doing ok today
