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Blackduck's avatar
Blackduck
Member
11 years ago

Newly diagnosed update

Good morning,

I just wanted to update you all on test results. The microcalcifications in the left are NOT cancer, they are fibro cystic changes which is normal for my age (53). Had 5 hours of scans etc at Maroondah on Thursday - ct scan for chest, abdo & pelvic area to check lungs etc and a bone scan to check if cancer is anywhere else in my body. Such a relief to get a call last night letting me know that I do NOT have cancer anywhere else in my body, just the tumour in the right breast.

Going back to surgeon on Wednesday to book in surgery dates, chemo etc. I have decided to have a full mastectomy on the right side instead of the lumpectomy. I just feel that psychologically I will cope better if my breast is totally gone. There is a 4% chance of cancer coming back whether I have a lumpectomy or the mastectomy. Only time will tell (after all treatments have stopped) which side of the odds I will fall on.

Many thanks to every single one of you who have helped hold me together over the past couple of weeks. I know the road ahead is full of highs and lows and just as I get up I will be knocked back down again but I have a much more positive attitude to it all now. 

Sending much love & healing powers to you all,  Heather xx

- See more at: https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/members/Blackduck/blog/so-scared-2?cmt_id=901d3bfd-377c-445b-adee-9c8969bc0d26#sthash.liKmdHy8.dpuf

12 Replies

  • Blackduck's avatar
    Blackduck
    Member
    11 years ago

    thanks Paula,  strangely enough I don't have any fear of the surgery or treatments that will accompany the mastectomy.  I wish I could just go to sleep and wake up in 5 years and I'm either here or I'm not - I would much rather just skip all the inbetween bits.  Much love and appreciation, Heather xxx

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago

    Good luck for Monday Robyn.  Know that nagging feeling well, however I am 4 years clear now and each day further away from that rotten diagnosis is a blessing. 

    Let us know how you get on. 

    Paula x

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago

    Well that is such good news. You sound so much better than your last post also. I think once you have decided what you want to do, your head seems clearer and you are able to get on with things. Once I had decided I just wanted to start my treatment and get surgery done. 

    I wish you all the best. 

    Paula xxx

  • Blackduck's avatar
    Blackduck
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thanks Summer,  the sense of relief when I received the call letting me know that all my scans etc were clear was amazing and lasted a good 12 hours then my emotions took over and the tears flowed again.  I am nowhere near as teary as I was when first diagnosed and I am looking forward to the next part of treatment as I know I will be another step closer to being "free" . All of my health team have praised me for having a great attitude to losing my breast but I honestly don't have a problem with any of the upcoming treatments.  xxx

  • Blackduck's avatar
    Blackduck
    Member
    11 years ago

    Good luck Robyn,  I have a feeling that it will go well for you.  Thank you for propping me up once again. xox

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago

    Oh that's nice Tonya:) Wow 5 years that's a real milestone I feel! I look forward to getting to that.This is my 2 year one and I can't believe how quickly time has gone.Nice to hear from you.Cheers Robyn xxx

  • TonyaM's avatar
    TonyaM
    Member
    11 years ago

    Good luck for Monday Robyn.I know that feeling.I just accept I'm going to get abit anxious and irritable for a few days leading up to the mammo and checkup.I warn hubby now and he stays clear. I had my 5 yr check in May and got the all clear. Tonya xx

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago

    What fantastic news. :) Just remember,this network is always here,whether you are starting treatment or have finished.The ladies on here can get you through anything I reckon!!I have my 2 year checkup on Monday,and that familiar anxiety is rearing its head again,however I feel so strong ,that I know I could pretty much cope with whatever I have to.Stay in touch,and once again,GREAT NEWS!!!!!!!!Cheers Robyn xox

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hello Little Black Duck ! Thanks for posting your good news as many of us were hoping to hear back from you. I agree with your mastectomy decision as often ladies who go the lumpectomy route end up going back for the rest to come off anyway. As you say, it has served it's purpose and letting go is better than always wondering about the future. Have a good weekend and keep in touch as you progress along the road ahead. Hugs Summer :-)