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rhopkins's avatar
rhopkins
Member
11 years ago

Recent diagnosis of breast cancer

Hi from Adelaide,

My name is Rachel and I a newbie on this site. Please be patient! :)

I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. I had noticed some discharge from my left breast which I thought was not normal.  I then went to my GP who was a little worried and sent me for scans (mammogram and ultrasound).  Although these came back basically "clear of suspicion" my GP wasn't 100% clear and sent me to a breast specialist. This was only approximately 6 weeks ago and I had a ductal excision of the left breast 2 weeks ago today. The pathology came back and my specialist called me saying that they found "cancer cells" in the milk ducts.

Just hearing the word "cancer" sent me into a mild spin but my specialist reassured me over the phone that it was the "non-invasive" kind and that it wouldn't shorten my life. He was insistent that I have to have another operation to remove these cancer cells.  This surgery is planned next Monday. I am thankful that I still have my private health insurance.

I am confident that I will be fine. I suppose I received it as good (non-invasive) and bad news (cancer) at the same time. It was officially diagnosed as ductal carcinoma in situ of low grade. However on looking at this website I now read that as I have DCIS i have a higher risk of developing invasive cancer in the future  (a risk only, no one can guarantee) and i may not even develop it at all.

Would love to chat to anyone out there. I am currently looking for work as well! I sometimes think that my diagnosis is only small. 

 

Cheers

Rachel

13 Replies

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  • Hazel_M's avatar
    Hazel_M
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Rachel, small is definitely good:) Your GP did his job well and asked for further treatment. Stay confident, most of us go on to live good lives, it's not the same as years ago when not much was known about breast cancer. Good luck with your job search as well, stay in touch as this is a good network for comfort and advice, all the best,

    Hazel xx

  • KarenneW's avatar
    KarenneW
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Rachel, just read your post and sorry for your dilemma, but welcome to our world. Here in Adelaide we have a wonderful support group of girls who are or have been where you are.  Its called Adelaide Breast Cancer Friendship Group.  We meet every couple of weeks for either lunch or dinner and who comes along depends on committments.  If you would like to join our group we have a public facebook page and a closed site which is for women only - no men allowed.  The girls post about there individual situations and their treatments.  If you do Facebook just look us up and then send a request to join, you will receive a PM asking you to confirm your diagnosis and once you reply you are"in".

    Our next dinner is 29th May at The Highbury Hotel.  It will be advertised here and on our facebook site you would be most welcome to come along.

    Cheers

    Karenne Wood

  • Michelle_R's avatar
    Michelle_R
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Rachel

    Everyone is welcome here, and 'small' is good!  It is great news that your GP sent you for checks and your DCIS was caught so early.  Come and visit with us whenever you want to chat or ask for information or support.  Good luck with your job search too!  Take care.   xxx Michelle