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MaureenTeresa's avatar
MaureenTeresa
Member
11 years ago

Reflection

I was diagnosed in late October and like virtually everybody else I was in a state of shock. From then on it was panic,tears and appointments of various kinds. All very difficult to process. I had surgery on the 7th November and I am now at home recovering. I feel much calmer now and feel like I finally have time to think about things. I am waiting for the results of my pathology and I am anxious about them, but hopeful because my cancer was detected early by the Breastscreen doctors. All the medical staff have supported me from the beginning by explaining everything, arranging appointments, giving me emotional support and providing written information. It's amazing how many people are there to help. My friends,family and work colleagues have been wonderful.

 

coping

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  • lynnexcel's avatar
    lynnexcel
    Member
    11 years ago
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    Hi libby iwas told about 4/5 week waiting period so I have chose to go private as I would probably drive myself mad over that time. We have full hospital cover so that should cover a lot of the expense hopefully. Thats the only reason I'm being seen quickly. The Dr did however say that there was no medical reason why I couldn't wait a month. hope you're doing OK - how quickly life can turn upside down eh - sending positive thoughts and hugs x
  • Susan_Linda's avatar
    Susan_Linda
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    11 years ago
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    Hi Libby , I had to wait 8 weeks and it was successful surgery - had not spread into the lymph system. I am sure if it was urgent the doctors would operate quickly. I think it is more to save emotional turmoil that they operate quickly but don't worry. My specialist told us that 4 months wouldn't make a difference! We went on a holiday and the time flew by so I was very relaxed on the big double mastectomy day. Good luck!
  • libby73's avatar
    libby73
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    11 years ago
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    Just wondering if anyone else has had to wait the four weeks for sugery...I'm reading all the comments and everyone seems to be diagnosed then sugery has happened quickly...my timeframe seems to be forever...a lump was found on the 29 September...ultrasound...FNA...core biopsy...mammogram and mri...results finally on 20 October with ILC & DCIS and my sugery is not until 3 December...I know others are saying not to think about the cancer spreading but how can I not...

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
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    11 years ago
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    Hi there Lynnexcel

    It is great that you have made the posting as you know you are not alone and there will almost always be someone on-line who can be in touch with you within a short space of time.

    Melt-downs are considered to be a good thing - so much better than keeping it in.  If it happens let it happen - and they will happen without any forethought !   I had a couple and did not even see them coming !

    Please take someone with you to see the surgeon - take a list of questions and write his/her answers down (maybe your partner or friend can do the writing for you).

    If you feel confident with the surgeon then all will be well as together you will make the right decisions.

    Read some of the information but try not to overload yourself, read the bits which are relevant to the moments as they come.

    Will be thinking of you so let us know how you get on tomorrow.

    Kindest regards

    Summer  :-)

  • lynnexcel's avatar
    lynnexcel
    Member
    11 years ago
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    I am 47 and was diagnosed with early breast cancer on Friday - wow - I am still processing this information - have been quite positive as I also was told it was detected early and is only 9mm and I have an appointment with the surgeon tomorrow (going private as otherwise it was a month till I could have it removed) - have had a bit of a melt down today though as it is all becoming real and quite scary.  It feels good to read other peoples stories though and reallise you are not alone x

     

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
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    11 years ago
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    Hi Maureen

    Welcome to the network but I am sorry you also need to be here.  You are now among a group of wonderful ladies who are always there to give you some moral support at the times you need it.

    The staff at Breastscreen Victoria (and in particular one lass named Simone - thank you) were wonderful as well.  The stress of making appointments was handled for me and, as you say, the written information provided was great because it was there for reference when my mind could absorb it.  All that helped enormously after the shock news that I needed a mastectomy - a word which had not entered the conversations until that day.

    Yes, there is a wealth of supports out there and we only have to ask.  We don't know it is there until we need it.

    The wait for pathology results and further treatments seems an eternity for us all.  Good luck with that.

    Do keep in touch as we all care.

    Summer   :-)

  • June1952's avatar
    June1952
    Member
    11 years ago
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    Hi Maureen

    Welcome to the network but I am sorry you also need to be here.  You are now among a group of wonderful ladies who are always there to give you some moral support at the times you need it.

    The staff at Breastscreen Victoria (and in particular one lass named Simone - thank you) were wonderful as well.  The stress of making appointments was handled for me and, as you say, the written information provided was great because it was there for reference when my mind could absorb it.  All that helped enormously after the shock news that I needed a mastectomy - a word which had not entered the conversations until that day.

    Yes, there is a wealth of supports out there and we only have to ask.  We don't know it is there until we need it.

    The wait for pathology results and further treatments seems an eternity for us all.  Good luck with that.

    Do keep in touch as we all care.

    Summer   :-)