So scared.

Hi Blackduck, I'm so glad for you that your other test results were clear. That gives you a good starting point, and you know exactly where you stand. Best of luck with your surgery. I'll be coming to Melbourne on Monday for my appointment with my radio oncologist. I live 5 hours drive away from Melbourne, so will have to stay with friends and family for the 5 weeks of radiology. Take good care of yourself, and take it 1 appointment at a time. Warm wishes and cuddles from Trace xxx ??????

Hi Karen,  I imagine that I will have my treatment at Maroondah as I live in Croydon North.  I have faith in the entire medical team from Eastern Health so don't really have a preference - except for parking as Maroondah is a nightmare lol

Hi Heather

i noticed that you had your tests at Maroondah. Are you having treatment there or Box Hill? I was at Box Hill. They were absolutely fantastic and I couldn't fault the care I received. So very pleased to hear your results. That's wonderful news. All the best. Karen xox

Good morning, 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

Hi Blackduck

I finished 14 months treatment for idc grade 3, hormone negative, HER2 + breast cancer at the end of July this year.  I made a decision very early on that it was crap but I didn't want to be miserable for that 14 months. you will have your moments when it all gets a bit much and gets you down, that's normal, but it's not all bad. I have made some wonderful friends, been able to support others going through their own processes/journeys and most importantly I have evolved as a person. No one knows how or when it is going to be their time. It's ok to be scared and angry and all the other gambit of emotions we all go through. Just remember that you can and will do this!!!!  Hang in there. Yale things a day at a time or an hour at a time if needs be. Karen xox

Hi again, 

you are getting lots of good support and advice. If you really must research and you seem the type who must then ask your oncologist for reputable sites. Mine gave me a list of three and I didn't look anywhere else. In fact I mainly used the early breast cancer book given to me by my breast care nurse and the my journey book. If you look hard enough you will always find bad news and doom stories. Speak to your oncologist and focus on what he/she tells you.  There are many of us on the BCNA site who have had aggressive cancers and are still here and doing really well. Hang in there. 

Hugs 

paula xxxx

I am so grateful for the unconditional support I am receiving from you all.  You are all experiencing your own emotional journey yet you are so forthcoming with advice, best wishes and most importantly - hugs.  Kudos to you all, much love & strength,  Heather xx

Hi Blackduck this is my first post. I have just been diagnosed (last Friday)still trying to get my head around what it is exactly but it is a invasive ductal carcinoma and is a little aggressive "cheeky" is the word the surgeon used. Saw her yesterday it feels like 3 weeks of hoping it would turn out as OK but now feel like everyone but me knew it wasn't ? I am scared too but I have to believe it will be OK!! I know many more people who have had it and are doing fine than not. So hold it all together and we will be on a similar path off into the unknown. 1000 things are running through my head about work and family and treatment and surgery( probably next week) and I too keep hoping it is all a bad dream . But It isn't and I'm sure we will both be OK

BlackDuck,

First of all Stop apologising sweet we all understand the grief, panic, anxiety associated with any form of cancer. Please breathe and get control.

Take control of it don't let it take control of you.

Somewhere deep within you need to find the anger to kick its ass. I teach my daughters never to use the word hate however I have found the reason to hate. I hate Cancer.

And with that in mind I will not let it beat me, I am determined and you will develop the inner strength to take control. Please do yourself a favour and STOP reading the internet info about the type of cancer you have, you will go insane. Use My journey as great starting point for your tool to take control. Schedule your appointments according to your oncology plans and focus on treatment and living normal as possible. Any questions write them down in your journey and ask your Oncologist NOT internet.

Concentrate on the fight here and now in front of you today and take one day at a time.  Love and light.

The more that I look at the pathology report from my biopsy the more I have convinced myself that this is the end for me.  The report is that I have basal carcinoma which on research isn't good.  Every link that I read states "poor prognosis" .  I have been awake all night vomiting, sobbing uncontrollably and am meant to be going to work this morning.  I have my first appointment with the breast surgeon tomorrow (after a vacuum biopsy of microcalcifications).  I don't know how to cope with this anymore.  I have tried to breathe,  have taken valium (low dose prescribed by my gp) but nothing is helping. I cant wait for the next 6 months to be over. My apologies for being so negative but I don't know how to change things.