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Hi Lindyloo,

I feel lucky to be seen as a private patient but think maybe the swiftness of my treatment might possibly have been the same through public. I have 5cm triple negative aggressive pleomorphic tumour with one confirmed lymph node. Biopsy day1, results day2, see surgeon and oncologist day3, petscan day6, portacath day7, first taxil/carbo chemo day9 .  Nine days might seem like a long time but it went in the blink of an eye.  I am now 13 weeks into chemo and it has flown by. Keep yourself busy and your D day will be here before you know it.

best of luck

debbie 

Thanks Kazzi that helped a lot. Your thoughts echoed mine! Good luck with your treatment, you have done well so far and just need to get past that last stage. Keep me updated with how you're going. X

Hi Lindyloo,

Yes, the waiting is the worst of it all.  Whether it's waiting for appointment times, pathology results, surgery dates?  It's the worst thing of this whole 'journey' because you feel like you're not getting anywhere. But then I realised that the waiting is part of the 'journey'. (you know that trip we didn't really chose to go on?)

I've had surgery, mastectomy, 5 weeks ago, 4cm tumour (bigger and more irregular than was expected) with another smaller tumour hidden there too.  I started chemo 1 week ago (due to the tumour size), as a public patient, 4 weeks postop which is the earliest possible time can begin as all wounds need to heal before it started.  I understand you're having chemo before surgery which is decided on by your team.  All breast tumours are different (size, grading (speed it takes to grow), hormone receptor etc) and the team of oncologists tailor treatment to suit you. Be guided by them. 

During my surgery recovery, I was also referred to a radiation oncologist, as it wasn't confirmed whether I was to have it.  Due to the fact there were two tumours, it's recommended that I have radiation after I finish chemo cycles.  Despite the fact that it'll be later on in the year, it was lovely to speak to my radiation oncologist, question her on pros and cons, work out a timeline of appointments etc (ring for appt after 2nd chemo cycle).  I've realised things take time for that to get started - measurements, ct scans etc.

I found coping with family and friends questions sometimes difficult.  Sometimes I wished I just had to press the play button and tell them to listen...

No, I can't have surgery tomorrow,

yes, I do have to wait for pathology results,

yes, I do have to wait 2 hours for the appointment (surgeon running late)

no, I can't start chemo yet...

yes, I will lose my hair etc etc etc. 

Don't get me wrong, some family and friends have been a great support and make me laugh so much it's the best medicine.

All the best with your treatment and stay in touch. I found coming on here to be really helpful.

Karen xx

Wow, that's amazing! I'm trying to be less stressed with the waiting but as everyone says, "the Dr.s know what they're doing" . Things are moving along slowly but surely and I get to see the oncologist next Monday, so hopefully I will find out a bit more then. Good luck with your treatment. Keep well x

Yes, I thought the same, two weeks wait Inbetween appointments. My 30 days priority runs out in 3 weeks so they had better get a move on! I see the oncologist on Monday and have an apt to see radiologist in two weeks. Not sure why I need to see them now as I was told that would be further down the track in about 6-7 months time? Still working, so keeping busy and I'm trying very hard not to stress too much. Keep well. X

Fortunately for me I live about 40 minutes from the hospital. I had initially been told that I would be having chemo at my local hospital but it seems that has all changed now. I will find out more when I see the oncologist next Monday. I also received a letter today to see a radiologist in 2 weeks which I am confused about as was told I wouldn't be having radiation until chemo and surgery was finished in about 6-7 months time. Again, I will find out more on Monday. I wish you well. X

Thanks Hazel, yes, I am still working so keeping busy. Onwards and upwards as they say!

Glad to hear all is going well. Definitely gives me confidence that all will be ok.i just have to be a little more patient. Xx

Hi Lindyloo,

You make me feel lucky. I saw my GP 11/5. Mammogram, US, FNA & core biopsy 21/5. She rang.  & advised me of the results on the evening of 22/5. I saw a surgeon on 4/6, and had some more tests. Went back to her 10/6. She recommended chemo 1st, so referred me to a medical oncologist, as a public patient. On 12/6, I had a missed call prior to leaving for work. Recognising it as a hospital number, I called straight back, at 9:40am. They had a cancellation, & could I be there for a 1030 appointment. I jumped in my car and headed across town, getting there just in time. I was referred for insertion of a portacath, which I had done as a private patient 19/6. Started chemo 23/6, for 6 cycles. If I hadn't checked my phone before leaving for work, I would have missed that opportunity, & might still be waiting, like you. 

I think someone else has said it, but as a Cat 1, you should be seen within 30days, is my understanding.

Hope it all goes well for you, will be thinking of you

Lyn

Hi Lindyloo

i was public too... It seemed like a 2 week wait between every step - but it was surprising how efficiently it all got done.

i think Cat 1 in public is within 30 days so as long as they get it done within that time frame they are ok.

the waiting does suck especially when you just want to get it done so that you can put it behind you.  And anything cancer related is given priority. 

Try not to stress too much and be guided by your doctors.  Do you have a breast care nurse you can talk to if you are concerned about anything?

wishing you all the best

regards

chris