Forum Discussion

Janiot's avatar
Janiot
Member
10 years ago

Whirlwind

Hello my name is Jan (Janiot),

I'm 57, married for 25 years, have 2 children aged 18 (still at home) and 24 (due to be married in November).

My journey started last year when I first noticed my left nipple was retracting. I had a mammogram in December which reported no evidence of breast cancer.

I was still concerned so had an ultrasound in January- again it reported no evidence of breast cancer but there were cysts which my GP told me were probably a result of me taking HRT, which I had been on for menopause symptoms since October 2012. 

I work as an After Hours Hospital Manager - mainly 3 nights / week. In early July I noticed a colleague was rostered sick leave in the next roster, and she told me she was having breast surgery for an inverted nipple and I told her I had one too. She advised I should have a MRI which I did on 21 July.

On 27th July I was told by my GP that the MRI had confirmed that I did have breast cancer - then the whirlwind began..

28 July- breast biopsy via ultrasound 

29 July - first consult with surgeon- I have early breast cancer-referral to oncologist and further tests ordered 

Sean & I told the children - daughter really upset.

Told my closest work colleague - she was upset too!

Told my brother via FaceTime - he lives in France - he will tell my parents who live in the UK, when he visits next week

30th July - CT chest and abdomen 

31st July - whole body scan

Then I worked 3 nights, and after my first night. 4th August- I had a consult with my oncologist- she gave more details - She thinks I have classic lobular cancer 2-4 cm in size, she does not think I will benefit from chemotherapy prior surgery as it is probably slow growing- my CT and bone scan show no metastacies in those areas ??

Only the pathology from surgery will determine if I will need chemo and how many cycles , then I will need hormone suppression therapy for at least 5 years.

I have to cease HRT and recommence vitamin D supplements.

After my second night 5th August- I had my second consult with my surgeon - plan for nipple preserving mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy and reconstruction -lymphoscintigraphy prior - on 14 th August.

Worked my 3rd night shift extremely sleep deprived!

6th August -Sent email to supervisor to advise I will need to be taken off the next roster from 14th August to 11th September- 11 night shifts need to be covered. No response from them!

Mum's 90 th birthday!

Today -7th August- had bloods taken, dropped imaging  films/dvd's off in Calvary - needed for lymphoscintigraphy, apparently.

Parents rang from UK - brother has told them my diagnosis - they seem to be taking news as well as can be expected

 

  • Janiot's avatar
    Janiot
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello - thank you for taking time to share your "journey" with me!

    I  live in Canberra ( have lived in Adelaide a couple of years in the 90's)

    Just made contact again with my breast cancer support nurse.

    Only 3 days until surgery??

    Jan

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    OMG, that is a whirlwind for you, and very overwhelming. I hope that your upcoming treatment is prompt and appropriate for your type of cancer. You'll find this network really supportive and the advice that members give is useful for you during your treatment. I'm 55 and have 2 grown up children. I chose to go on sick leave after my mastectomy then annual leave. I made the decision to resign and focus on my treatment and recovery. I'm accessing funds from my superannuation sickness benefits in the meantime. My workplace have been wonderful, and continued contact with me. Just work on getting better, sending you a big cuddle, Trace xxx ??????

  • KezzaB's avatar
    KezzaB
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Whirlwind,

     

    WOW, I got exhausted form reading, please breathe xx

    As Loubegg said, welcome crappy you have joined us but we are all here and sounds great you have family support.

    All little thing help, children, give them Canteen contact details they have excellent services, drop in centres, outings, camps all sorts of things you need to concentrate solely on you for the first time probably. Work stuff? If in a union get them to sort it that's what they do best. little tip: what I thought was my best friend for last 33 years hasn't been near me since I told her in January 2015 and my partner for last 8 years ran for the hills?? Unfortunately I cant lose sleep on it that's not my issue. My cancer and treatment is my issue (not saying this will happen to you) but it does shuffle the cards on everyone.

    I guess all I am saying is you need to concentrate on you rely on others, hubby and children to take in the information for you whilst you take baby steps each day. Eliminate all the things you cant control, and wish mum a happy 90th with love xx the 24yo will sort the wedding plans and you will get to enjoy the wonderful day. My boss said to me now is the time you allowed to be a little selfish. Be kind to you and others will fall into place. Love and light :) We are here too

  • Loubegg's avatar
    Loubegg
    Member
    10 years ago

    Dear Jan

    Welcome although sorry you've had to join us!

    It's certainly a roller coaster until the treatment plan is in place.  Once all the pathology is in and you know exactly what you're dealing with its so stressful.  Rest assured it will get better and things settle down.  

    I have 17 year old twins and when I was diagnosed last year my breast surgeon called them in and spoke to them and answered all their questions.  It was really helpful!  Maybe your surgeon could speak to your daughter or the breast care nurse could.

    I'm glad your parents are doing okay! 

    Please pop on here any day or night - there's always someone online or something to read and I found it really helpful in knowing what's ahead and what to expect with each stage.

    ive just finished 6 months of chemo, a bilateral Mastectomy and reconstruction followed by 5 weeks of radiation and am starting feel much better.Hang in there, you can do this and just take it one day at a time and stage by stage and you'll get there.  Be kind to yourself and accept any help offered.  

    Sending big hugs!!  

    Louise