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Bandkh90's avatar
Bandkh90
Member
12 years ago

New diagnosis

Today, I have received my diagnosis of Stage 1 Breast Cancer.  This has followed a long, ongoing investigation into a blood test which showed raised Tumour markers CA19.9 which is associated with the stomach, gastro intestinal tract, pancreas and ovaries. The testing I had revealed a cyst on my ovaries and, while I was waiting to hear about treatment for that, my doctor suggested I have a mammogram "just to rule anything else out".  I wasn't expecting they would find a lump, I would have a biopsy and hear that it was indeed cancer, all within 3 days.  Monday morning my life was normal, or at least as normal as it can be when you are feeling generally unwell. Now my treatment has switched from focussing on my ovaries to my breast and I am being seen by a breast surgeon next Tueaday.  I feel nothing!  No fear, no upset, nothing!  This in itself is a bit unusual!  Shouldn't I feel something? Anything?  I am thinking I might be in shock but that doesn't feel right either.  I know I want to see a breast care nurse but I'm not sure why or what she would be able to do for me.  This journey feels like a minefield.  I don't know what questions to ask and feel that if I don't take charge of my health, I might just get swept along with whatever gets organised for me without my having any say or making the best choices for me!  Is there anyone out there who has had similar feelings or experiences.  Help!!! I feel like I'm drowning!

biopsy
side-effects

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  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    Welcome to this network,and what a great post by Mona.I agree that finding a surgeon,and oncologist,that you feel confident in,is VERY important.For me,because I really had no clue what I was up against in the early days,I found that this network and the advice from the ladies on here,is what got me through those first couple of weeks.Then,once I had my plan of treatment,I felt a lot calmer and more confident.My husband was overseas when I was diagnosed,and I think that a bit of adrenaline kicked in,or something like that,because I was very matter of fact about things in the first few days.We all cope differently I think,so just do what feels right for you.I didn't see a breast care nurse until my chemo started,but I think that if you see one,they will definitely be able to give you a good idea of what to expect,and perhaps options that may be available to you.Stay on here ,and if you have any other questions,just put them on here.There will always be someone on here to help,you.Cheers xoxRobyn
  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    Welcome to this network,and what a great post by Mona.I agree that finding a surgeon,and oncologist,that you feel confident in,is VERY important.For me,because I really had no clue what I was up against in the early days,I found that this network and the advice from the ladies on here,is what got me through those first couple of weeks.Then,once I had my plan of treatment,I felt a lot calmer and more confident.My husband was overseas when I was diagnosed,and I think that a bit of adrenaline kicked in,or something like that,because I was very matter of fact about things in the first few days.We all cope differently I think,so just do what feels right for you.I didn't see a breast care nurse until my chemo started,but I think that if you see one,they will definitely be able to give you a good idea of what to expect,and perhaps options that may be available to you.Stay on here ,and if you have any other questions,just put them on here.There will always be someone on here to help,you.Cheers xoxRobyn
  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    12 years ago
    Welcome to this network,and what a great post by Mona.I agree that finding a surgeon,and oncologist,that you feel confident in,is VERY important.For me,because I really had no clue what I was up against in the early days,I found that this network and the advice from the ladies on here,is what got me through those first couple of weeks.Then,once I had my plan of treatment,I felt a lot calmer and more confident.My husband was overseas when I was diagnosed,and I think that a bit of adrenaline kicked in,or something like that,because I was very matter of fact about things in the first few days.We all cope differently I think,so just do what feels right for you.I didn't see a breast care nurse until my chemo started,but I think that if you see one,they will definitely be able to give you a good idea of what to expect,and perhaps options that may be available to you.Stay on here ,and if you have any other questions,just put them on here.There will always be someone on here to help,you.Cheers xoxRobyn