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JJ70
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Joined 8 years ago
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Re: LUMPECTOMY
HI @DEEDEEDEE. I am in Perth too. Diagnosed Stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (Multi-focal) in Nov 2017. Let me know if you have any specific WA/Perth questions. Have you contacted Breast Cancer Care WA? They are an amazing resource. Please Google and get in touch with them. They have counsellors, breast care nurses, support groups, fun events, a library....the list goes on!! Itis the women I have meet here on the forum and at BCCWA that have got me through this shitfest.Re: Radiation Therapy and work
Hi @jamavon. I am also a primary school teacher. It is an exhausting job - physically and mentally. I didn't have radiation, only surgery and chemo. I wouldn't have been able to teach whilst having active treatment and recovering from DIEP. Everyone is different.....but I actually had the whole year off. As I was only working 2 days a week, I had the luxury of sick days up my sleeve from 26 years of taking minimal leave!Re: 28 unsure on what treatment plan to take
Hi @Tamlyn. I've just had a friend diagnosed with triple positive BC - her tumor 1.8cm. She is doing chemo because the chemo helps the body use herceptin - the drug used for the her2 protein. You don't have this so, your recommendation for chemo is curious to me. I was told that chemo is necessary if tumor size is 3cm or over. I was diagnosed with er+ BC. I read in one study ( a good one from Canada) chances of recurrence for the majority of er+ and pr+ breast cancers are MOST likely for 5-20 years down the track (apparently in more than 50% of cases), rather than peaking at 2 years and relatively uncommon after the first 5 for triple pos/neg breast cancers, so perhaps your young age has something to do with it. What grade was your tumor? Grade 3 tumors are more likely to recur than Grade 1 for example - so this would be something to consider too. In my opinion, chemo is not to be taken on lightly. It has caused irreversible damage to my feet that has dramatically affected the quality of my life. Having said that, I would have still done chemo, as my tumor was 3cm, but like you, no node involvement. I didn't want to be 10 years down the track with a recurrence thinking 'why didn't it do that? I should have done that!' I think Tamoxifen - although a shit drug to take in many respects will be important. From what I've read er/pr BC - Tamoxifen therapy is important for up to 15 years post diagnosis, with extension to 10 years reducing the risk of late recurrence.. Find out if you have a 'Luminal A or B' tumor - Luminal A responds better to Tamoxifen. I read you are in Busselton. I have a couple of friends down that way all diagnosed within the last couple of years. Would you like me to organise a connection - perhaps phone numbers and email addresses? I think @Shellbelle_75 is your tag here on BCNA Shel....been so long since I've used it! These are all my thoughts.........from reading, from taking to my oncologist, from friends.... I wish the medical team you are seeking were clearer with their advice to you....perhaps ask more questions. Get a list of questions together from this thread and other sources and get an appointment with an oncologist (or even two different ones!) as soon as you can after the silly season. I recommend you grill them for some proper answers. This is your life and you need proper medical advice.Re: Is there anyone under 30 in Perth recently diagnosed with bc?
@Ashley. Have you been i touch with Breast Cancer Care WA? They run support groups and may be able to make specific connections with some younger women. Are you also interested in being put in contact with some other 20 somethings who went through BC a few years back?Re: Seeking your topic suggestions for our upcoming conferences
I live in Perth and am the founder of Can at 40. Do at 45 - a FB campaign to raise awareness that screening mammography is available from 40. @Can40Do45 BCNA endorses this campaign, so if the campaign could be involved, that would be fabulous! BCNA have my contact details - I would be happy to assist BCNA in Perth. Thanks for tagging me in @kmakm . xx Thanks Laura. Cheers Jo JoyceRe: Night Howls
Apologies for going awol - all my spare time is spent on the Can at 40 campaign (on FB : @Can40Do45). It is going hammer and tongs atm. So many stories to process and messages to answer, merchandise to send! I have designed bumper stickers, mugs, tshirts and tote bags! PINKTOBER left me gasping for a free minute or two. I have been sleeping really well too - until tonight....when my husband has a dream about being chased by a tiger snake and kicked me hard in the kneecap. Could not go back to sleep, tossing and turning. Oh no, not this old chestnut! Then I realised why.....scanxiety - mammo and ultrasound day today. Two years since diagnosis last Friday. Fuck I hate this time of year. Nervous Nellie November.
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Choosing breast reconstruction
PRIVATE GROUP. Choosing breast reconstruction after single or double mastectomy can feel overwhelming, and deeply personal. This group is here to connect you through others' stories and images. Please respect everyone’s privacy—do not copy or share content outside this space. Information is based on personal experience and is not medical advice; always consult your healthcare team for guidance. ⚠️CONTENT WARNING⚠️ Members may share photos of breast surgeries. These images or discussions may be distressing or triggering for some. If you need support, please contact the BCNA Helpline - we are here for you.
