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arpie
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Re: Anyone with this subtype of Breast Cancer ? IMPC
You've been thru (and still going thru) a lot already ks-51 .... I hope you have a good support network & are recovering well xx In a funny way, it is good that your menopause has come on 'quickly' instead of over 3-5 years (which happened to me, then lasted another 15!) .... Good Ol' Menopause (NOT!) .... If you have an issue with Hot Flushes, there are a few hot flush remedy suggestions in the threads that may help if you find them too nasty .... You can put 'reference words' in the 'search area' to bring up previous threads (click on 'newest' so you don't get swamped with really old posts first!) https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/search?q=hot+flush&sortBy=newest Chemo is never fun (I didn't personally 'do it' but cared for my husband, who did) .. if you have any queries re any side effects, whack them up & members will jump on & help with an suggestions/answers xx BCNA also has a 'flat chat' private group (those who choose not to have reconstruction) - you could join that group & do a write up of your experience (even add before & after pics if you are up to it) or put up any questions you may have as well re flat closure. I hope you are happy with the result. xx Feel free to fill us in with your story so far - and your hobbies/art/craft that you may do in your spare time - as we have some terrific artists & gardeners here & clever 'crafters'. I run an ukulele group & love kayak fishing!! Both, good fun! 😁Re: Anyone with this subtype of Breast Cancer ? IMPC
Hi ks-51 - so sorry to see you joining us here - hopefully we'll be able to help you with any question you can throw at us! Whilst I am not that familiar with the 'micropapillary' subtype .... I put it into the 'search' area and it has actually brought up quite a few threads where it has been mentioned! There have been 2 x threads in the last 2 years, then some from 7 years plus ... but it might be worth checking them all out - as each may have a "nugget of gold" tip! Search | BCNA Online Network Everyone still remembers the shock of hearing the ‘diagnosis: “You've got breast cancer” ..... Causing sadness, distress and even anger. It actually mucks with your brain, sometimes even more than your body! It can be highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, give the Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) for a confidential chat with one of the Mods xx. Make sure you take a trusted friend or relative with you to all your meetings from now on (for physical and mental support - and also a 2nd set of ears!) & also consider recording them too, on your phone xx. It is almost impossible to remember everything that is said & this way you can go back over it in the quiet of your home & take notes. xx Make sure you stay away from “Dr Google’ (difficult tho it is) - as a lot of info there is not only out of date - it probably also isn’t even relative to your own diagnosis. Going down that rabbit-hole will also muck with your brain. Also, Consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - as she explains it all very well xx She is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy following her own diagnosis, choosing to stay flat. She was surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, as she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it all'! She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts. http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest take care & all the bestRe: How soon after mastectomy can unusual scar be "tidied"
That's a great result, Meurig xx Good luck with the prosthesis & new bras xx Check out BCNA's tips here: https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/surgery-and-breast-reconstruction/breast-prostheses-and-breast-forms Where abouts are you (roughly - town/city/State?) Some of our members may know of someone nearby who could help you. There are some specialist Prothesis Bra fitters in some centres (https://dickorydock.com.au/in Camberwell Vic.) I believe there is one in my home town (Mid North Coast NSW) too, tho I never needed the service. You can find others here: https://www.google.com/search?q=prosthesis+bras+australia This mob might be worth looking into: https://www.themastectomystore.com.au/ Wishing you all the best xxRe: Changing insurance within Super - will it trigger a total review?
Hi StrongCoffee You could also contact the Cancer Council & have a chat .... they have a section on Finances & support: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/coping-with-a-diagnosis/finances/further-support-and-information/ and re superannuation: https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-information/coping-with-a-diagnosis/finances/finding-other-income/superannuation/ Good luck - I hope it all falls into place & isn't too stressful for you xx Take careRe: Mastectomy
So sorry to see you joining us here Milva .... we have 2 private groups that you may like to join .... A Triple Negative Group and also a Mastectomy/Reconstruction group. If you click on the links below, you'll be able to see other posts and chat with others that have had the same diagnoses/surgeries. Breast Reconstruction: Group: Choosing breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network Triple Negative: Group: Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) | BCNA Online Network Everyone recovers at different rates, specially depending on the type of reconstruction that will be done - so being given an actual 'timeline' may be tricky. Everyone still remembers the shock of hearing 'the diagnosis': “You've got breast cancer” ..... Causing sadness, distress and even anger. It really mucks with your brain, sometimes even more than your body! It can be highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, give the Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) for a confidential chat with one of the Mods xx. Make sure you take a trusted friend or relative with you to all your meetings from now on (for physical and mental support - and also a 2nd set of ears!) & also consider recording them too, on your phone xx. It is almost impossible to remember everything that is said & this way you can go back over it in the quiet of your home & take notes. xx Make sure you stay away from “Dr Google’ (difficult tho it is) - as a lot of info there is not only out of date - it probably also isn’t even relative to your own diagnosis. Going down that rabbit-hole will also muck with your brain. Also, Consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - as she explains it all very well xx She is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy following her own diagnosis, choosing to stay flat. She was surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, as she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it all'! She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts. http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest take care & all the best for your surgery & recoveryRe: Radiation, driving and fatigue
All the best for your rads treatment Millymonster xx Just make sure you keep the creams up to the Rads areas ... be kind to yourself, tho - that's a lot of 'work' to get thru, what with the treatment & all xx Don't forget to look into the Patient Transport rebate available in each state, Below (in pink) is a link to the current 2026 info for each State. .... Click on 'view PDF' to download it (easier & bigger to see, than reading the 'booklet' just below it!). I've put a screenshot of the important info (tho not sure how large it will be if you click on it ..... to read the fine print!). Every state has different criteria and payments .... but if you have cumulative trips within a specified period of time, you should also be covered for the rebate. (Some trips need to be in excess of 100k each way, to be elligible - but cumulative may 'work better' for you. If in doubt - ring them up to discuss it. https://www.ruralhealth.org.au/publication/fact-sheet/patient-assisted-travel-schemes-guide/Re: Post surgery help
Welcome to the group hellosunshine - the one that no-one ever thought they'd be joining! …. Whack up ANY questions that you may have, as we’ve all ‘been there, done that’ and all of us combined, should be able to give you a helpful answer. xx Having your sibling stay with you for a couple of weeks is a great idea - the kids know them & will feel more secure with them around. Terrific that they have 'stepped up to the plate' to support you all. xx Consider joining the Reconstruction Private Group - where others who've had that procedure will be able to give you all their tips (and just read thru the posts too!) Group: Choosing breast reconstruction | BCNA Online Network Everyone heals at a different rate - so it is very important not to overdo things early on (particularly in the first few weeks after surgery - ie picking up the kids, pets, wet washing or reaching into high or low cupboards or vacuuming as it could damage/stretch your surgery sites!) You'll probably have drains following your surgery too - and the reconstruction group should be able to give you tips on that. Your surgeon will probably advise you on going back to 'light housework' (or not) when you see them for your results. I hope you have a 'trusted someone' to attend all your early appointments as support - and after the surgery too, when you get your results! Consider recording your appts too on your phone, so you can listen to them again later on - it is almost impossible to remember everything that is said at the time! Make sure you stay away from “Dr Google’ (difficult tho it is) - as a lot of info there is not only out of date - it probably also isn’t even relative to your own diagnosis. Going down that rabbit-hole will also muck with your brain. Everyone remembers the shock of hearing the ‘diagnosis: “You've got breast cancer” ..... Causing sadness, distress and even anger. It really mucks with your brain, sometimes even more than your body! It can be highly stressful & upsetting in the early days of diagnosis - so if you feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, give the Helpline a bell on 1800 500 258 (Mon-Fri, 9-5) for a confidential chat with one of the Mods xx. Also, Consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - as she explains it all very well xx She is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy following her own diagnosis, choosing to stay flat. She was surprised at her own reaction to the news/surgery/treatment, as she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it all'! She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts. http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest take care & all the bestRe: Ovestin Cream
Hi Barbie54 Oh dear, That is annoying that he doesn't 'remember' advising that it was OK to use Ovestin cream in small amounts - you would hardly have made it up! .... Queue 'don't forget to record your appointments on your phone' 😉. I would have delved back into mine & found it! LOL I know the feeling well tho - I went thru early menopause & then BC some time later - but being intimate was like razor blades after menopause :( I was using HRT cream including testosterone for a while but after an abnormal breast scan result (and a callback to go to a major hospital for more scans) .... I stopped using it! The followup scans went back to 'normal' until the BC diagnosis some 5 years later! (Which had nothing to do with the HRT!) Check out this thread - there are lots of other cream suggestions too. .... You could also ask for a 2nd opinion, too .... as even HRT cream is no longer the 'bogeyman' they'd once thought it was previously! Vaginal dryness | BCNA Online Network (These next links are Just for reading, not advising - but Personally, I would imagine that using a SMALL amount of cream eg Ovestin (if the Replens doesn't help) on an 'as needs' basis for intimacy is totally different from taking HRT (tablet/cream/gel or patch) every day for 'overall wellness' .... ) (Copied from Websites:) Re Vaginal Estrogen: Low-dose topical treatments applied locally do not raise systemic levels significantly and are generally not linked to increased breast cancer risk. https://ecancer.org/en/news/27104-experts-call-for-change-of-heart-on-hormone-replacement-therapy-after-breast-cancer) A British Trial 'Meno-ABC' currently has 1200+ participants wanting to join it so far (See Instagram Discussion link down the bottom) & will start when funding is available! NON UK Residents can register as 'observational' participants ..... I've joined! 😉 https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/meno-abc-trial Quality of life is important - this trial will being done in the UK https://www.londonbreastcancer.com/_files/ugd/62fc9b_7ffda9c6cd6c43f1af3be3b669bd95e6.pdf Was your BC low grade & found early? No progression? Read the comments on the right hand side of this announcement re the Meno-ABC trial that should start soon in the UK! https://www.instagram.com/p/DPObdpMDSm5/ Take care & all the best - I hope the Replens works - or just go back to the Ovestin, as your Onc has suggestedRe: Predict - Breast Cancer app
Holy Moly, SYLV1E ... well done YOU for advocating SO strongly for yourself xx. And thank god you did! Yep, I always ask for printed copies of my report .... and it is good we can now see our own scans, once they did away with the old 'plastic/seethru' Xrays. Yep - and specially being 'rural/regional' (and being female!) we are not always given the thorough 'check' that a guy would be given, if it was HIS report. Keep doing your researching!
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