Member: colthul | BCNA Online Network

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Re: How quickly can a tumour show up between scans?
Sorry for not replying sooner. Looks like nothing interesting - potentially encapsulated fat (at least that’s what I heard the senior tech say when he was looking. Haven’t bothered to go back to surgeon as the sonographer said everything looked good. No biopsy which means only $600 instead of $1200
2 years ago Place General discussions
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Re: How quickly can a tumour show up between scans?
Paying for scans is pretty standard, I live in Toowoomba QLD and there are 2 providers here. One is slightly less expensive than the other but $1200 is the quote for mammogram, US and biopsy and is around about what I paid when I was first diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago. Without the biopsy its about $400 a side. Obviously there is medicare rebate, so we end up $530 out of pocket but still need to pay up front and then claim the refund which is sh!t. @arpie FA is fibroadenoma - benign tumour. I am 44
2 years ago Place General discussions
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How quickly can a tumour show up between scans?
If I had a PET/CT back in early July that was clear, surely it would be almost impossible that a lump I can feel in my BC breast would be a new tumour? I know there was a FA in the same area of breast back in 2021 and 2022 when I was diagnosed and had 12 month scans (latest one in 2022 showed it had gotten smaller). I’ve never been able to feel it….until now. I also know that FAs don’t randomly turn into malignant tumours either. It was biopsied back in 2021 when I was diagnosed so I know it was benign. I’ve seen my surgeon and he’s requested an urgent mammo/US/biopsy which is happening on Tuesday. BUT…I totally hate the $1200 I’m having to pay up front for the scans, especially if there is bugger all chance it would be anything other than the FA given that I had a clear PET back in July. Could a tumour grow/reccur that quickly?
2 years ago Place General discussions
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Re: New Diagnosis
@Elise_Rim I've sent you a message with info about my trial. You wouldn't be eligible if you have already started treatment as the therapy is a replacement for using AC. Keytruda may be an option, I'm not very clued up on it sorry.
3 years ago Place General
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Re: New Diagnosis
Hi @CathL I am in Toowoomba and went through the public system when I was diagnosed in July 2021. I had an appointment with my oncologist within 2 weeks of diagnosis (saw Dr Donaldson the day after my results came back from my GP). Was originally going to go private but there was an immunotherapy trial being conducted for triple neg through the base so I went there. I think I started chemo within the month. I had a port put in privately so not sure the timing if you want a port and going public sorry. The staff at the base are amazing. Do you know the hormone receptor status of your tumor? That may impact your treatment plan as far as surgery first v chemo first. My oncologist was Dr Karki and he is very caring (also works out of St Andrews). Feel free to message me if you want any more info :)
3 years ago Place General
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Re: Grade 3 Triple Negative
It can feel like an eternity while you wait for the referals and more information. I am a planner and the perceived (by me) lack of urgency to get things started was my biggest frustration. Feel free to join this facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1166665270079659 I found it so helpful with understanding TNBC. The ladies are all fantastic and really helpful
3 years ago Place General
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Re: Adrenal mets - anyone?
Hi Abbydog, Scan was inconclusive. The recommendation was to either do a MRI or wait and scan again in 3 months to see if there was any change. I mentioned it to my oncologist and he decided to send me for the MRI to put everyone's minds at ease. MRI determined it was an adenoma, sigh of relief! Turns out they saw it on my original PET scan and it hasn't changed in size.
4 years ago Place Living with metastatic breast cancer
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Adrenal mets - anyone?
Background info: Diagnosed TNBC in July 2021. Finished chemo in December 12/12 Tax and 4/4 Carbo. Also had 3/5 Immunotherapy (Nivomulab) which caused kidney injury so couldn't finish all 5 rounds. Currently taking 70mg/day of prednisone to get them working again. Lumpectomy found 6mm of tumor remaining and sentinel node was negative but showed treatment effect. Oncologist decided no further chemotherapy required - I am getting a second opinion on this later this month. Currently going through radiation. Doing 30 zaps due to the node having treatment effect. Went for a chest CT on Tuesday - I have had a bit of a cough, breathlessness and aching chest. GP wanted to make sure nothing sinister and to also follow up after I had pneumonia during treatment. Chest is clear but they noticed a nodule on my adrenal gland and have recommended another CT specifically on the adrenal gland. GP isn't overly concerned, she was lovely and reassuring. But then GP and I weren't concerned about the "cyst" in my breast that ended up being TNBC. I'm usually the person that goes to the best case scenario but really struggling this time because of the shock of finding out I had BC in the first place. I think the fact that the sentinel node showed treatment effect now has me jumping at shadows all over the place. So, after all that.....my questions is - has anyone experienced mets on their adrenal gland? I have googled of course (yes, bad idea I know) and there isn't a great deal out there which makes me feel a little optimistic. I also tried searching threads in here but couldn't find much. Kind of hoping that the nodule is my gland having a hissy fit about all the steroids I have been taking (started at the beginning of November, weaned off late Jan and then kidney function dived again so back on high dose and they don't seem to be recovering like they did last time). CT scan is scheduled for tomorrow and then check in with Dr on Monday. Don't you hate having to wait over the weekend for news??
4 years ago Place Living with metastatic breast cancer
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Re: What 'new hobby' did you take up after your diagnosis/treatments?
I did diamond art for a little while. A friend bought me a set to do while I was stuck in hospital for a couple of weeks. Otherwise I just stuck to mountain biking. I am not good at craft type activities.....they never turn out like they are meant to lol
4 years ago Place Living with breast cancer
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Re: Impatiently waiting for genetic test results
Testing was free due to my tumor being TNBC so there is no invoice. I might try emailing the genetic councilor and see if she can chase it up.
4 years ago Place General
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