Just need to talk to someone
I’m 59yo and newly diagnosed with breast cancer. I’m really not sure I get what is going on either because I’m just slow or it’s just not all clear yet so I feel confused, in total panic and that I’m drowning and there is nobody to save me 😢 I am waiting for an mri this Thursday. I have a 10cm Not Special Type Grade 1 something positive to do with hormones and her2 1+. The surgeon says mastectomy is the only choice because of the size. There isn’t anything clear about what happens after that… is that how it’s meant to be? I just feel very lost appreciate any words of wisdom for these circumstances? susan
Triple negative recurrence
Hi I was diagnosed with Triple Neg last March 2024 and finished chemo and radiation end Sept. I got through it all fine-not too many side effects bar the usual and I was exercising, eating well, and feeling positive about it not returning but then in November I felt a lump but wasn't too concerned I thought is was just fibrous tissue post radiation but it has returned and not only that I now have a small oestrogen postive one in the other breast. In a week and a half i have gone from ultrasound, PET scan biopsy and starting chemo last week and had 2nd one today. As well as immunotherapy and a double masectomy when chemo has finished. I'm just finding it quite hard to cope with this time (even though) the PET scan shows it hasn't spread anywhere. I was so strong last time but this time I feel like the rug has been pulled out from under me and I'm finding it hard to stay positive. I sat and just had tears running down my face for a lot of the chemo today. I didn't really feel the need to use BCNA much last time but this time I think I need some extra support. Thanks for listening, just nice to know there are people out there who can empathise with how I'm feeling. Take care.
Working while waiting for surgery
Hi all, was diagnosed 3 weeks ago today with early stage and was told I’d be having surgery pretty quickly. Ended up having to have more tests to eliminate issues in the other side and thankfully that all seems to be clear. But that has meant I still don’t have a date for surgery (I should find out tomorrow hopefully). My question is about how you’ve all kept sane during this ‘limbo’ period. My emotions and anxiety are all over the place, I can’t really focus or concentrate so I’ve taken a fair few days off work. I’m lucky enough that I can work from home (when I’m up to it) and my boss is awesome but I weirdly feel guilty about taking time off as though I should be managing this better. I’m conscious my surgery might not be for another few weeks so feel I need to work out better ways to handle this. Any inputs welcome! Thanks.My first post
Hello lovely ladies, First time mammogram identified the need for a 3D mammogram, then ultrasound & biopsy in my left breast. All via Breast Screen Victoria. Biopsy showed 18 x 17 x 5mm 'high grade DCIS' (clinical notes on 21/3). As I'm in the public system I'm now waiting on having a MRI. My question though relates to the paperwork saying 'E-Cadherin stain and hormone receptors to follow'. Its been 16 days since the biopsy was reported on. How do I receive or who gives me these 'E-Cadherin stain and hormone receptor' results? Should it be via Breast Screen Victoria? Am I meant to chase them up myself?Neuropathy- need some moral support
Hi all, I had one dose taxol and 2 doses herceptin. They have since put treatment on hold 3 weeks ago due to neuropathy in feet and legs (I was borderline for needing it anyway). Im now in a vicious cycle or spiralling anxiety and worsening symptoms, despite them only being mild to begin with. I’ve upped my antidepressants which will hopefully kick in soon. But I’m so scared that this is going to be permanent. I get zapping, tingling and varying numbness. Some days are good, where I barely notice, and other days, like today, it feels debilitating. I guess I’m looking for some good news stories or tips on what worked physically or mentally to help get you through this. many thanks, AnnaFirst appointment since diagnosis
Hi Lovely Ladies, I have my first appt on wednesday at Peter Mac and was wondering if anyone else went to Peter mac and what their experience was with the first appointment. Im hoping to come away with some dates of appointments to start my journey or am I being unrealistic and is it just really an information session? Thanks in advance
Newly diagnosed and waiting for appt. breast becoming more tender as I wait :-(
Hi there, I feel I’m in the difficult position of waiting four weeks between diagnosis and first surgeon appointment. Invasive lobular ER+ PR + HER2 - lump that I noticed in right breast a month ago. I’ve had the MRI done privately this week so the information is ready at that appointment. Trouble is the breast and armpit just feels increasingly niggly and slightly tender while I wait. I’m worried that it’s just growing/spreading as I wait. I don’t have private insurance, do have savings. but wanted to hold out for public and it being a more multi-disciplinary team. I’m really struggling wondering if I should have gone private and quick :-( Thank you xNew diagnosis metastatic breast cancer
Hi, I'm all very new to this being diagnosed only 7 wks ago with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer (triple positive) which has spread to my bones. I am 51 with 2 children. I had only had my first mammogram 18 mths previous which was clear. I felt unwell at work & went to hospital and they found it looking for something else. It has been such an overwhelming process. My family & friends have been amazing but am feeling so very alone.
Stage 4 breast cancer
I have been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer recently, lungs and bone involvement. Hormone receptive high. After reading up about it I was feeling very upbeat. Then I met my oncologist, she was very positive and I was feeling at peace and ready for anything. But after a lot of thought, and knowing I am on borrowed time, knowing all the blood tests, scans, and injections for my bone cancer (and lung) for the rest of my life, meetings with oncologists, GP and allied health workers and with only a 50% chance of living for up to 5 years I'm seriously wondering if it's all worth it for me. When will I get the chance to live my life fully when I will constantly be reminded that my time is limited? Knowing the side affects and how the doctors change the meds to try and find the right ones when I feel I don't have time or the energy to put my heart and soul into something that will kill me anyway. I don't feel depressed, over whelmed definitely, sad for sure but I can feel the real me leaving already and becoming just another statistic. My breast care nurse is wonderful, the oncologists have been lovely and supportive and everyone involved has been amazing. But, the thought of going through all the treatments I have to go through and the end result will not be a cure and no certainty that I will be one of people who die within the first year is too much. I'm not afraid of dying but I am afraid of becoming a struggling cancer patient who will die. That's how I see my reality. I am 65 and have had a wonderful life. I have no regrets, just a simple and happy life. I have no grandchildren but I live an active busy life in retirement and I know with all the treatments, appointments, the ups and downs I don't think I will have the time or will or energy to be the person I am now. I sincerely hope someone out there can understand and perhaps give me some hope that after awhile my new "norm" will be ok and that I don't forget who I am. Gerry xx
