Newly diagnosed
Hi all, I have received a diagnosis of DCIS, I was told on Friday, and now I need another biopsy before we work out the best way forward, obviously the two options are mastectomy or lumpectomy, my concern is I can’t have this other biopsy for 3weeks, I feel overwhelmed, I was also diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis this time last year, and I am a hairdresser, so I’m finding work a struggle and I’m wondering what I should expect with the recovery if I have a mastectomy and reconstruction vs lumpectomy and radiation? I would love to hear if anyone has experience any restrictions as a hairdresser getting back to work after a mastectomy? After my MS diagnosis I had to cut my business in half because of fatigue, now I’m concerned that I won’t have a business left after this if I can’t work for a while 😢
So confused, scared and teary
Hi all, I was just diagnosed yesterday with DCIS intermediate grade 2 and told to get off my HRT patches immediately. I have 3 areas in the one breast so I think i will need a masectomy. I have been contacted by Peter Mac in Melbourne regarding my referral and just waiting on confirmation of my appointment date. My brain is saying if I had to have cancer this is the one to get but my emotions are being ridiculous, so teary inside but cool and calm on the outside trying to support everyone else. If I do need a masectomy i want to have reconstruction surgery on the same day with a small implant but Im so worried as 6 months ago I was let go at work due to business downsizing and ive really struggled to find another job, my mum has just passed away and any savings I had have helped with the funeral etc so basically I am seriously going through hardship and only just paying my rent on my job seeker payment. I am so scared that I will find out going through this process there are some unexpected charges that arent included, all the sites say peter mac is free and I am bulk billing but Im so scared that my health is going to held back due to financial stress. Has anyone had this process done at peter mac, chose the medicare bulk billing option and was their reconstruction covered? Sorry Im really rambling here but its so much easier to type this to a stranger than someone I know. xxxxx
Mental health and new diagnosis.
Hi all, been struggling really bad finding out i have cancer in my right breast early diagnosis. I dont know what sort as i cant cope with the details of it all. I have seen the doctors and waiting MRI appointment and surgery date. I am really struggling with the anxiety and the moving forward bit. I suffer with anxiety and depression quite badly. I was given the option of just having the two lumps removed or the whole breast. I cant decide which option will help me move forward better. So firstly is there any mental health accept to this organisation? I only have my hubby to rely on who is also classed as my career. I am unsure which option to go with as my mental health plays a big part in my descion. I need to make a descion that i can be happy with and wont make my anxiety worse. Unsure of who to talk to or where to go for help.
Emotional support
I was diagnosed in April and have had a lumpectomy. Was going to be radiation next but my Ki67 levels are a bit high so having Endo predict test done. Oncologists are saying possibly chemo now. I am very anxious. Don't have much support. One daughter at home is autistic and the other has gone to uni so not home much. Partner and I separated so living separated under one roof which is so hard. Just need some support.Feeling overwhelmed
Hi thereAll I am 59, happily married, have two adult children. One grandson and baby no 2 due anyday now... Had surgery last week for lumpectomy and Sentinel node biopsy. Everything went well Saw surgeron yesterday . Lymph nodes are clear. Margins good. My issues is I am SO overwhelmed. Smiling for family. Smiling for friends. Little background. I had **bleep** cancer 10 years ago, back in 2016. Chemo and radiation. It was brutal. The burns were horrible. The exhaustion was the worst. Everyone is saying.... your so lucky you caught it early. You've done this before... you'll be right. Support is encouraging and I am lucky to be surrounded by lots of love. I am to be a grandmother again in two weeks and have a lively gorgeous 2 year old grandson. Timing suck.... I am overwhelmed with sadness I am overwhelmed With discourage, feeling of resentment. Feeling very isolated. **bleep** THIS CANCER... so sorry for language but it express how I feel. I want to shout. Cry. Hit something and hide under the covers and not deal with this. I know that I should be grateful. I am sick and exhausting from smiling on the outside, but paddling like hell of the inside. Hiding my emotions. I still work. Love the job. I work for a Toy library as assistant. Its not a stresing job. Only 3 days a week. They have been wonderful. How has everyone else cope. I know what I am going through is normal. Can anyone suggest a good cancer support group. I live in Victoria on the Mornington peninsula. Love and support to everyone going on this same journey Let's kick ass . Cancer sucks. XxxxxxNewly Diagnosed
Hi everyone, I was diagnosed on the 12 May with Invasive ductal Carcinoma ER + PR+ and HER 2 negative. I'm still getting my head around the situation. I stopped all forms of hormone therapy, for menopause when I was told about my diagnosis and am now experiencing more menopause symptoms, hot flushes, night sweats, lack of sleep, and aching joints. I've met with the surgeon this week and have decided to have a lumpectomy. I'm now waiting on a surgery date. I've collected my hormone blocking medication Tamoxifen and am planning to start this weekend. I'm worried about the side effects that I might experience and how it might affect my work as a disability support next week.
Tamoxifen..
Hi I had been on Tamoxifen for 3 months. I'm post menopausal. I'm 64. I started getting a discharge after couple months and heavy feeling in bottom of stomach like having a period again. Haven't had one in 18 yrs. Also diagnosed with ongoing constipation. Told med onc she said get gp to do an xray of pelvis and u sound. Had Gray then trans vaginally u sound. Results..thickened uterus and possibly hyperplasia along with increased uterine volume. I am off Tamoxifen and have appt with Gyno at qe2 in Brisbane on 12th may. I am more nervous of this app than when diagnosed with ILC. Has anyone had this while being on Tamoxifen. I d like to have a historectomy I don't need my uterus annymore then I could go back on Tamoxifen. Stay safe.. Tanya xx
Inconclusive Follow up Mammogram
Hi there everyone, I wanted to see if anyone out there has had a similar experience to me at their follow up scans. I was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer about 2 years ago, had a lumpectomy and radiation treatment. I've been having mammograms every 12 months and up until the last scan it's been "nothing to see here". At my last mammogram, the radiologist said that they noticed some changes around the site of my scar as compared to the previous scan which could be calcification or something else but that they were not worried enough to do a biopsy so come back in 6 months. I have to say this was not as reassuring as my previous scans where I could walk away and not have to worry/think about things too much. I do feel like I am a bit in limbo and the fear of recurrence which I normally manage quite well is somewhat heightened. Just wondered if anyone else has had a similar experience with their scans (ie not conclusive but advised to sit tight for now)? Thanks AllNeuropathy- 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, Anna
🌏Take A Global Deep Breath on May 13th
On May 13th, take one big pause together In a world full of constant news, chaotic schedules, and fast-moving technology, we could all use a big, deep breath. Join Headspace for a free, live virtual event on May 13th at 12pm EDT that connects the mind, the body, and communities around the globe. Meditation teacher Dora Kamau will lead a free, guided breathing exercise. No app or login required — just bring your open mind. Please see link below. Link for additional information
