Feeling lost
I am newly diagnosed and just feel lost. My appointments and tests have been so close to each other. I have had mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy of the breast, FNA of my lymph node, a pet scan and having a mri tomorrow. My diagnosis is invasive carcinoma NST (invasive ductal carcinoma), grade 3, triple-positive (ER+/PR+/HER2+), with associated high-grade DCIS. The ki-67 is 60%. I have been told the I will have 4 months of Chemo, then surgery, radiation and long term medication after. I met with the breastcare nurse and found her extremely unhelpful. I just don’t know what to expect and how to feel at the moment. Has anyone been on a similar journey who can tell me what to expect?
Diagnosed Today
Hi all, I'm new here. I'm 48. I had my last Mammogram in November 2022, and was due for my next December 7th....however.... I went to the GP in November after feeling a breast lump for 10 days which I was hoping was hormonal. It didn't go away so I got it checked. GP didn't seem concerned but she appreciated that I was and ordered mammogram & ultrasound. Appointment was in 2 weeks. On Wednesday 4/12 I had the scans, the mammogram lady went quiet, later with the sonographer I said 'I'm just not sure if it's in my head or if I'm being hyper-vigilant' He said 'I'd say you're being the right amount of vigilant', then told me he would go and get the Dr who would need to check me. The Dr started telling me that I'll need a biopsy and that the statistics in Australia in particular are very successful for treating breast cancer. He went on to say that he'll get his report to my GP straight away and if we decide to use them for biopsy they'll get me in straight away and to contact my GP. So I drove home and on my way I stopped at the GP, the receptionist could not get me in till the next day to see the GP. I left in tears and went home. I decided to do some work and 2hrs later I got a call to say the GP wanted to see me immediately. I drove back and saw the GP who gave me a referral for urgent biopsy. I went straight to the local ultrasound place to see if they could book me an appointment at their sister site, that I attended earlier that day. They said they'd need to speak to their Dr and would call me. Within an hour they called me, and said their Dr would come to my local clinic and do the biopsies there for me the very next day, saving me the 45minute drive. Thursday 5/12 I had the biopsies of my breast and lymph node done. That was pretty smooth sailing and the Dr said he didn't want me waiting a week at the other clinic so came up here especially for me. All the staff were SO lovely and I'm eternally grateful for their care and concern - however the urgency is absolutely scared the crap out of me 🫣 Today 10/12 I got my biopsy results and am officially diagnosed with Breast Cancer. No idea what most of it means but basically 👻 Invasive Carcinoma NST; and 🐝 Metastatic Adenocarcinoma 🍃 ER/PR Positive 🍂 HER2 Positive (Amplified) An hour after j left the GP, the local Cancer Centre phoned me, so I have: Medical Oncologist Appt: next Monday Radiology Oncologist Appt: next Thursday I don't understand what NST means, and it wasn't staged on pathology...is that usual? I haven't told my children, and am hoping to hold off till after sons' birthday and grandsons first Christmas. One thing I have to say is that I am SO incredibly grateful for the swiftness of care I've received and am receiving. It's a crappy club to be a part of 😭 but I look forward to 'meeting' you all xx
Choosing a surgeon (Melb) -New diagnosis overwhelm
Hi there, Im 49 and had my first routine mammogram in September- no family history or symptoms. They discovered calcifications, had a biopsy then 5 days ago I was told I had breast cancer. Stage 2-3 6cm aggressive.That’s all I can remember to be honest as I was in so much shock. Got referred to my GP in the afternoon and had to get referrals to a surgeon. With no time to think and still in shock our GP recommended Dr Sarah Kemp at Cabrini Malvern and a friend (and gp) recommended Dr. Melanie Walker at the Epworth in Richmond. It was so overwhelming and fast. Im someone who can’t make even the smallest of decisions eg what shoes to wear in the morning! lol We have met one surgeon as they had an apt the next morning. Do I meet the other as well? Keen to know is anyone had experiences with these breast surgeons and their team? How do I choose? Any advice would be very much appreciated. Feeling very overwhelmed and stressed! also worried about work and finances… I guess that’s another question!
Newly diagnosed - feeling lost despite stuff happening.
I was diagnosed a few weeks ago, rarer invasive mucinal carcinoma. Coping well with what I know is happening but not so well with what I need to do, or where to get explanations. I’m having a Scout clip implanted tomorrow because I can’t have the MRI my surgeon requested. I have a CRT (heart) device and MRI was requested because the cancer is not well defined. So now I won’t know extent, lumpectomy, mastectomy, until the operation. Operation is on 28th. I guess my main thing is who to talk to about what will happen next. Having Pre Op stuff at GP next week, but do I just wait until the hospital gives me more detail? Do I ask to see a breast care nurse, there’s one at the surgeons office? Seeing GP I have so much to ask and take in because I’m on lots of drugs for too many health issues and I have to stop some, take less of others. And my normal confidence has flown the coop. Is this just a normal reaction?
Recent diagnosis and new to the group
Good afternoon. My name is Jenny and I was diagnosed with Grade 2 cancer in my right breast on the 17 April. I had lumpectomy surgery on 4 May and a PET/CT scan last week as cancer cells were detected in 1 of 3 lymph nodes and results are pending. We met the Oncologist last Tuesday and due to several risk factors, chemotherapy has been recommended as the next step and I commence on 12 June starting with fortnightly infusions for the first 8 weeks then weekly for the next 12 weeks. Radiation will follow as they were not able to get the level of clear margins with the surgery and no further surgery is possible. Then if all this goes onto hormone blocking medication for 5 years as I'm ER positive, PR negative and HER2 negative. I'm feeling OK negotiating the roller coaster of procedures, tests and waiting for results and adjusting. At this stage, I've accepted what is happening and learning to live my best life with this diagnosis now and in the future. Thank you for taking the time to read to my story and appreciate the insights others can give from their lived experience. Kind regards, Jenny
All the tests and scans
Hello everyone, I’m so sorry we’re all here and so grateful to have people Around to turn to. I was diagnosed yesterday after a mammogram, US and biopsy last week. I have IDC grade 2 stage 1. ER+ and PR+. Still waiting for results of HER2 Today I had an MRI and CT using liquids via a cannula. Friday I have another biopsy on a secondary mass that wasn’t biopsied in the first instance. Can I ask if this is normal, is it “routine” to have scans to check brain, chest, abdomen and pelvis? I guess I’m just worried that my surgeon thinks I may have it in other areas. Thank you in advance. Rachel.
Newly diagnosed
Hello I'm newly diagnosed as of last week,I see my surgeon this coming Tuesday. My head is still spinning with my diagnosis.Ive started to write down questions for my surgeon but its so hard to no where to start with it all . Any suggestions of information I may need would be greatly appreciated.. Sending love to all 💖
New to the club I didn't want to join!
Hi everyone. As the title says, I'm new here! Id rather not be, but am thankful for safe spaces like this. I was recalled after some abnormal results on my first mammogram & after a morning of more scans was told it was likely cancer so biopsies and ultrasound were done, then 2 days later it was confirmed to be Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, grade 1, ER/PR+. I've learned more the last week than I ever wanted to know! I meet with the surgical team in a week or so, but given the results so far it is looking like we will do a mastectomy with an immediate reconstruction & my preference is to use my own tissue over an implant. In a way I feel completely thankful I can avoid chemo or radiation but am daunted at the journey still ahead, all the what ifs, the prospect of major surgery & dealing with my work (which I love!). I don't think I have any questions right now but just wanted to say hi.
Melbourne Surgeon advice please
Hi. I’m newly diagnosed with invasive stage 2 hormone pos. I had an appt today with a great surgeon who i found out when we were there that he is no longer operating so that felt like a waste of time. He referred me to another surgeon and I was able to see him today but I didn't really warm to him. I'm trying to decide if I want to go to someone else or just get on with it as he has a great rep. I’m feeling miserable tonight after a 12 hour day in Melb with lots of waiting around. The surgeon booked me in for sept 1 (I have a long awaited holiday to Thailand booked for Monday 14 Au - 28). Am I being ridiculous? Do I need to like the surgeon? Am I over thinking things because I’m exhausted and not sure what’s ahead? Thanks x
