Cold Cap availability in public centres in Sydney/Newcastle
Hello everyone I was recently diagnosed with T2 (2.5cm), grade 2, HR+, with micrometastases in one sentinel node, which officially put chemo on the radar for the treatment plan. I pushed for the Oncotype DX but the advice from my treatment team was that as I had a couple of red flags (I'm premenopausal, have a slightly high Ki67 score and it had already travelled to the node) the recommendation is to do 4-6 cycles of TC even if the test returns a low recurrence score, so I've cancelled the test and am now fully focused on how to limit the harm from proceeding with chemo. Keeping some of my hair and limiting the time for regrowth is a huge part of this, so it's a big priority for me to go for the cold cap. I don't have private health insurance as I had bowel cancer exactly 5 years ago now, and had been waiting to clear it to get better premiums, plus I was treated so well on the public system that I questioned whether I needed it. But it turns out I can't access the cold cap in the Central Coast where I am based, and most nearby options are private. I would love to hear from Sydney and Newcastle based community members who know of cold cap availability at public hospitals, especially if you were treated there and had a good experience. So far I can see that Campbelltown, Blacktown and Chris O'Brien Lifehouse all offer the PAXMAN system, along with the Mater hospitals which I think treat some patients on public? I go back into surgery to get better margins on Wednesday so I couldn't start before the end of November... but that's also right at the end of the 8 week guideline from my first surgery, so am feeling the time pressure to get a second referral! Thank you so much for any guidance you can share :smile:
Genomic Testing
Hi, I was diagnosed 1 month ago, and had a bilateral mastectomy last week. My tests came back yesterday and although one Lymph node was clear, another had minimal cancel cells present from my left armpit. Apparently i am a N0 category. Although my surgeon is going to get other doctors opinions etc if i should go ahead and have chemo, i thought i would research Genomic testing too. I have my oncology appointment this week. I am stage 2 (not sure if A or B ) , ER+, PR+, Her2-. Is there anyone that has recently done the test, if so is it possible to give me abit more info on it, cost, timeline, name of test etc. Thank you in advance, this has been such an emotional ride so far, but i am grateful to have had it diagnosed early.
Oncotype Testing
I was diagnosed with Early Cancer - Oestrogen Positive - 3 February 2022. Since then I have had surgery to remove the lump. I saw my oncologist this week for a treatment plan. Due to my history, Hodgkins lymphoma 1998 and non Hodgkins lymphoma 2008 , sister and other family members with Breast Cancer, and the markers found in my lump she wasn't sure if Chemo would be a beneficial option. She has suggested Oncotype Testing to give a 100% guarantee that Chemo is needed or not. I have no worries with this as I'd rather not have chemo if it is not needed. What go me mad was the cost of this test $5000!!!! There is no Medicare rebate and not covered by my Health Fund, I was fortunate that we were able to juggle a few things around to pay for this - but what about those who can't afford this. When the information provided isn't that clear and it's a matter of a coin toss whether to have or not have chemo what would you do? I know it makes it sound like my oncologist isn't giving me clear advice but she is very and good and has provided me with lots of information, hence taking the option to do this testing. Cancer is hard enough as it is without the added financial strain of such an expensive test. There are so many other subsidised tests and programs why isn't this one. Apparently we are the only Western Nation where the government doesn't provide a rebate. I have wrote to the Minister for Health a strongly worded letter and suggest that everyone do the same.
37 year old - just diagnosed
Hi ladies, I have been diagnosed with early stage, grade 2, DCIS in early January (ER+, PR+ and HER2 negative). Since then I had lumpectomy with clear margins and sentinel node biopsy. Sentinel node biopsy found a tiny speck of cancer cell (less that 0.5 mm) and oncologist is pretty sure it did not spread anywhere else and they call it micro metastasis. I have done CT scan and bone scan just in case which are all clear. I was expecting radiotherapy and hormone replacement therapy as a treatment as mentioned by my surgeon. I was totally shocked to find out that oncologist is recommending invasive chemotherapy as a treatment (i believe it is called AC chemo). I am totally scared and petrified and can not come to terms with chemo. Just thinking about it makes me go into panic mode. I have seen another oncologist for a second opinion and he also suggests chemo as a treatment for me purely based on my age and the other indicators which are kind of on border line. I have just ordered Prosigna test as recommended by oncologist. Just waiting for results it's making me so nervous. I have two kids aged 8 and 4 and don't know how am I going to go through chemo if I have to (i know it is totally up to me). Wondering is there any ladies with similar age and in similar position and what is your opinion on chemo? Like I mentioned I am totally petrified of chemo and how would my body handle it. I am very skinny person and don't believe I would handle chemo good. Even breast care nurse told me I am too skinny for chemo and to try to eat up in case I decide to do it. Any experiences shared would be greatly appreciated.
First mamogram ever
After losing my husband 19 months ago to stomach cancer (55) after only a 10 month diagnosis , I was defiantly going to go and have my 50 year old mammogram . Low and behold , I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer , no lump , nothing . Couldn’t believe it . I just couldn’t believe I was going to have to put my kids through this all Over again. It was really hard telling them. Fast forward and I decided on radical treatment . Double mastectomy, during which I had sentinel node biopsy and ended up with axillary clearence / one node positive is it of 10. Now I’m considering the treatment plan. My daughter is getting married in 5 weeks so it’s all happening at once . I’m having some genomic test done to see if chemo will benefit me or if hormone therapy alone is going to be enough. Having to wait 2 weeks for this result is hard . Has anyone else has the testing done?