Another sister reporting for duty
Hi all I’m Linda, a 54 yo from the Barossa Valley in SA, a wife, mother to 5 humans and 1 furkid, a lover of all things Disney & Robbie Williams and living with a fairly new diagnosis of DCIS. Historically, I’ve had 3 lumpectomies previously between 2003-2015 and been having regular mammograms since. In late January 2024 I had my 2-yearly mammogram, no symptoms although I did tell my husband I had a bad feeling on the day. Four weeks later I got a call from BreastScreen SA asking me to come in for further testing on an area that looked a little abnormal but likely to be benign calcification. The following week I attended my appointment and had further mammograms, an ultrasound and a very uncomfortable core-biopsy. Two days later I attended the results clinic with my husband where we were told the pathology came back malignant and I had Grade 3 DCIS. It was not what I expected to hear. Within 24 hours I’d seen my GP for a referral, seen a private Breast Surgeon and had a date for surgery (hookwire and wide local excision). Surgery was done on 08/03/2024. Side note - I’m a Clinical Nurse and a very empathetic, supportive and caring person who has cared for many patients in my career including providing palliative care to a dying friend so he could die at home in the arms of his wife. I’m also resilient when required but make no mistakes, I am a hot mess right now. I’m a practical person who likes facts, likes organisation and control of my life so this waiting period between surgery and my post-op appointment (scheduled 22/03/2024) with my surgeon to get my pathology results is challenging me, draining me and playing merry hell with my emotions. Although I don’t know what I’m dealing with until I receive the pathology results and I appreciate there are such worse BC diagnoses than mine, so I sincerely hope I’m not offending anyone else, but I can’t help but question my mortality. What is wrong with me? Working in the Theatre sector as a Clinical Nurse gives me the advantage of knowing inside information on which health practitioners are considered top of their industry. So I know I chose a great Breast Surgeon but my over-active mind is wondering why he hasn’t done a CT scan, PET scan or bone scan to check me out thoroughly. I’ve had no blood work done. I lost 25kg in 3 months late last year which was attributed to an IBS diagnosis, but what if it’s related to my cancer? I have no family history due to being adopted. I reached out to the local McGrath Breast Nurse several days before surgery and was told I’d get a house visit my first week home - that was last week and I’ve heard nothing. No follow-up call, nothing. I know it’s only DCIS but I’m screaming out for support and I can’t talk to my friends about this - it’s just repetitive and often a very draining conversation. Sadly, I have a very fractured relationship with my mum so am getting next to no support or acknowledgment from her so it’s just all a bit heavy and dark for me at the moment. What I’d give for an “I love you” from my mum! I’m guessing that come Friday that I may start to feel a little less lost and vulnerable as at least decisions can be considered once the pathology is known. Am I right? All of this is overwhelming as heck to me and I’m not sure what I should be asking at my appointment on Friday. You don’t know what you don’t know!! So any guidance is gratefully received. In closing, I’m sending each and every soul the squeeziest of hugs and best wishes for a positive day. Thanks for reading my blurb! Linda xx :(
Biopsies and MG
Hello my friendly support friends, it’s me again! sorry, this maybe a silly question and it’s actually standard procedure I will be having biopsies on 02 Aug. it’s going to be core biopsies (both breasts). My breast care nurse tells me after the core biopsies, they will be doing MG ( same day). I thought the breasts would be sore after biopsies and it wouldn’t be fun to be put through the photocopy machine? Is this ‘normal’? p.s. I had US and MG done on 14 July already.
Active Treatment Over – waiting for 1 year check up
My name is Karyn and was 45 years old at time of diagnosis (now 46) in February 2018. It was a full on, high octane, hurry up and wait time of about 6 months until I was declared in remission in September 2018. I don’t think I’ll quite believe it until March when I have my first mammogram and ultrasound. I’ve read other stories here at BCNA and my heart breaks for everyone who has been given this diagnosis. I’ve read about women having to put holidays on hold and cancelling exciting events. The irony of my story? I had to put elective surgery on hold to have an urgent lumpectomy. Can you imagine? I was diagnosed during a routine annual mammogram. My GP insisted that I should start having exams at 40 years instead of waiting until 50. Actually, the mammogram didn’t find the tumour, neither did the specialist during the physical exam. I certainly hadn’t noticed it. It was the ultrasound that found the little aggressive Grade 3 invasive carcinoma. I’ve had a history of cysts so I was lying there, daydreaming and finally thought, this ultrasound tech is taking a long time and a lot of pictures. Still didn’t register – I assumed another cyst. The specialist reviewed the ultrasound and I was zoomed straight back into the room for a core biopsy. She said, it’s 100% not a cyst, 99% likely something bad but whatever it is, you’ll need surgery to remove it. She phoned less than 24 hours later to tell me, yes, it’s cancer and go to my GP for further referrals. I was surprised but not particularly shocked even though no one in my family has ever had cancer of any kind. But I do have a list of other physical and mental health issues a mile long so adding cancer to the mix was kind of like “when” will it happen, not “if” it was happen. The same day I got the phone call, I also had a regular appointment with my endocrinologist. When I told him about the BC, he said, we need to get you on insulin injections as well as your current oral meds to keep your diabetes under control while you go through treatment. I think I was more depressed about the injections – knowing that I’ll be doing that for the rest of my life now. At least some cancers are curable. I went through the public system for the lumpectomy and 20 doses of radiation. I started in the public system for the medical oncologist but I wasn’t happy so I’m now seeing a med/onc privately. It was thought that chemo would not bring me much benefit – maybe 1% over 10 years from 96% to 97% survival rate if I had lumpectomy and rads. There was no evidence of cancer outside the tumour and nothing in the sentinel node. Given I have such low tolerance to medications and so many other co-morbidities, I live alone with no one to help me and knowing that I’d suffer dreadfully from side effects, with full knowledge I made the decision to not have chemo. I can live with that decision without regret. The lumpectomy was in March 2018, radiation May/June and in July I had a huge operation – hysterectomy, oophorectomy and bladder sling sheath(20 years of incontinence issues). The hysterectomy and bladder sling sheath were the elective surgeries I had planned for March but had to be put on hold. My cancer is 80% ER+ve so when the doctors found out I was planning a hysterectomy anyway, they recommended I should have everything removed, hence the inclusion of the oophorectomy. The pain of that operation still haunts me – huge open abdominal wound and days of agony because they couldn’t get my medication right. Recovery took a long, long time. It also meant that I was able to start on letrozole straight away and avoid the tamoxifen. It’s been about 4 months on letrozole and I think due to the cumulative effect, the side effects are hitting me now. The med/onc said this could happen. Some women feel the side effects straight away, others it can take up 6 months to come on. I’m prone to a lot of inflammatory conditions (diabetes, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, bursitis, dermatitis, epicondylitis, IBS) plus joint and muscular issues. So it’s no surprise that now my wrists, elbows and hands are really hurting. I stopped working in March and returned on a graduated work program in October. I’ll be back on full hours in 2 weeks. My manager and co-workers have been very supportive and will do what they can to make things easier. My family, on the other hand, have offered physical support (e.g. cooking, laundry for a few days after the 2 surgeries) but pretty much no emotional support. My mother came with me to an initial appointment with the surgeon. Her only question was, should Karyn’s sister have a mammogram too? Way to support my illness, Mum! My main issue at the moment (besides the joint pain) is the scanxiety for March. I have PTSD (unrelated to the cancer) so I already have issues with anxiety, depression, emotional regulation disorder. This is just another ingredient to add to the mix. Anyway, that’s probably enough from me for now. My hope for everyone is that today is just slightly more bearable than yesterday with a little hope that tomorrow may bring something better.Uncertain diagnosis
hello. I have been diagnosed with cancer, but they are taking what feels like an eternity to determine the type of cancer (most likely breast). This is the timeline of my lump. Wed 21 Feb 2018 - found lump underarm Thurs 1 March 2018 - Had lump examined by GP. Referred for ultrasound with FNA/mammogram if warranted. But told it was likely a reactive lymph node and could wait a week or so to see if it would go away on its own. Friday 8 March 2018 - lump still there. No bigger, but no smaller. Make appointment for ultrasound. Tues 20 March 2018 - Ultrasound and FNA - suspicious spot seen on ultrasound at 3 o’clock in addition to lump. Friday 23 March 2018 - cancer diagnosis - unknown type - -ve for P and E - lump could be cancer filled lymph node or primary medullary tumour -pathology requested core biopsy for clarification. Friday 23 March 2018 - mammogram to look for spot seen on ultrasound - clear Tues 27 March 2018 - core biopsy on underarm lump I saw my doctor today and she said that she can’t make an appointment with a surgeon or oncologist until the core biopsy results come back this Thursday, and it will likely take two weeks before I will get an initial appointment! This seems crazy to me. I am 32 years old, meaning my cancer is likely to be more aggressive and is possibly in my lymph nodes. I thought they would be rushing to have everything figured out. How long has it taken others between initial diagnosis and their first appointment with a specialist? I am going through the public system in Canberra. Should I have a breast cancer nurse to advocate for my treatment? thanks for reading, if you got this far!!
Started swearing!
Hi to all you amazingly lovely ladies! Was reluctant to share my story but feel I need to even if it is just to rant for some relief! I was diagnosed 2nd Dec with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma grade 2 following a routine mammogram. What a whirlwind! I thought the Dr was talking to 'someone else'..I have had so many emotions since. After reading others posts, I feel slightly 'normal' The main emotions are anger & sadness. I have tried to do all the right things with my health (all natural products, etc) no family history so it really was a shock. I am struggling with the person I am at the moment..I have always been an upbeat, positive, bubbly person but now am moody, teary and have started swearing!! Also, to add to my woes, I finished my permanent job a couple of weeks before the diagnoses (they sold the business) and I am currently working as an enrolled nurse casually therefore lost all my sick leave (had 2 sickies in 5.5 years) bugga! Ok, that off my chest.. I think I am slowly coming to grips with it as there really is no choice. So I have had all the 'staging' done last week and go back for results of that tomorrow. Then waiting for the lumpectomy/lymph node surgery which is now listed for 10th Jan even though is listed as 'urgent'! Grrr.. Christmas slows everything down. Then there's the ongoing radiotherapy etc. etc. The waiting is definitely the WORST!! I want this thing out of me, get on with it all so I can get on with my life. I know I am an impatient patient!! I know there are thousand's of women who have gone through the same thing.. Please dont get me wrong.. I am VERY grateful for the medical system we have, they have been very thorough and it is early diagnoses with a good prognosis etc I also have a wonderful husband who is very supportive so for that I am truly grateful. After reading some other ladies stories, it makes me feel i'm being selfish, It certainly helps me not feel so sorry for myself at all. I'm sure I will find positiveness through this time (it is NOT a journey, as a journey is usually a pleasant holiday) lol It is early days..I hope my next post I will be a bit more upbeat as I find the old Lisa returning! :wink: To all my fellow BC 'sisters', I wish you all the very best and appreciate this great private place where we can all chat. X
Head is spinning
Hi i have just been diagnosed with tubular carcinoma in my right breast I found a lump which I thought was from doing weights at gym saw breast specialist who confirmed a grade 1 tumour and surgery was planned for the 8th dec..she sent me for a mammogram as I've had 2 ultrasounds as I have very large dense breasts only to get a call to come back in for another ultrasound they have found 2 more spots in breast that look odd had another 2 biopsy done today waiting on results am freaked out as they missed it on first initial ultrasound and my prognosis was low grade hormone receptive tumour now I just don't know
The beginning of my BC Journey
So hard to believe how your whole world can be turned upside down in one Dr's consultation. Breast Cancer...me???? It still seems unbelievable. Over the past 12 days I have been through the barrage of Mamograms, biopsies, Research programme, MRI, CT scans, blood tests. The bone scan to go and then in 2 more days I will be sitting in the Surgeons office for the first time to finally be informed of what I am really facing. I have been through a roller coaster of emotions, sad, scared, disbelief but am so blessed to have so much wonderful family and friends that love and support me. I feel resigned that there is no point stressing...it is what it is. I will be incredibly relieved if the surgeon's reports it is only what I have already been advised: 6.5cm mass and 6mm lump in right breast only and lymph nodes all positive for cancer. I will love my life and treat myself with all the love and respect I deserve. Deep breath...for today I will just breathe.
How I found my cancer by accident
Hi, my name is Myra and I'm 43 years old. I have a strong family history of breast cancer, so have been diligent in breast screening since I was in my mid 30's, however all the knowledge and screening I had didn't prepare me for actually getting cancer. This is because I really had no idea that I had it. I discovered the "lump" and I use that term loosely in early December 2013. I was lying on my back watching TV with my hand resting on my chest. I was tapping my hand and noticed a sort of thickening sensation in my breast. It didn't feel like a lump. All the literature says to look out for a lump or a dimple or a strange change to the breast. It didn't hurt and just felt a bit ropey or fibrous... like when you are massaging someone and you find a bit of a muscle knot. Also, I kept losing where it was in my breast, so I really didn't think it was anything. I just filed it away in the back of my brain and went on my merry way. Just after Christmas I was lying in bed again and I thought to myself, I wonder if that funny ropey thing in my breast is still there. So it took me a while to find it (and I only have small breasts, so it shouldn't take long), but yes there it was. I had a pap smear due in a few weeks so I thought I'll get it checked while I'm at the doctor, but I still wasn't a bit concerned. I mean if it was cancer it would be a hard lump, right? So mid January, I went along to my GP to get a papsmear and mentioned the weird ropey thing in my breast. The doctor at first couldn't even find it. When she did, she said it's nothing but because of my family history, best be safe and go for a ultrasound and mammogram. So a week later, off I went for my ultrasound and mammogram. The radiologist found the small mass in my breast and also thought it was nothing, but said that to be on the safe side we'll biopsy it anyway just in case. Well thank God they did... because 24 hours later I was told I had cancer, which was an absolute shock after all the assurances of "it's probably nothing". A week and a half later I was in the hospital having a 15mm tumour removed from my breast. It is now 3 weeks since my surgery and I'm waiting on the results of the Oncotype DX test to find out if there is any benefit to chemotherapy. Luckly the cancer hadn't spread to the lymph nodes and its hormone receptor positive, so I have a 92% survival chance at 10 years. I really wish I had gone to the doctor as soon as I noticed the lump and not waited 5 weeks. The moral of this story is that even if you are dilligent at checking your breasts, women need to be aware of any and every change in their breast - anything at all, no matter how insignificant it seems. I'm not sure if that message is really out there, or if most women, like me are looking for an actual lump. I can't stress this enough to my friends and family and I hope that my story may inspire others to get even seemingly insignificant changes checked.
hello - newby here :)
Hi all. Im a 42 year old mum with 2 teenage sons, married for 20 years. I had a routine mammogram which showed a mass in my right breast. I had no symptoms or felt no lump, I did the scan just because I could, and thank goodness I did. I It may have saved my life. I was diagnosed just over 3 weeks ago and in that time Ive had a lumpectomy with lymph node biopsy. Results for surgery were good, nothing in my lumph nodes and clear margin around the tumor. Bad news, its grade 3 Invasive cancer now Im staring down the barrel of chemo and radiotherapy. I have my oncologist appointment on Tuesday and will start chemo soon after. I have to say I am completely terrified of having chemo. That has to be the worst part of all of this. I just got a new job and really want to start it, but now this is all on hold. I just want to get the first session of chemo over and done with so I know how I will cope and whether I can go back to work. I just want to be normal again and I havent even started. Im very positive about it all and everyone who knows me tells me how strong I am, but I feel quite vulnerable right now because for once in my life, I dont have control, and I hate that.
Newly Diagnosed
Well, this is been the strangest few weeks of my life to say the least! 24/7/13 - sore lymph nodes in left armpit 25/7/13 - felt lump in left breast 26/7/13 - GP appointment 29/7/13 - Ultrasound and mammogram and told it was very likely cancer 30/7/13 - Biopsies done on lump and lymph nodes 2/8/13 - Diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma Provisional Grade 2 (19x17x19mm). Oestrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative, HER2 positive. Lymph node involvment. 9/8/13 - Appointment with surgeon to discuss treatment. Booked in for surgery on 21/8/13 but yet to decide between lumpectomy with radiation and mastectomy (with slight chance that radiation would be needed). Surgery will involve axillary clearance. Needless to say I am doing lots of reading. I have an appointment with the radiation guy on Tuesday to discuss side effects etc so that should help with the decision. I am confident I have one of the best medical teams around so not worried about that at all. Wish me luck! Hannah (laughing me way through all this!)