Newly Diagnosed
Hi My name is Victoria, I'm 42 years old and I have been newly (well, 5.5 weeks ago) diagnosed with breast cancer. It is is located underneath the nipple on my left breast and it is invasive ductal carcinoma, ER+, PR- HER2-, Stage Two. (Sorry if I don't have all the details but that is what I have interpreted it as). The tumor is 2.5 cm. I have seen my surgeon twice and I will be having a single mastectomy next week some time followed by 6 months of chemotherapy. We had discussed a lumpectomy so he could try and save the nipple but I opted for the mastectomy, just for a clean break. I'm dealing with it okay- I'm a bit concerned I haven't cried yet- and everyone else around me is very supportive and very shocked. I just wanted to introduce myself and hopefully be able to contribute something to these groups. Thank you Victoria
New diagnosis, mum guilt and surgery
Hi All! It’s been a big month… recent diagnosis of invasive ductile carinomas x 2 in left breast, E+ PR+HER2LOW+1. Grabbed my breast after shooting pain on night before my 39th birthday, GP few days later, week after that had mammogram/ultrasound/biopsies x 3. Scheduled for bilateral mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction in a few weeks at the Wesley in Brisbane. Have been feeling quite positive, but now surgery date locked in I’m having a lot more anxiety!! Have 2 kids (5 & 7) that I’m worried about being away from, and have a busy job as a lawyer that I’m keeping going whilst waiting for surgery. I’m finding it a lot to plan for all I want to organise before surgery, so any tips/suggestions/ support would be amazing - I like to be super organised so particularly keen for any recommendations re what to pack etc!!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
First 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 WA
Hi, I have just been diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. I have decided to have a double mastectomy. I live in a regional town in WA so I will be flying to Perth for the surgery. Any advice for preparation for surgery. Will I need propping pillows to sleep post surgery. I am staying in Perth post op for 14 days to allow for the nurse care of drains. Has anyone else done this in Perth?
Not sure
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal BC stage 2 ER+PR a couple of weeks ago lymph nodes do not seem affected for now ( biopsy was negative). My breast are small and MRI showed ~4cm cancer. I was wondering if mastectomy + reconstruction and possibly no radiation therapy was better than lumpectomy + radiation. Not sure what to do🤔Breast cancer diagnosis- did you have a Mirena in place, like me?
I was diagnosed with breast cancer 3.5 months ago and had a double mastectomy 3months ago. I am 44 years old. I started doing some research as a number of people I know with breast cancer who were young also had a Mirena. There is new research coming out of: -Europe that indicates that there is a 40% higher risk of breast cancer if you had a Mirena, and -Germany that shows that the Mirena can change hormone levels in the breast based on scans I had breast ultrasound scans that show I did not have breast cancer just before my Mirena was inserted 5 years ago, and that it developed post Mirena insertion. I had no genetic factors (based on testing), and no risk factors for breast cancer. It seems highly co-incidental. I also looked up the FDA documentation for Mirena approval and it states that "Spontaneous reports of breast cancer have been received during postmarketing experience with Mirena. Because spontaneous reports and voluntary and from a population of uncertain size, it is not possible to use postmarketing data to estimate the frequency or establish causal relationship to drug exposure..." I am keen to connect with other women who had a Mirena in place and then were diagnosed with breast cancer. If this is you, please respond to this post- I would love to hear your story!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. xxxxxSurgeon & Hospital Choices Melbourne
Hi, I am recently diagnosed with DCIS and 75 years old. I live in Melbourne and need to select a Surgeon and Hospital for either a Lumpectomy or mastectomy. Does anyone have experience with Cabrini or Epworth and also with the surgeons Sarah Kemp or Melanie Walker?Emotional speed bumps
Hi, I'm trying to figure out how to prepare for life post-mastectomy. I got my diagnosis a week ago and have been managing well, but then I tried to join a FB group for people going flat and got hit hard by a gatekeeper question. The question was something like, "Have you had a mastectomy?" Options: 1. Yes 2. No, but I'm looking at my options 3. No, but I am supporting a loved one who has. The curious thing is that I felt completely left out by this option list. I wanted the option: No, but I am about to. I got all teary and had to write about it. Funny what sets us off. Anyway, I would love some tips about clothes to wear during recovery that are easy to manage and don't make me stand out.
