Listening to Raelene Boyle's podcast is well worth it, as well as Charlotte Tottman's!
We often recommend that new members have a listen to Charlotte Tottman's podcasts on dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html. and I've only just listened to Raelene Boyle's - and it is terrific! SO ... If you've never listened to the interview with Raelene Boyle .... it is well worth listening to. Raelene was diagnosed at the same time that Lyn Swinburne was first starting her support for women with breast cancer (out of a Bakers Delight office!) just under 30 years ago. She was then diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, twice! She is still going strong & is an Ambassador and founding board member of BCNA https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/upfront-about-breast-cancer/upfront-about-breast-cancer/episode-21-raelene-boyle-on-pulling-herself-out-of-the-darkness/
Alone in Melbourne newly diagnosed
Hello! Umm I came to Melbourne last week from interstate for breast lump testing. It’s confirmed cancer and I am awaiting staging, this week. I don’t know Melbourne and am alone and scared, confused, exhausted, overwhelmed and in a lot of pain. I am very concerned about metastases for some reasons I don’t want to even say. Is there a GP or any service or anything I can connect with? I am finding Melbourne HUGE and very hectic and overwhelming compared to my small town. It takes me many hours to even find food or get anywhere. Non ideal scenario, but I know better placed here for proper diagnostics and initial care. I am just very scared and alone and in pain.
Newly diagnosed
I'm 39 from Hervey Bay QLD I have just been diagnosed with Invasive Breast Cancer HER2 positive and ER positive. Looks like I've caught it early. My first appointment with surgeons is in 2 weeks. I have no information and no idea what treatment may be other then lumpectomy. Anxious and scary with so many unknowns.
Information Overload!
Hello lovelies, I was diagnosed just over a week ago with invasive breast cancer in my left breast, after finding a lump. I went for a mammogram 2.5 weeks ago where they took core biopsies. Since then it has been an absolute whirlwind of appointments, questions, information dumps and just trying to find a minute to breathe and process it all. Of course, all while managing 2 littles on school holidays, home and work. I am just reeling from all. How do you even begin to work through it? Not much of an introduction, I know. Not really sure what to say, other than Hi!Advice please
Hi everyone, I was diagnosed with DCIS in December, following a regular mammogram. The core needle biopsy indicated that it was only 3mm. I had surgery the week before last to remove it, but unfortunately the pathology showed that it was actually 35mm, and a clear margin hadn’t been taken. I had an MRI on Friday, which I’m hoping will provide further information for the next surgery. My surgeon has indicated that I will lose the nipple, and suggested that I may consider a mastectomy with reconstruction. I have to say that this has taken me by surprise, because it’s nothing like I thought I was dealing with. I’m trying to wait for the MRI results before worrying too much, but I feel that I need to understand my options, and the future implications of partial versus full mastectomy. Has anyone else been in the same position? Are there any specific questions you suggest I ask at my appointment with my surgeon this week? Any suggestions will be appreciated!
Young mum diagnosed IDC and DCIS.
Hello! Im 37 and was recently diagnosed in November with early breast cancer - IDC (ER+, PR+, Her2-) and then following my surgery they also discovered DCIS. Plan is chemotherapy starting tomorrow and then mastectomy/recon 4-6 weeks post surgery! Looking for advice on: 1. What to take with me to chemotherapy tomorrow (will be there approx 5 hours as will be trying scalp cooling). Also what do people wear when using ice gloves/boots/cold cap? 2. Any advice on TC chemo and how you tolerated it (I’m doing 4 cycles). 3. Any tips on managing chemotherapy with 3 children aged between 3-7yrs and a husband who works long hours but very supportive. Thanks so much!16 Weeks Pregnant and diagnosed with aggressive hormonal breast cancer
As the title says, I am currently 16 weeks pregnant with my first child, I turn 32 in Feb and have no family history of breast cancer. My surgeon has said I will need a mastectomy in the next week or 2. To say overwhelmed and unsure about my future is a complete understatement. I have found limited people in the same position as me and really don't feel confident as much as everyone has told me to stay strong and positive. I know I'm very lucky to have the support I do have around me, but obviously it's such a different situation that no one knows how to approach.
Recurrence group?
Hi everyone I am a few months into treatment for a local recurrence. It’s hard to find people who have gone through or are going through something similar. Any threads or group discussions you could recommend would be helpful. Only looking for experiences of others and not academic or medical journals etc (I think I’ve read them all 😂😂) Thank you!!
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