Hello
Introducing myself - I’m a 65 year old writer and TAFE teacher. Diagnosed with high grade DCIS about a month ago. I’ve had a lumpectomy and am due (fingers crossed) for a re-excision tomorrow before starting radio therapy. I’ve had a monster of a cold so the re-excision may not go ahead - in which case I’ll have to live with the less-than optimum margins in one specific spot. I live with my husband and my 94 year old mother - we care for her as she has a form of dementia. I am considering getting respite care for her through part of the radiotherapy just as a bit of emotional relief but haven’t completely made up my mind yet. I’m finding these new challenges a tricky tightrope to walk. Work has been great - and I know I’m lucky! We teach online and have done so since about 2007 and are a small but supportive team. But it’s still hard, isolating and the domestic front is emotionally exhausting. Still, courage comrades!Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Moderator moved @MissL post from activity section to 'Newly Diagnosed': Hi ladies, I'm still in the testing stage, but have been told I have Inflammatory Breast Cancer, in Breast, skin & lymph nodes. Biopsies tomorrow 14 Oct, PET & Heart Scans 15th, Medical Oncologist 16th, Breast Surgeon 18th for results & chemo regime. Already been told will have to have 6 months chemo - very daunting, all my support overseas.
Is everyone sleeping or just not posting?
Hi there Not sure at what point I go from newly diagnosed (August 2024) to more? Or if I’m no longer considered “new” if I’ve just had surgery early October? Like many others I’ve been busy just getting ready and preparing and being overwhelmed. These few days post surgery at home are the time I can now think. Only I can’t really think, it’s just blank and nights are the worst.Newly diagnosed DCIS
Hi folks - I just got my diagnosis this morning and am going through ALL of the emotions. Seeing my GP on Monday for referral to a surgeon, but this site is huge - any suggestions for where to start? My treatment is likely to be a lumpectomy - hopefully with no radiation treatment but that’s a possibility. Unlikely to be chemo. Details are that it’s an intermediate grade ductal carcinoma in situ with focal comedonecrosis and calcifications (7mm x 4mm x 6mm). ER positive, PR positive. Both auxiliary lymph nodes normal.
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!
