Choosing a surgeon (Melb) -New diagnosis overwhelm
Hi there, Im 49 and had my first routine mammogram in September- no family history or symptoms. They discovered calcifications, had a biopsy then 5 days ago I was told I had breast cancer. Stage 2-3 6cm aggressive.That’s all I can remember to be honest as I was in so much shock. Got referred to my GP in the afternoon and had to get referrals to a surgeon. With no time to think and still in shock our GP recommended Dr Sarah Kemp at Cabrini Malvern and a friend (and gp) recommended Dr. Melanie Walker at the Epworth in Richmond. It was so overwhelming and fast. Im someone who can’t make even the smallest of decisions eg what shoes to wear in the morning! lol We have met one surgeon as they had an apt the next morning. Do I meet the other as well? Keen to know is anyone had experiences with these breast surgeons and their team? How do I choose? Any advice would be very much appreciated. Feeling very overwhelmed and stressed! also worried about work and finances… I guess that’s another question!
Exchange Surgery and 4th Cancerversary 💗
Hello to everyone and Happy Easter 🐣🐇🪺. I’ve been a bit quiet on here, just focusing on life after breast cancer I guess, going back to work, trying to get healthier etc. Today I’m posting again because it’s my 4th cancersary 🎉, and I’m also 2 weeks post my third surgery since this whole ride started. This was the surgery I was most excited about though, because it was my recon surgery, i.e. bilateral exchange of expanders to implants (I’ll be posting a picture story soon in the private recon group for those interested). I had my expanders in for a record time, just shy of 4 years 🤦🏻♀️😄 (surgery kept being postponed for various reasons) so I might be able to enter the Guinness Book of Records 😅. The thing is, I’m absolutely terrified of surgery and pretty traumatised too, due to what happened after my DMX. It took a change of surgical teams 4 years ago and lots of counselling to be able to get to this state of being ready for it again. Thanks to all my hard work and my BRILLIANT specialist team, I got there, and I can’t even express how happy I am with the results 😃. My breasts now look like my original ones, albeit perkier 😏😁. They were an absolute mess from the 4 years of expanders, but my surgeon fixed my pockets perfectly and used implants that look very natural. The whole experience, despite stress from my previous trauma, was very easy and smooth sailing. I am beyond thankful and grateful to my team (Dr Eva Nagy ♥️ and Fred 💙) because without them this wouldn’t have been possible 🙏🏻🙌🏻🍀. It might seem like something so simple, but it is so important to healing as anyone going through this (all of you) will know and understand, because it means getting my body back to what it was (or to a new normal for those not choosing recon). Actually, better than what it was because I was going to the gym for a year prior, to prepare myself physically for this, and so I am stronger than I’ve been in a long time. Silver linings everywhere 😁. So now, every year on this day, I do something special for myself, as a thank you to ME for everything I’ve endured. One thing this cancer taught me is that I need to prioritise myself, because I was putting myself last before all this. Well, not anymore. It’s a work in progress for sure, but I’m now putting myself at the top of my list more and more often. My message, especially to all the newbies, is that it does get better. It gets a whole lot better. There will be a day and time when you won’t be thinking about cancer all day, every day - believe me! There will even be a day when you’ll forget you ever had it. You do get reminded again because it’s a bit of a ‘gift that keeps giving’ situation, but you find the strength again and keep moving on. It might not always seem like it and I definitely encourage venting and getting all the anger out, and asking for help when ever you need it!! However, there are lots of beautiful days as well ☺️. One more piece of advice: choose your medical team very carefully, because they will either break you or make you (speaking from experience). You are responsible for your life and wellbeing, but with the right medical team, you will have the support you need to do wonders. So, don’t rush this decision. Do research before choosing, and always seek a second or even third opinion if it doesn’t feel right. *Pictured are myself, the day after my surgery so please don’t judge me for looking so terrible, and my beautiful magician of a surgeon on the right 🌸. Lots of love and fantastic health to all 🧿🪷♥️, M Xxx
DCIS - Mastectomy or Lumpectomy
Hi everyone, - well here I am.... joining this amazing group of supportive women and wishing I wasn't here!! I have just been diagnosed with DCIS (2) in one breast. My mum and her mum both had BC, so there is a history. I am seeing my doctor tomorrow to get a referral for MRI and to a breast surgeon. At this stage, it appears (advice from the breast surgeon at Breast Screen) is for either a lumpectomy with radiotherapy or a mastectomy. The tests so far indicate that it is contained... I can only hope that it the case and there is nothing else lurking that has not yet been identified. (deep down though, I kinda feel like there may be more to it!). I am researching as much as I can to help make this decision. I feel like going down the mastectomy road, but of course that has its own implications. Also, do I go flat or have reconstruction. Do i bite the bullet and have a double?? I so totally don't understand the ramifications, side effects and both physical and mental emotions! So much to absorb and take in. I worry about how to choose a breast surgeon who will be able to guide me. How soon do I need to get the surgery and how long will it take for me to recover??? I am frantically reading through all your posts and getting inspiration from everyone who has walked this road before me! I know that no-one can provide me with answers, but I guess just getting it out into this forum will help me to choose the path forward. Thanks in advance to everyone who has already shared their stories. Compared to many, my issues are rather insignificant! Cheers MelMac
Recommendations - Brisbane surgeons
Hi everyone, I am not actually sure if I am allowed to ask this or not (admin please delete if not appropriate) but I was hoping to get some recommendations (or otherwise) of Breast reconstruction surgeons in Brisbane, ideally who operate at The Wesley. I have seen 3 already and am confused and indecisive. I think I will be having a TRAM flat as I had extensive radiation. Thanks so much! Claire
Mater public vs P.A. hospital
Hi all, I've been getting my treatment at the mater public and I've been so happy with the cancer care team and my oncologist but I haven't been as satisfied with my surgical team. With my recent recurrence being likely due to them not cutting out enough the first time, I'm feeling wary about trusting my surgeon again. I was wondering if any Brisbane based folks had any comments about their experience with surgeons either at the mater public or P.A. that they would recommend? My oncologist works at both hospitals so I could likely see her at either place. Sorry, I know this is very location specific but I just don't know where else to get advice? TIA
Canberra Surgeon
Hi all, I've just been diagnosed with high-grade DCIS after finding a lump in my right breast a week before Xmas. I've been referred to Dr Majeed as my surgeon but am just wondering if anyone has feedback about him, or can recommend someone? I'm needing to go public so I'm aware that choices may be limited by that. I should also note that although it may result in a lumpectomy, I'm most likely going to end up with a mastectomy and would like to have a reconstruction done, so feedback/recommendations around that are really appreciated. Cheers, Cat
Surgeon recommendations for bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in Melbourne
Hi ladies, I am currently searching for a gynaecological oncologist in the Melbourne Metro area to do my bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy surgery. This surgery is partly for treatment of metastatic breast cancer (ER/PR+) and so I don't have to have zoladex every 4 weeks. Also, I have a BRCA2 mutation so this surgery will be a preventative measure to lower my risk of developing ovarian cancer. My oncologist (whom I adore) has referred me to "the best" surgeon but he has terribly high out of pocket costs for this type of surgery. I know that I can go to a public hospital but I have private health insurance and would like to utilise it. I was wondering if anyone could provide any advice on who they have seen and roughly how much they were out of pocket. Thanks in advance, Rachelle
Plastic surgeons in Melbourne
I am not able to identify any good source where we can actually get to know the feedback about the Plastic Surgeons. As this is highly skilled and time consuming procedure, I want to make sure that I do thorough check before deciding on the Plastic Surgeon. Ladies (based out of Melbourne), please share the feedback about the Plastic Surgeon you have worked with in the past. What's the name of the Plastic surgeon and whether you would recommend him? Has anyone heard about or worked with Dr Julian Liew and has any inputs on his work?
