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!
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
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