Feeling angry
I have recently been diagnosed and had a lumpectomy last Thursday. I’m feel fine not overly sore but tired. Mine was picked up on a mammograms so early and I’m very grateful and know how lucky I am. I’m ok with diagnosis 1 in 7 my turn. The issue is I’ve been through so much recently and I’m finding myself angry. Well the last 2 days. 2 knee replacements, fibromyalgia, depression, late adhd diagnosis at 62, mum with dementia I’ve had to put into care, I sold her house without her knowing which is heart breaking - no help from siblings and that just this year. Lol. I had a breakdown a few years ago through work, got divorced, my dog died and I burnt my nachos the other day. A bit of light relief. There is more but that will do. I’m exhausted keeping a lid on everything. I’ve spoken to my psychologist who suggested Emdr. I’m by myself and just so angry. My kids have their own lives and basically my safe place is my home (with a massive mortgage) and my dogs. I had started a wonderful new business but have had to put that on hold until I find out what happens next. Which is next Monday. This is not a why me post it’s a is it normal to be angry. Not all the time but it’s scathing and my dogs have heard some words that I have never mentioned before. I’m not really good at asking for help. And was disappointed with the support I received with my knee replacements so reluctant to go through that rejection again. I think maybe it’s the lack of control, not knowing where we go from here. Again I know how lucky I am and whatever treatment (looks like radiation and hormone therapy and possibly another op and chemo if it’s travelled) I will gladly do and be thankful. I guess I’m just bewildered and have no idea what’s normal and whats not. And if I’ve honest I’m teary too. Ok I feel lonely and unsupported as well.
Mental health and new diagnosis.
Hi all, been struggling really bad finding out i have cancer in my right breast early diagnosis. I dont know what sort as i cant cope with the details of it all. I have seen the doctors and waiting MRI appointment and surgery date. I am really struggling with the anxiety and the moving forward bit. I suffer with anxiety and depression quite badly. I was given the option of just having the two lumps removed or the whole breast. I cant decide which option will help me move forward better. So firstly is there any mental health accept to this organisation? I only have my hubby to rely on who is also classed as my career. I am unsure which option to go with as my mental health plays a big part in my descion. I need to make a descion that i can be happy with and wont make my anxiety worse. Unsure of who to talk to or where to go for help.
Write off 6 to 12 months?
I was given a diagnosis today of small tumor, early invasive breast cancer, double hormone positive and I have an appointment with surgeon in 1 week. At just-turned-60, the next 9 months were supposed to include 2 sons' graduations, 1 son's wedding (a family first), our 25th wedding celebration, a road trip to find-purchase-or-build a new home in a tree-change location in another state, and downsizing-packing-relocating. Surgeon and nurse at breast clinic today seemed to think "we can work around things" ...is that realistic? What is the most valuable question to ask the surgeon, next week, re time frames and realistic expectations? Thanks.
Radiation Therapy
It's all been very quick diagnosed with stage 1, grade 1 invasive breast cancer, ER+ then appointment with surgeon 2 days later, lumpectomy and removal of two lymph nodes 4 days after seeing surgeon. Currently day 3 after surgery, home recovering. Get results on lymph nodes and margins next week. I'm trying not to think too far ahead, but ... I worry about radiation (been told 5 days a week for 4 weeks) and how it will affect me as I work full-time. Any advise on what I can do to make the next stage of treatment easier and what to expect ☺️Working while waiting for surgery
Hi all, was diagnosed 3 weeks ago today with early stage and was told I’d be having surgery pretty quickly. Ended up having to have more tests to eliminate issues in the other side and thankfully that all seems to be clear. But that has meant I still don’t have a date for surgery (I should find out tomorrow hopefully). My question is about how you’ve all kept sane during this ‘limbo’ period. My emotions and anxiety are all over the place, I can’t really focus or concentrate so I’ve taken a fair few days off work. I’m lucky enough that I can work from home (when I’m up to it) and my boss is awesome but I weirdly feel guilty about taking time off as though I should be managing this better. I’m conscious my surgery might not be for another few weeks so feel I need to work out better ways to handle this. Any inputs welcome! Thanks.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?
Newly Diagnosed
Hi In January a had my regular breast screen, and later received a call back saying that there was a change in my left breast since my last screening 2 yrs ago, and was required to go back for a 2nd screening, ultra sound and possible biopsy. To say I was slightly scared is an understatement... So I had the 2nd screening and biopsy and the results came back with an Invasive Ductual Carcinoma HER2 Low Grade 1, and I'm scared. I'm booked to see the surgeon next week and resolved to be positive until then. So far, so good. Would love to hear from anyone in a similar situation.ER/PR+ HER2- invasive lobular
I’m a 47 yr old mum of one 6 yr old. I received my ER/PR+ HER2- invasive lobular cancer diagnosis this week. Due to strong family history (mum passed away at 62 in 2012 with triple negative BC- and her mother also passed away at similar age from BC type unknown as it was late 1970s) - my sister and I had started the process of having additional screening etc. My mammogram and Ultrasound in Jan this year was clear - MRI last month showed something- which following a core biopsy has revealed 3mm ER/PR+ HER2- invasive lobular cancer. As I was already under care of private breast surgeon due to wanting extra screening etc- I feel grateful to have already talked to her about surgery options and possible surgery week of 12th January. I went for genetic testing this week and now wait to see results. Am weighing up option of double mastectomy(and reconstruction) - though surgeon has advised its very early and very small so lumpectomy and sentinel node surgery is a very feasible option too. Followed by radiation therapy and tamoxifen. If I chose a mastectomy it may reduce my need for radiation and tamoxifen.Early HER2+
I understand what Early is and I am grateful that I found something at the same time as my breastscreen mammogram and it is not in lymph glands, PET was also clear but they need a new name for Early. My treatment is starting 9/10 and will be Chemo (abraxane) & hercepton then surgery and radiation. I thought I had choice after doing a lot of research on trusted websites, listening to great podcasts and asking questions of my MDT but although they say I do they highly recommend the above plan. I am resolved to losing my hair and looking forward to the freedom no hair should bring me, I am self employed so can regulate my hours, I am active and look forward to keeping that going, as I know how good it makes me feel and again research shows, it helps us through chemo and everything else. What I struggle with is seeing others reactions to the news and seeing my husband frustrated by the time it takes to have tests and get things started. I would delay treatment even longer if I could but know that is not a good decision as the HER2+ is a grade 3. With a name like Early people seem to think 🤔 I will have an easy run, and I certainly hope I do but have read enough to know that I may not. People also say oh that’s good it’s not urgent then and not that bad. For someone who limits toxins as much as one can this is testing my self control to the limits and then having people say and think 🤔 it is going to be an easy road does not sit well with me. I am babbling and that is certainly something that has happened since diagnosis. I spent 24 hours in denial and 24 hours in why and have decided to tell only positive supportive people going forward and focus on things I can control and leave the rest to my team. thankyou for letting me rant and thankyou for all your encouraging posts and links which I have loved. Let’s kick this tumours out of here x
