Started the breast cancer journey

[CrazyDogLady67]

Hello, I’m 59yo, my name is Susan, and I’ve just had a belated birthday present of breast cancer from the Breastscreen Assessment Clinic at Liverpool NSW. 

I’m booked to see my gp tomorrow with an envelope to find out about getting a referral to a surgeon and whatever else needs to be done with a “garden variety breast cancer which is a 10 cm tumour” as they said when they broke the news…

I’m a bit overwhelmed and I feel very unprepared and maybe because it was at breastscreen and they don’t have a lot of time to do anything but say it’s bad news and here is the paperwork and not much else…

I guess my big fear is the treatment as I believe that the tumour size is the concern, I feel I’ve just been pushed/pulled into this nightmare while I was minding my own business. 

I appreciate being able to put my story here and commune with others getting started on their own cancer journeys. 

[Miranda_ccnsw]

Hi Susan,

I'm so sorry to hear of your diagnosis and the way in which you were given such life changing news. To feel overwhelmed is totally normal as you enter the unknown and begin to navigate what happens next, who to see and how you feel with it all. There is no preparation that will make a cancer diagnosis easier - it's a shock. 

It's wonderful that you've reached out here in the community and shared your story. For those of you who have had an experience with breast cancer, what's one thing you wish you had known earlier that might help Susan? 

Please know that you can also call the team on 13 11 20 and speak to one of our health professionals about support options that are available to you. Speaking with others can offer moments of relief in all the hugeness of what you're going through. 

Stay strong,

Miranda 

CCNSW

[CrazyDogLady67]

Thank you Miranda,

I saw my gp today and have a referral to Liverpool hospital breast clinic.   He’s given me something to help me sleep plus renewed all my prescriptions and I will be back with him on Wednesday to check in. 

I've reached out to my EAP for mental health support because I just feel completely hysterical and I need help to make it go away. 

is there any readings that explain chemotherapy, radiation and breast surgery?  I’d like to try and understand how these things work so when they say go do this, I know something and don’t feel like an idiot. 

can you tell I’m a control freak???

[Miranda_ccnsw]

Hi Susan

I'm so pleased you've seen your GP and he's given you something to help you sleep - rest is so important and will help you cope better.

I can understand wanting to find out all you can about what's in front of you, information gives us reassurance and a bit of certainty in the sea of uncertainty and waiting.  

Here are a few resources that might help:

1. Understanding Breast Cancer booklet

2. Emotions and cancer booklet

3. This page has useful information on treatments for breast cancer

4. Here's a podcast that talks about Coping with a Cancer diagnosis that might be helpful

I hope this information helps. It can be a daunting and sudden learning curve - take it one day at a time and know that every question you have is valid and ok. 

Your EAP will be able to offer support - it's great you've reached out to them. In the future you may also wish to discuss the option of being connected to one of our trained volunteers with a lived experience with breast cancer. The team at 13 11 20 will be able to see if this is a match for you. 

Take care,

Miranda 

CCNSW

[CrazyDogLady67]

Thank you

[CathyB6]

Hello Susan,

I am currently 6 months into chemotherapy treatment for my breast cancer, then will have surgery followed by radiation.  

I will not lie, it has been a very difficult time, but I just want to say, lean on anyone you can to help you, and know that our medical staff, at least the one's I have dealt with, are extremely supportive and we are lucky to have the treatments available to us in our country and our medical system.

And take the prescribed drugs for side effects as they are there for you, and they do work.

I have also found it very important, that during treatment, when you have a good day and you feel well, try to do something nice for yourself.   

Exercise is difficult, but I have started just a 5 minute walk to the end of my street and back in the mornings has just cleared my head and helped me through the day.  It is surprising how proud I am of myself to do this small thing.

Take it day by day, and know there is help out there, do not be afraid to make phone calls and ask questions, or reach out on this chat space,  just sharing and knowing you are not alone.

As my family and friends keep saying to me, look after yourself, you are number 1 at the moment.

You've got this, stay positive!!

Cathy