Hello, I am new to the group. I turned 60 end of August and through all the tests we go through as in scans, biopsies was informed it is triple negative breast cancer
I had my lumpectomy on this Weds gone and that is as far as things have gone so far. From diagnosis on 7th Sept I feel like I’ve lost my brain cells and the ability to retain any of the previous info Shared with me. Reading some of your messages on here, many of you seem very well informed, whereas I’m here feeling a bit useless. My Macmillan nurse is in holiday at mo, but guess I need to ring them just to get my basic questions asked ... things like what happens next, also is it the Macmillan who removes the dressing (small notes tells me it should be on until 7th Sept). Although I haven’t been contacted yet with firm date for First appointment with them after surgery, I think there is a possibility it may be Friday pm. I know the binder covers most things but feel my questions may be better answered on here, through you lovely people that have the experience.
Feeling totally not fully informed as I need to be. Am I being too hard on myself so early in it all or will I be explained much more informative and helpful information in the first post op meeting with Macmillan. Sorry if my questions are things I should know x
Hi Frilly, i noticed no one has got back to you yet and didn,t want you to think you are on your own.I had breast cancer many years ago 16 in fact. I think the system is probably the same.The person who can answer your questions best is the breast care nurse,or your GP.Even though your nurse is on holiday there should be some one else there to take your calls.Brain fog is perfectly normal and its a lot to take in so give yourself some time. They have not forgotten you so don,t worry. The system is not working up to full speed due to Covid 19 so things are taking a lot longer than usual.If i am concerned at all about my treatment or want specific info i ring departments who did procedure ie,breast consultant,breast consultant secretary,breast care nurse,GP.Hope this helps x
I've not been on for several days. A lot of people go to the breast cancer group.
I'm triple negative too, obviously. We all seem to be different. I had chemo before surgery, while you seem to have had surgery first. Don't worry about that, as your team know what they are doing for your good. Sometimes it seems hard to understand and we always think of things afterwards. Write it all down. No question is silly! Stick to good quality sites on the internet, as most will tell you, a lot of it is old data. If you can't get through to your Macmillan group at the hospital ring Maggie's Centre. I did all my chemo through Lockdown and my Macmillan hospital group wasn't there, but Maggie's were at the end of the telephone and rang me every two weeks. I think you have been for your appointment now. I hope it went well.
Hi Frilly - I'm in a similar place to you, overawed by the amount of knowledge these ladies have! Don't be so hard on yourself - I suspect we will be the same a bit further down the line. You cant be an expert in something you probably hadn't even thought of until your diagnosis! I was diagnosed on the 23rd Sept following a mammogram the week before. Speak to your breast care nurses - they should be able to answer all your questions. I had a lumpectomy and Sentinel Node Biopsy last Wednesday (7th Oct) and got a letter through a few days later giving me an appointment for Friday 23rd Oct. I think everything will become clear then and I will get my treatment plan. I have been overwhelmed (and hugely grateful) for how fast I have been dealt with. I took my dressings off today and the scars are healing well, although Im still quite sore under my arm. Good luck, I hope you know a bit more now - let's share the journey!!
Hi Frilly, i had my surgery first because my surgeon wanted to remove it as at 68 she was worried i would be to weak to tolerate the surgery. I'm personally glad because she says there was no cancer in my lymph nodes and they got all the tumour out. Now im having the chemo as a mop up incase there is any left somewhere else, its just a precaution, but its very comforting to know that by having the surgery first i now know that the operation was successful and i can just get on with my chemotherapy with less worry. I found all the information to much to take in so i just started to take each day as it comes and when i go for any treatment i ask any questions then as the information you get back is upto date of how things are going for you at that time.
