Hi
New on here. I am 48 and have known I carry the faulty BRCA1 gene since my mother passed away battling breat cancer in 1990. I admit been in denial most of the time about my health as I am a lone parent and always putting my girls first. Due to fleeing domestic abuse and struggling with a permenant home, I have been through 3 diff health boards and have to say the care has been on 3 different levels and my records have been very slow to be forwarded. I had milk ducts removed in 1999 and was told the cells “ were turning”. I have been having annual mammograms and mri scans since then ( although one health board decided I wasn’t important enough to receive mri scans for preventive measures)
My check ups have now been changed to 6 monthly. Due to struggling with a teenager with mental health issues who is a school refuser I missed my appt with the consultant. I have no family or friend support to help me with my child. I made it to the mammogram the following week, bringing my daughter who sat outside waiting. I have a letter telling me to go for A tomosynethesis mammogram and see consultant, the infor leaflets say I may have other tests done too and expect the appt to take up to 3 hours. The appt is 3 weeks away.
I am frightened that it has finally caught up with me.More frightened of how am I to support my family if I need surgery. Yes I know my mind is in overdrive. I have no in to talk to as found it difficult to make friends in the town and since my daughter is around me 24/7 I don’t want to talk to anyone on the phone as she will listen in and I’m treading on eggshells to keep her anxiety levels down.
Ive been single 9 years and I guess the thought about losing my femininity will add to my low self esteem.
Sorry to sound selfish