Helllo Jolamine,

Thank you for responding so quickly - it's reassuring to feel a connection with others who understand what is happening and how it feels. 

The initial cancer was grade 2, stage 2b.

My mind is swirling around all sorts of things like why was my intial diagnosis and treatment so drawn out... why didn't I have radiotherapy....  I'm so frustrated with the anastrazole as it has had such harsh effects on my body (and brain!) and I've taken it for four years believing it would protect me. 
 

My path:
May 2015 a routine mammogram picked up multi focal carcinoma in left breast.
Sep 2015 bilateral mastectomies and pathology showed up dcis in right breast also. 

Removed of sentinel lymph node on left side found cancer also so Nov 2015 a further op performed axillary clearance.

Jan -April 2016 FEC-T chemo

One yearvof tamoxifen 

Four years of anastrazole 

Jan 2021 felt lump deep inside left armpit - fluke find during a yoga stretch. I had been experiencing a dull ache in the area but then the anastrazole has caused a multitude of aches and pains and I hadn't located an actual lump until that point. 

Last time, not knowing anything about the treatment I felt much stronger and coped relatively well. Now I know what's coming I feel both terrified and deflated - and more terrified that it won't work.

Love 

M
 

Hi M,

I know just how frightening this can be. I lost my Mum to breast cancer 10 years before I was diagnosed, so naturally thought the worst. The trouble is that, no matter what treatment we undertake, there are no guarantees.

I am interested to hear that both your body and brain were affected by treatment. I found the same. I have also had to have 2 knees replaced and 7 eye operations. I find it difficult to detect lumps after the double mastectomy. I recently had another scare and was given a CT of my brain as I am now taking seizures and a bone scan. Fortunately, both of these were clear, but I have still not been given a scan of my breast and, am having to go privately for that - it's not really good enough.

I understand how let down you feel, but we only get one shot at life, so don't let cancer take it over. Get those pink boxing gloves on and kick it into touch. Try not to think of what is coming. You are stronger than you think. You got through it before and you will again. Besides, treatment may be different this time. Have you discussed any treatment yet?

I am always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx