I found a lump in my right breast on 8th May 2014 whilst working away from home, as soon as I returned home I made an appointment with my Dr and she refered me to the Breast Clinic at my local hospital!
I visited for my appointment at the one-stop clinic on 18th June, 2 days after my 48th Birthday! I was examined by my surgeon who decided that there was something there that he was not happy with, although this was not the rather large lump that I was feeling! Following my mammogram which was completely clear, I then had ultrasound, whilst having the ultrasound, I was told that what I was feeling was fibroadenoma and non cancerous, she then proceded further with the examination and began to plot a lump to the side of the area of fibroadenoma, so I knew then she had found something!
I was then called back into see the surgeon together with a Breast Nurse, asking me with great concern whether I was alone or had I brought somebody with me to the appointment, I knew then that something was concerning them. I was told that I needed to have a biopsy of the lump and lymph nodes, which were enlarged, this would be done immediately. I then had the agonising wait for the results on 26th June I was told that the lump was cancerous but lymph nodes seemed clear, which in my own mind I already knew! I was told that I would need to have the lump removed together with some lymph nodes to check them more closely! This would be followed by 3 weeks of radiotheraphy.
My lumpectomy was performed on 10th July, everything went well with the operation which my surgeon had already told me I would 'breeze through'. I was surprised how tired I felt afterwards but other than that no problems.
In fact I have breezed through the whole thing, my family have been great, I am a person who does not like any fuss and everybody has stuck to my wishes to not treat me any differently, in some ways a little much so! lol!
I went back for my pathology results on 1st August and have been advised that I would benefit from chemotheraphy as well as the radiotheraphy and hormone treatment.
My lump was 22mm, lymph nodes clear, the cancer was grade 2 and invasive, ER + HER2 -.
I am now awaiting my appointment with the oncologist scheduled for 3rd September.
The biggest shock has been the Chemo and not the cancer! I am a very strong person and have dealt with this very well I think, some of my family and friends believe I have been in denial, but tbh I don't think that is a bad place to be!
