Hi.... I'm Karen I was diagnosed in June 2005 when I was 42 years old after a trip to the GP who told me to stop worrying as my boobs were just lumpy due to recently finishing my period!!! My instinct told me to push to have a mammogram. The GP rolled his eyes at me and made me feel an inch tall. He eventually agreed to refer me. I came out of his office feeling an inch tall and stupid for insisting!! Two weeks later I had my Mamagram and was immediately asked to wait to see the Consultant. He sat me down and said there was a mass probably a cyst but he would like to do a biopsy there and then. He took a sample and 10 minutes later returned and gently told me I had breast cancer but it was nothing to worry about and was a pea sized lump and had not spread as it was less than a Stage 1 and I would need a simple surgery to remove it with no chemo or radio necessary. To say I was relieved was an understatement. He did, however, warn me that I may lose my nipple (a small price to pay I thought). Again something was niggling at the back of my mind and I asked him if he would please check my lymph nodes during the surgery. He refused as he said 'i have already explained it has not spread'. I practically begged him. He still refused. I once again went home feeling stupid but worried. A month later I had a pre-op appointment. Again I raised the issue of my lymph nodes being taken. Again he sneered at me and said I told you last time there is no need as the cancer is contained and has not spread!!!! In desperation I threatened to go private (even though I could not afford this). He eventually gave in. I had surgery on the 14th July, 2005 (my birthday). After the surgery I was told they had saved my nipple. I was over the moon. This would seem like a small thing to many but it was a relief. Then in the next breath the surgeon told me the surgery was a success but they had taken half of my breast because the cancer had SPREAD!!! And it had also spread to my lymph nodes!!!!! The cancer was Stage 3 and aggressive. My instincts were right!!! I then had chemo and radiotherapy. I also had reconstructive surgery 5 years ago which was a total disaster and now suffer with very low self confidence where my boobs are concerned, which sounds totally crazy as I'm very lucky to have survived 12 years later.
My advice to anyone reading this is to always stand your ground and follow your instincts. Although I was made to feel totally stupid all the way through something in the back of my mind was telling me to keep pushing.
I took Tamoxifen for 5 years and then put on Letrozole which I still take every day. The knock on affect of the drug has been deterioration of my bones which has caused immense problems and more surgeries and a cocktail of drugs taken daily but I am still here and that is all that matters
Today I am 54 and a mum of 4 and nan to 7 grand children and number 8 on the way and very lucky to still be here enjoying life
