I was invited to a routine breast scan in February 2014 and because I was sent an actual appointment, I turned up to the mobile unit in the local council car park. I turned 50 in 2012 so this was my first mammogram. They called me back for a scan and biopsy and before I knew where I was, I was having a sentinel node biopsy and a mastectomy two weeks later (in between I was driving my son to uni interviews - life goes on). The node biopsy showed small traces in one out of 3 that they took out, so I had a full axilliary clearance with the mastectomy and the original plan for a reconstruction was put on hold because I needed chemo and radiotherapy. Had my treatment from April till October. Had a couple of problems with the chemo and then actually developed pneumonia and spent 10 days in hospital which delayed the start of my radiotherapy. Went back to work in November, part-time at first but back on full days by February. Have been taking oestrogen suppressant ever since; but in about April or maybe June?, my Herceptin was suspended because it seemed to have affected my heart. Going back on it today. In the meantime, my surgeon sent me for a CT scan in preparation for surgery and it showed up something on my liver. Went back for an ultrasound but that was inconclusive. So also today am having an MRI scan. I was told it was probably a harmless haemangioma but now I realise they think its secondaries. I have a loving husband and 3 children aged 14, 18 and 19 and right now am not coping well, but hopeful that this will change as I find the strength to cope.
