When I first found my lump, I didn't think it was serious, so ignored it for about five weeks, I didn't even mention it to my husband. Then I decided it had to be dealt with eventually, so told him. He packed me straight off to my GP. She initially agreed with me, as the lump wasn't 'tethered' as she put it, and moved around easily. But she still referred me to my local Breast Cancer Institute there and then. My appointment was for one week later. The Institute is situated on the campus of the Nottingham City Hospital, and is believed to be one of the best in our area.
One week later, still feeling I was making a fuss about nothing, I was having a mammogram, scan and biopsy. While the doctor was scanning my breast, she went under the armpit where we saw a little twinkly light, which she said she didn't like the look of, telling me that it was one of my nodes. As soon as THAT word came up, the possibility that I might actually have cancer became obvious. Afterwards, I went to the waiting room and told my husband what had happened. He just looked at me and said: "So it looks like you have breast cancer then!"
One week later I went back for my results. The surgeion said:"I'm very sorry to tell you, that you have an invasive cancer." We discussed surgery and I opted for a mastecomy with a sentinal node biopsy. They said as my tumour was ER+, PR+, but HER- I would also need radiotherapy and five years on a hormone tablet.
Didn't sound too bad, so the surgery went ahead on Wednesday 12th December 2012. I got my results back three weeks later. Invasive Ductal (no specific type) 3cm, Grade 3. I also know now it was Stage 2B. Three nodes removed, one with cancer cells in it.
My next appointment was with the oncologist on 10th January, 2013. After discussion, I signed the papers agreeing to chemotherapy. Now, this wasn't an easy decision as even the oncologist wasn't sure I could cope with it. You see, I have rheumatoid arthritis, sjogren's syndrome, and bronchiectasis with psudomonas colonies living in my lungs. Quite a dangerous combination. It was considered that the psudomonas might become active and make me very ill whilst on chemo. But I knew that the anaethetist had drained my lungs whilst I was still under, during my op. I hadn't really had a bad coughing fit, or any breathing problems since then.
So here I am, started chemo on 5th February 2013, Fec T. I've finished the Fec bit and have found it quite easy. Unlike some of my otherwise healthier online friends. Next cycle will be Tax, so I hope that goes as well as Fec did. I will keep you informed.
