Well, I thought this blog would be a great place for me to explore my emotions by writing about my second journey with cancer. I'm hoping that it will help motivate me prepare for surgery and do all the things that make me happy in life: playing and listening to music, cooking, gardening, reading, being with my new partner, and enjoying my friendships.
I was diagnosed with breast cancer (type unconfirmed) on Wednesday the 9th of February. I had a mammogram, ultrasound and core biopsy the week before and had a bad feeling about the outcome because of the amount of time the hospital staff spent with me as opposed to the previous year.
Yes, the cancer cells were found in the lump that was examined the previous year when it was thought to be glandular tissue.
I've been worried about breast or lung cancer since my diagnosis with Hodgkin Lymphoma 17 years early. I had early stage Hodgkin's, stage 1a, in my chest next to my windpipe. It was cured with radiation to my upper mantle. At the time, my doctors advised me that I would have a greater risk of contracting breast or lung cancer due to the radiation treatment. So, I guess I've lived with the risk for a long time.
Despite knowing the possibilities, it still was a shock to hear the breast surgeon tell me that they found cancer cells. It was an even greater shock once I realised that the best outcome for my recovery would be to have a bilateral mastectomy.
My blog is going to be about my journey, with the support of my amazing partner, to fight until recovery, to say goodbye to my beautiful breasts and to continue to love the life I lead as the strong and loving person that I will always be.
