It is now six weeks since my mastectomy. I felt quite sore and uncomfortable at first and had to have the area drained twice a week for a month by which time I felt a lot better. Three weeks after my operation I saw the senior breast nurse who told me that the biopsy was clear and the tumour had shrunk by 84 % with the chemotherapy, the remainder had been removed removed.The lymph that had been tested was also was clear. A few days later I had an appointment with my surgeon and he confirmed everything and said he would see me again in June when I'll also have a mammogram, I'll have then have checks every six months. I'm also going to have 6 monthly injections to help my bones. Ideally I would have a course of radiotherapy as an extra safeguard.
That evening we had a wonderful celebratory meal with all our family at one of our favourite restaurants. Our first visit there for many months! After eight months of anxiety and despair it was quite hard to appreciate that I could start to get back to a normal life! I think the fear will never quite go away and I know before I go for routine checks I will have several sleepless nights! It is hard to realise that life will no longer revolve around hospital visits. Last week we had a couple of nights at a lovely hotel in the Lake District, life really is good! I will never take things for granted anymore and will endeavour to enjoy every single day. After an experience like this life can never be quite the same again.
When I saw the oncologist he was unsure about whether it would be possible for me to have radiotherapy because my arm is so rigid. I had another few worrying days as I want as many preventative measures to be taken as possible. I've done my exercises religiously to try and loosen muscles. This week I went to the radiology department at the Christie Hospital and there is not a problem. I have been marked with four tattoos and next week I start daily radiotherapy for three weeks. Such a relief!
I cannot express my heartfelt gratitude to the NHS and to all the wonderful people who have been involved in my treatment. Nothing has ever been too much trouble and whenever I've needed reassurance I've had it in abundance. They work so hard and yet have always shown understanding for the slightest of my concerns. Belief me I've had many, many moments of despair. I've learnt to be patient, the clinics are always full but everyone must have problems to be addressed and you've just got to wait your turn. All the patients are ill and are at different stages, they all need time to digest whatever diagnosis they are given so a half hour wait is not important.
