So following chemotherapy, my scans showed that the tumours both in the breast and liver had shrunk. Surgery still wasn’t a given and would technically make no difference to my prognosis. So, I was asked what my preference would be. Having given it some thought I decided that given a choice, I would want the surgery. I appreciate that it will make my condition any less “incurable”. However, mentally speaking, there was comfort in the thought that the tumours I have were gone, even if there are still cancer cells in my body. However, I did not want to do this at the cost of delaying treatment that would actually have an impact and be of a more positive benefit. My oncologist and the surgeon were very understanding of this so the plan has become, start the systemic medication straight away with the possibility of surgery soon at which point the medication would be temporarily suspended for surgery and then re-started post.
So I have started systemic medication and hormone therapy. I never thought I would get the menopause at 35 but I can live it. And I’m getting on with the medication just fine, no anti-sickness medication or nasty side effects so far. This is my life going forward and although lots of tablets and regular hospital check ups aren’t ideal, they’re perfectly survivable and certainly better than the alternative.
