Breast cancer

Hi my names Michelle, 

So hard to know where to start but here goes, 

I visited my GP with a. small lump size of a pea under my Right Armpit In September 2024,  I had a breast examination she assured me it was maybe nothing to worry about. as she was examining my left breast I could feel the lump which I have had for 10 years. which was just a cyst.

The GP referred me to the 2 week cancer clinic for an appointment. I was absolutely frightened and could not sleep for about properly or eat,

I went for my appointment where I was given a mammogram im 48 so I wouldn't be checked just yet. It was shown that the lump had got bigger a few mm, But they was more concerned about chalky deposits white dots on my left breast. I then had another appointment to look into this further.

I had biopsys taken and thought no more. I was due to recieve a telephone call with my results. four days before my telephone appointment I had a call from my hospital saying could I come for a face to face appointment,  I then realised something was wrong, why would the consultant call me in if it was all OK. 

I had more biopsys taken and then....

4th October 2024 I was told I had DCIS cancer of the milk duct and it was low grade. He was ever so good explaining that I would need surgery. Then after a few hours it started to hit me that this was serious. not that I hadn't taken it serious but I pushed it to the back of my mind and tried to keep strong for my two daughters 22 and 26, 

14th October Operation day. I underwent surgery to remove to tumor as it was fast growing, I had a lumpectomy. with the support of my daughters. I was really frightened and I remember being sick in the hospital toilet, Surgery went well and my consultant was actually the one who did the surgery,

I was discharged the same day. I done what I was told and rested for about 4-5 weeks. I completed all my exercises and had a follow up appointment a few weeks later. 

Just as I was recovering I had to have more biopsys taken as I have been on HRT since 2021.I was then told that my hormone receptors had tested positive ( can't go back on HRT) 

I was then seen by my oncologist who said I needed radiotherapy which I have now had 10 sessions over Christmas was really hard. I live an hour away from London where I was receiving radiotherapy. 

it's been just under 2 weeks and I'm still feeling lethargic. I have a follow up appointment with my oncologist in February. To see what other options I have as I suffer with the menopause really bad at the moment 

I must say Mcmillian are fantastic and I recieved so much support and emotional support from them. 

thank you for reading my story ️