Breast cancer

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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 Heart️ 

  • Hi  

    Thanks very much for taking the time to share your story. I'm sure people just starting out on the diagnosis and treatment path will find it useful to read about your experiences.

    Anne

    Community Champion Badge

     "Never regret a day in your life, good days give you happiness, bad days give you experience"

  • Hi there, penny brohn centre holds menopause sessions for people who cannot take hrt due to cancer (I am one of them). I’ve signed up for the sessions to see what options we have x