Hi
After a routine mammogram (I’m 53) I was diagnosed with primary occult breast cancer on Friday 13th October last year. I’m told that breast cancer appears like this rarely - in about 0.1% of patients. Basically I have several enlarged lymph nodes with the largest about 10mm, which I’m told is ‘not big’. I had every test and scan going but there are no tumours in my breast at all. I’ve had 3 cycles of Taxol (Paclitaxel) but had to skip the 4th as I had such bad problems with my hands and feet. So I had my first EC Therapy last week and since then I’ve felt awful. Just wiped out with nausea and fatigue, plus now I’m feeling shaky all the time. I’m normally the sort of person rushing about, never sitting still, and I have a teenage son with mobility difficulties who I look after. So sitting around doing nothing is weird for me. My boss has been great (I teach Law one night a week) and even though I’ve done work from home for cover tutors I’m desperate to get back to teaching. I just don’t know how I’m going to manage on the new chemo and feel like I’m letting my students down.
After chemo (3 more EC planned!) I’m up for axillary node clearance, then radiotherapy. Frankly I don’t know what to dread more - the ongoing nausea or the surgery?! I have great family and friends, a husband who is holding it all together for all of us, and a fab medical team, so I feel lucky. I try to pick out the positives/silver linings in everything to do with this rollercoaster journey BUT I still feel alone plus I have days like today where I’m not holding it my s**t together at all!
So I’m just reaching out to anyone out there who feels the same, or who has come across occult breast cancer, or who has advice or thoughts to share! Thanks.
