I thought I would update my story.
Two years ago just before Christmas Eve I was diagnosed with Her2+ ER+ positive breast cancer. Needless to say not the Christmas present I had requested.
However my journey was not dreadful. I started with neo-adjuvant treatment 4 cycles with a view to possibly having lumpectomy.
However the pandemic started and hospitals got nervous about whether treatment would be able to continue so they offered me a mastectomy.
I was very keen as I did not want any possibility of delay.
The op was outsourced from NHS to a very famous private hospital and the op was a success. Although I caught Covid in hospital! Thankfully only mildly That was in March 2020.
I was then able to resume chemo Paclitaxel and Herceptin. My long blonde hair fell out almost instantly.
Despite everything and with wonderful husband and family support I remained positive and surprisingly well throughout the treatment.
I started on Letrozole a year ago which I tolerate well. I had one batch that was a different brand which made me feel like an old lady as all my joints ached. However my GP said this sometimes happens and has now requested my original brand and all is well (Accord).
I didn’t mind the bald head and my hair grew back very quickly and for a while I even ‘rocked’ a short grey trendy look. (I am 63).
then came the curls. Thick and fast. I always wanted curly hair and it truly is curly. I have never in my life had so many people stop me to say what wonderful hair I have.
I think this will be short lived though as I think my own straight hair is beginning to reappear. It may be the weight as my hair gets longer. Now almost shoulder length, it has grown fast and thick.
I know everyone’s journey is different. But my journey has been a positive one, helped I believe by positive thoughts a good sense of humour. We joked about baldness, one boob and Covid.
I thought I would share this for those who are embarking on treatment and wondering how things will unfold.
My advice is talk to everyone openly. Only think about one step at a time. Don’t worry about the ‘what if’s) and what might happen down the road. It is all beyond our control. Stay positive in the moment and live for now.
Seasons Greetings to Everyone.
What a lovely and positive post krysiatennis. Just what I needed to read as I nervously await seeing my consultant tomorrow. I found a lump, biopsies confirmed grade 2 invasive mucinous breast cancer, MRI highlighted furher areas of concern, so another 2 biopsies followed and I get the results tomorrow. Lumpectomy, mastectomy, chemo, radiotherapy, immediate reconstruction??? My mind is constantly whirling with questions, worries and what ifs. I will try to follow your advice. Thank you
