I was referred to the breast screening clinic after finally deciding there was a lump that definitely needed checking in my left breast!
At the clinic I had a mammogram followed by a ct scan. I thought at the time that there was a lot of attention being paid to my armpit which set off alarm bells. Someone else was brought in to look at the scan and I was asked if a biopsy could be performed.
Three biopsies were taken, two of breast tissue and one a lymph node in my armpit and two markers were inserted. Not a pleasant experience and alarm bells getting louder!
When three medical staff came into the room to explain the findings it became clear what the news was!
The following week it was confirmed that I had 2 cancers in my left breast:
Invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type (B5b)
Grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma with focal lobular features (B5b)
and
FNA axillary left: no metastatic malignant cells seen (LC2)
I'm still not sure I fully understand the terminology or codes used but my basic understanding is 2 tumours but apparently normal lymph nodes.
I was pencilled in for a mastectomy on 4th January and 3 types of breast reconstruction were discussed: implant, back flap and tummy flap. Although I was told that due to covid the latter two options were not currently available!
Another appointment was made for the following week. So I spent a week coming to terms with the fact that I was about to lose my left breast. I became very attached to that breast in that week.
At the next appointment my ER and PR test results were back and both were negative so the plans changed. I am now due to start 6 rounds of chemotherapy (EC) on 23rd December with surgery to follow.
I've since had an MRI scan and my HER2 results are back, HER2 positive. I've been told that herceptin will be added to my chemo drugs after round 3.
So much happens so quickly that you barely have time to take it all in.
Covid has meant I've had to give up work. I work in a children's nursery so social distancing is not possible and the risk of me picking up covid and delaying treatment is too great. It also means I have to distance myself from family and friends at a time when I want to be close to them! I also live alone which doesn't help much. Although my dog is a great help.
I would be interested to hear other people's experiences of dealing with practical and emotional issues especially those who, like me, live alone
I am sure this site will be very helpful.
Sorry for the long post.
Julie
