Hi,
I was diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer on 17th March 2022.
My journey so far.....
I've had a lump for a fairly long time in my right armpit, previous visits to the doctor and scans, this has always been nothing, and assuming this was the same thing I ignored it for some time, until it became rather painful. On 8th February I visited my GP after having discomfort in my right armpit due to what felt like a couple of lumps, my doctor confirmed that she could feel a lump and arranged an urgent referral at the hospital.
The day came for my appointment on 2nd March, taking along a friend for support, but due to covid she was unable to come in with me. I went into see 1 of the doctors, who examined my right armpit, breast and also the left side. I was then sent for a mammogram on both breasts - this wasn't as awful as i expected it to be. Once the mammogram was done, I sat in the waiting area, then got called in to have an ultra sound on my right armpit, I was put at ease when I was told that the lump and pain I could feel was due to a cyst that appeared infected. I was about to move off the examination table when the nurse said that she wanted to scan the left breast, due to a concern that the consultant had...... instantly my heart started to race.... as she started to scan and then stopped in 1 position for what seemed like forever, but was probably only a minute or 2......she then asked me if I had ever felt anything in that area, which I answered no..... she said that there was an area of concern and needed to bring the consultant in.
At this point panic started, I messaged my mate who was waiting outside the breast clinic. The consultant took 2 biopsies there and then, i then had to wait outside again as I needed another mammogram to check the marker that was put in. At this point the nurse allowed my mate to come and sit with me. I was advised that I needed a MRI scan and that I would need to go back for the results on 17th March.
My MRI was on 8th March, my first ever....... again this wasn't a bad experience.
Then the 17th March arrived, my sister came with me to my results, sitting there waiting for the consultant, who came in with a nurse...... I had a feeling it was bad news, after a quick examination he confirmed that I had grade 2 breast cancer. I was advised that the lump was small 15mm in size, and It was only really confirmed by having the MRI scan. They explained that it was Hormone Sensitive and HER2 Negative. I was advised that I would need a lumpectomy and more than likely radiotherapy.
As a single woman who has just turned 40, it was discussed about potential fertility treatment as I do not have kids yet..... but it is definitely something I want....... I just haven't found the guy!!
I had an appointment at Guys Hospital in London on 30th March, to start the ball rolling and filled in all paperwork ready, so that if I was to need chemotherapy then I would harvest my eggs before this started.
Thursday 31st March I had my pre op and then chose to isolate until my operation date on 8th April.
This is the first time I have ever been in hospital for any procedure!!
The day came, I hardly slept that night, my brother and sister took me to the hospital, but they was unable to stay with me. I would only be in as a day case and the nurse would call them to pick me up.
I got on the ward and in to my sexy stockings and gown, then I had to go to the breast clinic to have a guide wire fitted along with radioactive dye, ready for surgery. Then around 10.45am I was taken to theatre. I woke and was back on the ward around 1.30pm, I had some sickness after eating due to the anastetic, but soon after the nurse helped me get in to my pre op bra - so sexy!! And once I was able to stand and walk, they called my sister to come and collect me.
It has been 6 days since surgery, I have been resting and doing my exercises Daily to help with the stiffness. The top of my left arm and armpit are numb, but that is what I expected, I am keeping on top of pain relief and binging on Netflix.
I go back for my follow up on 21st April to find out what the next stage is.
This whole process has all happened very quickly, have I taken it all in? Honestly no I haven't. Have I cried? Again no...... but I think I need to, just to get it all out of my system so that I can start to process it all.
Until next time......
Sazzy xx
