Hello there.
I am 66 years old, retired, with no family history of cancer of any type. I had a mammogram in February, which was all-clear, so, when I discovered a lump in my right breast, I wasn't too concerned. However, it just continued to grow, so I saw my GP, who referred me on the 2-week pathway. This turned out to be more like a 4-week pathway, so I went to my local private hospital for a diagnosis.
After my mammograms and ultrasound scans, they told me that I do have breast cancer and an enlarged lymph node in my armpit. They took biopsies of both and I have to wait 10 days to see my consultant to be given full diagnosis and treatment plan. He has already told me that I am looking at a mastectomy, due to the size of the lump. At age 66, I think that that is a small price to pay if it removes my cancer. However, I suspect that I will need chemo, which worries me more than the operation! I have no family history of cancer of any type, but I have inherited the family heart problems as well!
It's difficult to know when to tell friends and family. However, the friends I have told have been brilliantly supportive. I admit to have dabbled in Google, but this made me feel worse, so I'm just trying to live life as normal until my appointment in a week's time. I feel so bad when I see that my husband is so upset, but he is there for me, so I am lucky that way.
Anyway, I have rambled on enough, but have appreciated the opportunity to unload this on people who understand what I am going through. Good luck to all of us!
