Diagnosis to week 2

15/05/2013

One date I highly doubt I will ever forget, that horrible diagnosis of breast cancer.

I am writing this blog, not to see how fabulous my English writing skills are (as I passed that GCSE at a CC which was probably only just a scrape but enough for me as my writing skills are awful) but to see if I can make sense of all this, provide me with something to keep myself entertained and hopefully encourage people that no matter what age you are checking yourself is important!!!

Stepping back in time a little I first found a lump in my right breast around September-October 2012. As I was only 23 I left it a while before paying a trip to see my female GP, as at that age I had the whole "it will just be my hormone's" impression and was not enthralled at the thought of getting everything out for a health professional. I finally bucked my ideas up and paid my GP a trip in November, within days I found myself sat in a breast clinic, after flashing myself some more and being examined yet again I was given an ultrasound and reassured it was just glandular tissue therefore nothing to worry about and discharged with a smile.

4 months later after monitoring that lump (aged 24) I was concerned that it had doubled in size so booked myself in to see the GP again, good job I did! I was seen by a different consultant at a hospital closer to home and given yet another ultrasound, followed by a core needle biopsy (which wasn't quite as painful or bad as I expected). By this point that lump was roughly 3cm wide and probably about as long.

48 hours later I was given the sickening news that the biopsy had cancerous cells. Grade 3 which basically means the cells growing are very abnormally compared to other cells and multiply quickly. The good news is despite the lump feeling about 3cm, the nasty part is only 1.3cm. And before you ask it, there's no family history, I don't smoke and I don't drink excessive amounts. I'm hoping it's a one off unlucky thing, the thought of carrying the BRCA1 or 2 gene is frightening.

People criticise the NHS constantly, but I have to say that so far I could not fault a single thing! Everything has been organised so efficiently and quickly it is actually shocking.

It will be two weeks tomorrow since my diagnosis. So far I have:

·        Met my lovely breast care nurse who has provided me with some leaflets and booklets from macmillan and breast cancer care (i love leaflets)

·        Met my oncologist who has already decided on my treatment plan and sorted my consent out for that

·        Had a sentinel node biopsy under general anaesthetic to ensure none of the cancerous cells were in my lymph nodes

·        Received the fabulous news that my lymph nodes are clear of cancer

·        Had a bone scan

·        Got CT scan and pre-chemo assessment booked

Today I have been told I will also need an MRI and a mammogram, feel like I'm being given a proper MOT.

Telling people I have cancer is such a difficult thing to do, I sense it's something I will never get used to. I have got the strongest support behind me which should make this whole process so much easier. I am blessed with an amazing family, wonderful boyfriend and fabulous friends who have given me words of strength and hope, plenty of cuddles, a little normality while I can and some truly beautiful flowers, presents, cards and a trilby hat all thrown in.

I'm all for being positive, after all worrying won't shrink the thing so I shan't waste my energy on it.

My positivity list so far consists of:

·        I will save a small fortune on hair products

·        Showering will be a lot quicker

·        I will not have a "bad hair day" for a long while

·        I will be ready to go out a lot quicker than my lovely boyfriend and friends

·        I have an excuse to shop for pretty scarves

I'm sure I will continue to add to this.

I have been told studies in America have shown that exercise can improve the outcome of treatment, therefore, as a woman, I saw this as an excuse to buy some new shoes, with a hint of pink of course... My "kick arse trainers" have already started being put to task!

The sooner I beat that lump the better!