My First Blog!

Hi Erin,

I too am so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. There never is a 'good age' to get BC but at 28 your life is just beginning.

I was diagnosed at 38 with grade 3, ER-, PR- & HER2+. Had a lumpectomy, sentinel nodes removed, chemo, radio and Herceptin. That is considered aggressive treatment for an aggressive cancer. I had the same conversation with my breast surgeon and oncologist. Many times. Don't be scared to keep asking them the same questions until you are satisfied and comfortable with the treatment options.

The whole HER2+ diagnosis had me freaked out and I was sure it was a death sentence even though my odds of surviving this were pretty good (I would have been happy with a result of 85% at school!). I was considering having both breasts removed to clear my mind from worry but I was advised that, in the short term at least, my biggest risk is not a new breast cancer but that the cancer they treated will spread.

Every ache and pain sent me rushing to Dr Google and I told my oncologist of every ache and pain that I felt. She helped me have a bit of clarity and to take a common sense approach that, if it is a new and fairly constant pain that lasts for more than 2 weeks it needs to be investigated. You will find that you will be much more aware of your body now and will get to know it on a whole new level. Trust yourself.

I asked for scans when I was first diagnosed to put my mind at rest which luckily were all clear. After my treatment, in my case at least, they considered more scans unnecessary unless symptoms are present. If you have persistent symptoms, keep mentioning them to your doctors every time you see them and they will address your concerns.

I also thought waiting 12 months between ultrasounds and mammograms was too long too, until one of the nurses spread new light on my thinking. She said, "but you found the cancer in the first place, not a scan, so have faith in yourself and be vigilant about checking." Since then my mind has been a little more at ease. Also, as time goes on you do get a little more comfortable with things.

Go easy on yourself and try to ease your stress by doing things that get your mind off worry and relax you. But don't let things linger either. Be straight onto those doctors if you think they need to check you out again!

Good luck my dear. You have come so far already so be proud of getting to where you are today. Keep seeking the answers you need for peace of mind!

Take care of yourself.

All the best xx