Forum Discussion
Two months after finding the lump
Hi BCNA community,
Today is exactly two months since 14 June 2018, the day I found the lump in my right breast that changed everything. I thought it was as good a reason as any to introduce myself and summarise my journey so far. It was cathartic for me to get this all out - but is longer than I intended ( so I fully understand if you skim or don't read it!). I am 41 and live with my partner and three cats, we don't have children.
Discovery and family history
Two months' ago, I put my hand on my right breast and felt a firm lump. My partner felt it too, to make sure I wasn't imaging things, as it seemed to have come from nowhere. I previously found a lump in 2016, which was a fibroadenoma. This lump felt different.
I have a family history of breast cancer on my fathers' side. So I knew it was important to get it checked. After my GP examined it, she arranged an appointment the next day for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. I knew then what she thought it was, although she tried to reassure me that it might be benign.
Scans and biopsy
First up was the mammogram, starting with my left breast, which while uncomfortable, went seamlessly. Next was the right breast. The lady seemed frustrated with me for not following directions properly, but it hurt so much I burst into tears. Up to that point, I had been almost numb about it all. She offered to get my partner from the waiting room, but I thought I might get more upset, so I sat in the change room until I regained my composure. Following an ultrasound, a doctor performed a core biopsy and two fine needle biopsies of other spots (since found to be fibroadenomas). The doctor told me that his job was to be thorough and prepare for the worst case scenario, and that I should try not to think about it until I got my results (which of course had the opposite effect).
Diagnosis
My GP told me in a factual and caring way that I had a 24 mm ER/PR positive tumour (the HER2 results were unclear), and while it would be a matter for the breast surgeon and oncologist to assist me to decide my treatment plan, I would likely need a lumpectomy or mastectomy, followed by chemo, radiation therapy and hormone treatment for 5/10 years. Everything she said has turned out to be pretty spot on. The most difficult part was next - telling my partner and parents.
Further tests and surgery
As the breast surgeon my GP referred me to in Canberra was away, I went to one in Sydney. The breast surgeon said my family history was strong, and referred me for an MRI. While the MRI was costly, it was important to determine what surgery I required as my breasts are dense and the mammogram and ultrasound were not that clear. (I had no idea my breasts were dense or this affected the reliability of the results when I had previous scans in 2016). The surgeon repeated that my pathology showed I would likely need chemo, radiation and HT.
On July 27, I had a lumpectomy, which successfully removed the tumour, and a sentinel node biopsy, which was clear. The day of surgery was tough, because I had a migraine. Thankfully, I recovered and the surgery proceeded. My breast surgeon personally called my partner afterwards to let him know that it went well, which he really appreciated. All up, I have had six trips to Sydney, and my partner or parents have accompanied me each time, their support invaluable.
Next stop -chemo
Chemo starts next Friday, 24 August. I had my first appointment with the oncologist last week. Just before the appointment, further results came in that it was HER 2 positive ( a previous ISH test reported it was HER 2 negative). As a result, I will have 12 months of herception. I was also advised that the pathology showed the cancer was aggressive and fast growing. I had a choice between two types of chemo - four cycles of TC, or 6 cycles of FEC-D. While the FEC-D may reduce the likelihood of recurrence by slightly, it was also more toxic with additional side effects. I was given a couple of days to decide and read some material, and I have decided on TC. It was a difficult decision after only a short discussion with the oncologist, but now it is made, I want to proceed without regret. I have also now had a bone scan, CT scan and heart scan in preparation of chemo.
Work?
As for work, my GP suggested taking at least 6 months off, if not longer to focus on my treatment and recovery. My work is open to me either taking the leave or working part-time, if I can. I think perhaps I should go with my Doctor's recommendation due to the likely/possible side effects from chemo, other treatment as well as fatigue and the emotional impact of it all. I would be interested to hear from others about whether you could work during this time.
Throughout this, my partner has been by my side and my parents cut short a long anticipated trip across Australia to provide support. I have still felt lonely and adrift at times, but it would be so much harder without love and support from close family and friends. Some people have been a bit disappointing, but that's how it goes.
To end on a happy note, a month ago, we got a beautiful kitten from a pet rescue to join our other two cats and he has brought a lot of joy, laughter and cuddles.
Today is exactly two months since 14 June 2018, the day I found the lump in my right breast that changed everything. I thought it was as good a reason as any to introduce myself and summarise my journey so far. It was cathartic for me to get this all out - but is longer than I intended ( so I fully understand if you skim or don't read it!). I am 41 and live with my partner and three cats, we don't have children.
Discovery and family history
Two months' ago, I put my hand on my right breast and felt a firm lump. My partner felt it too, to make sure I wasn't imaging things, as it seemed to have come from nowhere. I previously found a lump in 2016, which was a fibroadenoma. This lump felt different.
I have a family history of breast cancer on my fathers' side. So I knew it was important to get it checked. After my GP examined it, she arranged an appointment the next day for a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. I knew then what she thought it was, although she tried to reassure me that it might be benign.
Scans and biopsy
First up was the mammogram, starting with my left breast, which while uncomfortable, went seamlessly. Next was the right breast. The lady seemed frustrated with me for not following directions properly, but it hurt so much I burst into tears. Up to that point, I had been almost numb about it all. She offered to get my partner from the waiting room, but I thought I might get more upset, so I sat in the change room until I regained my composure. Following an ultrasound, a doctor performed a core biopsy and two fine needle biopsies of other spots (since found to be fibroadenomas). The doctor told me that his job was to be thorough and prepare for the worst case scenario, and that I should try not to think about it until I got my results (which of course had the opposite effect).
Diagnosis
My GP told me in a factual and caring way that I had a 24 mm ER/PR positive tumour (the HER2 results were unclear), and while it would be a matter for the breast surgeon and oncologist to assist me to decide my treatment plan, I would likely need a lumpectomy or mastectomy, followed by chemo, radiation therapy and hormone treatment for 5/10 years. Everything she said has turned out to be pretty spot on. The most difficult part was next - telling my partner and parents.
Further tests and surgery
As the breast surgeon my GP referred me to in Canberra was away, I went to one in Sydney. The breast surgeon said my family history was strong, and referred me for an MRI. While the MRI was costly, it was important to determine what surgery I required as my breasts are dense and the mammogram and ultrasound were not that clear. (I had no idea my breasts were dense or this affected the reliability of the results when I had previous scans in 2016). The surgeon repeated that my pathology showed I would likely need chemo, radiation and HT.
On July 27, I had a lumpectomy, which successfully removed the tumour, and a sentinel node biopsy, which was clear. The day of surgery was tough, because I had a migraine. Thankfully, I recovered and the surgery proceeded. My breast surgeon personally called my partner afterwards to let him know that it went well, which he really appreciated. All up, I have had six trips to Sydney, and my partner or parents have accompanied me each time, their support invaluable.
Next stop -chemo
Chemo starts next Friday, 24 August. I had my first appointment with the oncologist last week. Just before the appointment, further results came in that it was HER 2 positive ( a previous ISH test reported it was HER 2 negative). As a result, I will have 12 months of herception. I was also advised that the pathology showed the cancer was aggressive and fast growing. I had a choice between two types of chemo - four cycles of TC, or 6 cycles of FEC-D. While the FEC-D may reduce the likelihood of recurrence by slightly, it was also more toxic with additional side effects. I was given a couple of days to decide and read some material, and I have decided on TC. It was a difficult decision after only a short discussion with the oncologist, but now it is made, I want to proceed without regret. I have also now had a bone scan, CT scan and heart scan in preparation of chemo.
Work?
As for work, my GP suggested taking at least 6 months off, if not longer to focus on my treatment and recovery. My work is open to me either taking the leave or working part-time, if I can. I think perhaps I should go with my Doctor's recommendation due to the likely/possible side effects from chemo, other treatment as well as fatigue and the emotional impact of it all. I would be interested to hear from others about whether you could work during this time.
Throughout this, my partner has been by my side and my parents cut short a long anticipated trip across Australia to provide support. I have still felt lonely and adrift at times, but it would be so much harder without love and support from close family and friends. Some people have been a bit disappointing, but that's how it goes.
To end on a happy note, a month ago, we got a beautiful kitten from a pet rescue to join our other two cats and he has brought a lot of joy, laughter and cuddles.
42 Replies
- @arpie We nearly always forget our anniversaries too. One year flowers were delivered late in the arvo & I asked the florist what they were for. She said I think you’d best read the card. It was flowers from mother in law congratulating us on our 25th!! Haha!! Whoops.
Thanks for the info. I’ll start googling soon!
I’m actually sort of looking forward to next weeks chemo, cause then I’ll be half way through xxx Bring on the beast!!!!
I’ve named my iv stand Nasty Nancy lol....xxx - my husband is fine with anything as long as I get well. We have been married 40 years on 2/9 though
@JenniA - What an AWESOME MILESTONE! (We hit 30 in Jan ... or was it 31? LOL Luckily we BOTH forget! haha) Shame they didn't start the chemo after the big celebration tho! :(
I was lucky with my radiation - I went to Port Macquarie Base Hospital & they have a dedicated Cancer Clinic - and the radiation was done 'Public'. My husband's chemo was 'public' there as well (we just had to pay for the drugs, which luckily came onto PBS the week he started his regime.) Your Onc's office should be able to tell you.
Gosh, it takes a little while to 'recognise' yourself after you've had your hair cut back, eh? LOL
No real need to worry about pics on here - as you aren't identified by your 'real name' (i.e. full first name & surname) ... if you want to 'test it' - just go to Google & put your 'real name' in & add 'breast cancer' after it .....mine came up with someone with my exact name (a murderer in the USA) who apparently has breast cancer ..... Having said THAT .... if you google your 'user name' with 'breast cancer' after it - some posts from here WILL appear! ;)
All the best as you prepare for your treatment next week xxx - @Sarnicad, I know the feeling. Xmas was exactly 14 days after my first treatment and I had myself convinced I was going to wake up Xmas morning with not hair....I didn't.
- @Sister I’m lucky, my husband is fine with anything as long as I get well. We have been married 40 years on 2/9 though xx
- @Eastmum thanks for your kind words. I wish I did look awesome haha. Better than I was expecting though xx
- I think it's hard for the partners, too. My husband was very reluctant for me to deliberately shear my hair - he's one of those long hair fans, as well. Me? It's still the eyebrows that get me.
- Thanks @kmakm xx
- Right back at ya @JenniA! :*
- @Emim My husband always said he preferred my hair long. But when I had none he called me his "sexy alien" (he's a Star Trek fan)! Partners just want you to be well, and hair grows back. My mother had a mastectomy and chemo when my parents had been married for twenty years. 33 years later they're still married. K xox
- Hi @Sarnicad - losing hair IS a big deal - until you lose your hair, you can still look in the mirror and see 'you'. Once you lose your hair it's a 'new' you - and that can be really hard to get used to. I found it to be much more confronting than having a double mastectomy. I'm half-way through Taxol chemo and started losing my hair about a week after my 2nd AC infusion. I haven't actually shaved it at all. When it started falling out in clumps, I had my hairdresser cut it really short, then I let the rest fall out in the shower. I haven't lost it all - I sort of look a bit like Golem from Lord of The Rings - just a few long whispy bits all over my head. I haven't lost my eyebrows and still have most of my eyelashes.
I choose to wear a wig. Not because I want to hide that I've had breast cancer but because that's what makes me feel good about myself when I leave the house. Also because it gives me the opportunity to drive the conversation. I choose who I want to discuss my treatment with, rather than people asking me about it. There are some people who see me every day that have no idea that I'm having BC treatment :smile:
@JenniA - I'm sure you look awesome :smile:
@Emim I don't have anything to add to the outstanding advice that you've been given above, and I'm doing the same Chemo regime as Sister, which is different to the one you'll be doing. All I can tell you is that I've been working full time throughout, and it's been really cathartic for me. But I think in my case, I would be more stressed out thinking that someone else was doing my job but your situation sounds totally different. It could be quite amazing to take the time off, and if you feel well enough, then to use the time to enjoy some professional or personal development. Whatever you choose to do, I wish you all the very best. Let us know how you're doing!
xxxxx
