Update
It's been a while since I've been here and a lot has happened since my initial post. I had the lumpectomy in May and had chemo scheduled to start at the end of June, but bone scans showed a couple of small spots on my ribs and sternum and a palpable lump in my right collarbone (sternoclavicular joint). Chemo was brought forward TAC for 6 cycles, three weekly. That was tough. During chemo I had genetic testing as I have a lot of cancer in my immediate family. I tested positive to BRCA 2, as did my Mum (2 time BC survivor). I decided to have a bilateral mastectomy, but no rush, so I thought.
My post chemo bone scans showed the rib and sternum spots has disappeared. No change to whatever is in my collarbone. Drs seem mystified as to what it is exactly. Not painful, quite obvious to naked eye, could be arthritis??? Decided to just monitor it and see what happens. So far it's fine.
Had a post chemo mammo on both breasts and ultrasound showed up 2 lumps in left breast. Ugh. Some quick talking by my surgeon and I was in having the bmx on Dec 11. Sentinel node biopsy a week earlier was clear. Thankfully the 2 lumps were cysts and nothing to worry about! Oh and I commenced recon at same time as mastectomy, as according to my PS, I'd get a better result due to my propensity to keloid scar. My tissue expanders are now full and I can elect to have implant exchange after mid march. However, I've one more surgery to go - complete hysterectomy at end of Feb. I have PCOS and endometriosis, both of which can mask any symptoms of ovarian cancer, plus on my ultrasound in Jan it showed a cyst on my ovary that looks a little dodgy. So rip it all out and make myself as cancer proof as possible!!!
Oh and the best news is that my beautiful daughter tested negative for BRCA mutations. Unfortunately however, my younger sister tested positive. She has 2 daughters to consider and some tough decisions to make for herself. My other 2 older sisters are awaiting testing.
So that's it! It's been a long 9 months, but I've made some wonderful friends and have really come to appreciate how precious life is. I look forward to cementing more friendships over many, many years!
