3rd time - not so lucky .....
In 2003, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast. Lumpectomy (removal of lymph nodes which showed 6/15 were cancerous), followed by partial mastectomy due to non-clear margins (I did raise the question of a full mastectomy however my surgeon said "You are 37, young - I would advise against it).I underwent chemo & handled this relatively well, all things considering, then radiotherapy.
My eldest son was just 5 - in kindergarten and my youngest was 2. I was petrified not simply for my own life, but for that of my little boys. Would I ever get to see them finish school. Both them and my wonderful husband gave me a reason to get back to "some kind of normal". The fear or recurrence would crop up, especially around the anniversary of diagnosis. I would dread July.
There was no history of breast cancer in my family - until my Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 just after her 70th birthday.
In 2007, regular mammogram and ultrasound done - whilst it was not picked up on the mammogram, ultrasound detected another lump in the same breast, near my chest wall. Full removal of my right breast - yet again not a sign in the left breast. I underwent bone scans, CT scans - no spread again. After the complete initial shock, we breathed a sigh of relief. The fear of "what would I do if it ever returned" had now become a reality. Oh, and our youngest son had started kindergarten - what was it about breast cancer and kindergarten. We joked and said thank goodness we only have 2 children !
Our lives ambled along and my health continued on a stable plane.
In 2012, Mum was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the bones. She was 76 years old. The fear again was felt throughout the whole family. I underwent regular scans - bone scans, CT scans etc - all clear.
In 2014, Mum lost her battle and we in turn lost our Mum. Being prepared makes it no easier - just gives you the opportunity to say our goodbyes.
Last year in September, 6 weeks before my 50th birthday and 3 weeks before our eldest son was to sit his HSC, my persistent back pain turned out to be metastatic breast cancer in the bones. Shock, fear, grief - it just came in waves. Our first priority was to assure our boys that yes, like their Nan, I too have secondary breast cancer but I am fitter than she was and 26 years younger when diagnosed. I have had radiotherapy - on & off from October to February. Given the persistent pain in my leg and my upcoming bone scan this week, I may need more. I am taking aromasin, everolimus, with denosomaub every 3 months now given plummeting calcium levels and a 3 week stay in hospital earlier this year.
I have the most incredible support from my husband, 2 teenage sons (who have had to deal with way too much at a young age) and wonderful, beautiful friends and family.
I was inspired to join the online network after attending the forum last week. Thanks for the opportunity to meet so many inspiring ladies and support people and those who work in the field.
My wish is for everyone to see love, laughter and happiness in everyday.
Sheryl x
My eldest son was just 5 - in kindergarten and my youngest was 2. I was petrified not simply for my own life, but for that of my little boys. Would I ever get to see them finish school. Both them and my wonderful husband gave me a reason to get back to "some kind of normal". The fear or recurrence would crop up, especially around the anniversary of diagnosis. I would dread July.
There was no history of breast cancer in my family - until my Mum was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 just after her 70th birthday.
In 2007, regular mammogram and ultrasound done - whilst it was not picked up on the mammogram, ultrasound detected another lump in the same breast, near my chest wall. Full removal of my right breast - yet again not a sign in the left breast. I underwent bone scans, CT scans - no spread again. After the complete initial shock, we breathed a sigh of relief. The fear of "what would I do if it ever returned" had now become a reality. Oh, and our youngest son had started kindergarten - what was it about breast cancer and kindergarten. We joked and said thank goodness we only have 2 children !
Our lives ambled along and my health continued on a stable plane.
In 2012, Mum was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the bones. She was 76 years old. The fear again was felt throughout the whole family. I underwent regular scans - bone scans, CT scans etc - all clear.
In 2014, Mum lost her battle and we in turn lost our Mum. Being prepared makes it no easier - just gives you the opportunity to say our goodbyes.
Last year in September, 6 weeks before my 50th birthday and 3 weeks before our eldest son was to sit his HSC, my persistent back pain turned out to be metastatic breast cancer in the bones. Shock, fear, grief - it just came in waves. Our first priority was to assure our boys that yes, like their Nan, I too have secondary breast cancer but I am fitter than she was and 26 years younger when diagnosed. I have had radiotherapy - on & off from October to February. Given the persistent pain in my leg and my upcoming bone scan this week, I may need more. I am taking aromasin, everolimus, with denosomaub every 3 months now given plummeting calcium levels and a 3 week stay in hospital earlier this year.
I have the most incredible support from my husband, 2 teenage sons (who have had to deal with way too much at a young age) and wonderful, beautiful friends and family.
I was inspired to join the online network after attending the forum last week. Thanks for the opportunity to meet so many inspiring ladies and support people and those who work in the field.
My wish is for everyone to see love, laughter and happiness in everyday.
Sheryl x
