My story
After having clear scans in Nov 2012 and a clear breast check by a Dr on Gynae ward of local public hospital in Feb, I found a largish lump in my right breast in April.
Was diagnosed with Grade 3 IDC on 24/4/13. Had surgery to remove a 5+cm tumour on 9/5/13. The breast was preserved. Not sure if that's a good thing or not as I am having issues with swelling. After all pathology came back, I recieved the news that the lymph nodes were clear, clear margins had been taken all around the tumour, and that it was a triple Neg cancer. tougher to treat but overall, a good result.
However, during a consult with the oncologist, she noticed a lump on my collarbone. Subsequent scans showed 3 hot spots - sternum, rib under tumour and sternoclavicular joint, where there is a largish mass. Chemo was subsequently brought forward by 3 weeks and I have undergone my first TAC infusions last week, 29/5/13.
This has all happened so quickly. A month from diagnosis to first chemo. The metastases in the bones have really thrown me. I have a consult with oncolgy team again today to discuss changes to proposed 6 cycle of TAC, knowing I have spread of cancer.
Would love to hear others experiences as it feels like a very lonely journey atm. I am 45 yo, single and have one daughter who lives interstate. I have some incredibly supportive friends close by and family a few hours away. I am not working due to suffering a chronic neurological condition - Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension - for past few years. That in itself is a challenge to manage. I don't do things by halves!!! ;)