Good morning, everyone
This day last year was the day after my surgery. My cancer was discovered by chance (thank you benign armpit lump!) and, after the awful wait we’ve all be through, changes to plans and uncertainty, I had a lumpectomy seven weeks after diagnosis. My final results showed the Grade 2 17mm tumour we knew about plus a couple of surprise tiny Grade 1s and some Intermediate DCIS for good measure. Clear margins were achieved and the four lymph nodes removed were clear. A couple of minor hiccups with uncomfortable swelling, draining and some antibiotics, but nothing too bad. My scars healed neatly and cannot be seen in a bra. I had five blasts of radiotherapy and only experienced a little bit of pinkness and I’ve forgotten about the tiny tattoos which caused me so much upset at the time. I’ve been taking tamoxifen for nine months of the five years prescribed with no issues at all.
Fast forward 12 months and I am flying out to go skiing for a week today. Over the past year I have been more focused on my family, enjoyed and done well at work, meet friends at the gym nearly every day and run my first half marathon. I am confident with my body image and, yes, I wear nothing but underwire bras! I am happy, healthy and 100% back to normal. This would have been unimaginable to say a year ago, but, if anything, my life has been enhanced by this whole experience.
I fully recognise my experience has been comparatively straightforward. However, cancer is cancer, and no matter what type, what treatment someone has, or how ‘easy’ someone may seem to have had things compared to others, the fear is universal.
Am I worried it may be back when I go for my annual follow up? Sure. I’d be mad not to be. But, it’s a fleeting thought. I believed a year ago that cancer would be on my mind all day, every day, and life could never be the same again. For me that hasn’t been the case. If it comes back then I’ll do what needs to be done and will reach out again for the support that has got me through this time. I can’t emphasise enough just how important the support and understanding of others going through the same is.
I thought long and hard before posting this as I do not wish to appear insensitive and genuinely have empathy and compassion for those who are having a really tough time. But, I wanted to share my story to let others know back to normal is absolutely possible for many, many people. The fear of what lies ahead can, for some, be much much worse than the reality.
Thank you to everyone who has given me advice, support and shared their experiences over the past year. It’s been appreciated more than you will ever know and I wish every one of you luck and peace. x
) and I have always strength trained but really put a bit of effort in to make sure I was pushing myself.
so thrilled for you and as someone at the very beginning of the journey it gives me a lot of hope that better days are ahead.
Diagnosed with BC aged 33 last year and similar to you in some respects: lumpectomy at 7 wks post-diagnosis, 17m tumour, stage 1 but grade 3 (nasty little thing).