Hi, I found a lump end of August in my right breast just by chance. Saw GP referred by GP to breast clinic and saw them 3 weeks later after they opened a Welsh initiative Saturday clinic to speed up waiting times.
I had mammogram, 3 biopsies of lump and 2 in auxiliary area. Asked the consultant then if it was going to be cancer as she had looked at my nodes and she said highly likely. I was on my own so a bit shell-shocked.
I am a midwife, 47 years old with a 9 year old daughter. I am in the middle of a course furthering my career. In my head I have no time for cancer. I went home and told my husband the news then it was the wait for results.
I was diagnosed with invasive ductal, ER 8, stage 2, HER 2 neg. Cancer involving the lymph nodes. Plan for mastectomy and auxiliary clearance which was done 10th October 2022. I worked right up to the surgery date. The surgery was successful and removed the cancer and 2 of the 21 lymph nodes were cancerous.
I now need chemotherapy to ensure they mop up any cancer that could be left behind. So for 4 cycles of AC and 12 of paclitaxel. I have had issues with IV access so PICC line has gone in. Had issue with reacting to paclitaxel so alternative needs to be looked at. I eventually had AC on 22nd December 2022 and having a Christmas with chemotherapy was a bit surreal but it is what it is.
Just wanted to say hello and I know everyone’s journey is different, but forums are a good way to get support on top of groups. I have already done the breast cancer now moving forward sessions which was great, using Maggie’s and Macmillan.