Hi,
An emotional week here, after my last appointment with the consultant I have been discharged by the hospital! Hurrah! Felt a bit teary walking in and out of clinic on Thursday, but just wanted to share with ladies that may be starting on this road. There is light at the end of the tunnel!
My journey started last October after being called for a mammogram as part of a trial to screen younger ladies, I was 47. Apart from the usual slight anxiety of any health check, I wasn’t unduly concerned. I was fit and well, having run my first half marathon in May last year.
Returning from a family holiday a couple of weeks later to a recall letter, I tried not to panic. A core biopsy at the recall revealed breast cancer, tiny at 10mm and caught early, no lump could be felt. Surgery was scheduled for 23rd December, thankfully it was for a lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy. The surgery went to plan and I was home the next day to enjoy Christmas with my family.
The next few months were governed by appointments and I began 15 radiotherapy sessions in February, including a session on my birthday! Not quite what I had planned. My last was on 1st March where I rang the bell in the hospital and promptly burst into tears, as did my lovely husband.
I’m out the other side now, and can say although I would rather have not had breast cancer, I’ve had a very positive experience. The staff at St James’s in Leeds have all been amazing, especially my breast care nurse Sarah.
I’ve worked throughout (apart from a month after my operation), and are back to my running and yoga classes.
Accept all offers of help along the way from your family and friends, and be gentle on yourself. You will need extra rest and more sleep than usual. Also drink lots of water, especially during radiotherapy treatment. I have found it helpful to talk about my experience, to close friends and family, and to the lovely ladies on this blog. I’d also encourage you to take part in the Looking Good Feeling Better workshops, and also the Moving Foward Programme. It really helps to chat to other ladies who have had a shared experience.
Sorry to ramble on, I hope sharing my story may help others to realise that life does get back to normal (whatever that is!)
Love & light
Donna.xx