Easter 2017, I went for a mammogram as my GP had referred me by the 2-week rule to have investigation work on a fatty mass I had felt. This was like a small, cooked chicken fillet with a dimple (alarm bells should have rung).
I must be honest: I had no idea it could be cancer. I naïvely didn’t think much differently so I went to the hospital on my own. I had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsies taken. It was only when I spoke to the sonographer and asked what she thought, and she just said I would need treatment.
I had to then wait an eternity to see the consultant who said, “I am 99% sure you have breast cancer”, and that I would need to come back once the results had been collated and reviewed by the MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team).
When I returned after the Easter break, I was diagnosed with lobular ER positive HER 2 negative breast cancer. I had no family history.
In May 2017, I had a right breast, wide local excision and axillary node clearance followed by the NHS golden standard treatment of adjuvant FEC Docetaxel chemotherapy and loco-regional radiotherapy.
The best advice I can give to someone:
- Take one step at a time
- Don’t think about the next steps until it’s time
- Take time to listen and take notes
- Trust your gut and do not be forced into something that doesn’t feel right for you
- Be your own advocate, get your voice heard. My nanna always said, “shy bairns get nowt”!
- Don’t be scared to ask questions
I am not able to sugar-coat this, I had never been advised that metastatic breast cancer (secondary) could be a possibility, and I was not aware of the signs and symptoms. Unfortunately, in September 2020 after speaking to my amazing, dedicated GP, I was sent for a CT scan due to severe lower back pain. I was told that if I didn’t hear anything within 3 weeks there was nothing to report. I heard nothing and I eventually rang the GP surgery. The GP reluctantly told me over the phone and got me a next day appointment with my Oncologist,
I am forever grateful for the support I received from the GP that day. After another CT scan, I was diagnosed with bone and liver metastases and I have been on palliative capecitabine since October 2020.
I am grateful for every day I have, to see my children reach their next key milestones. I am gutted that my 2 children have spent more time with me as someone with cancer but on the other hand I am glad to see my children grow up which I never thought would be possible. I am blessed: I do have fatigue, but no pain and I try to live a relatively normal life. We have our ups and downs like everyone does, you have to take the small positives from each day.
Who Really Cares?
Claire Redshaw
Facebook @ClaireRedshaw