It is a strange feeling to be told that you have cancer, of any kind.
I was first full of disbelief, then angry, then numb, and then it was a
case of here we go, do what must be done.
My husband had been having
major surgery and I had put off my breast scan twice. I am now grateful
that I made the effort to attend for a third appointment.
My wide local excision of a breast lump, followed by five weeks of
radiotherapy should leave me healthy. My major check up is at the end
of September and I feel pretty positive about this.
The experience
of cancer shows me things in a clear light and I hope that I continue to learn from
the experience.
- More than ever I believe in breast screening and am angry at talk of the few hundred lives saved.
- I have been cared for with compassion and respect within the NHS.
- I have made one very good new friend.
- I found the power and strength and love of old friends.
- I met a lot of wonderful people and still do when attending Maggie's Centre or the Breast Clinics.
- I have discovered how to discard what is not good for me in life, and I hope this is not totally selfish.
- Sharing thoughts and supporting others is good.
- My husband and daughter are even more precious than before.
Thank you everyone who has been there for me in big ways or little ways.
13th October 2001
My mammogram results were in the mail this morning. I am all clear and again
I must remark on the caring attitude I met going through the tests.
Thank you everyone. This year I shall feel strong throughout and
appreciate the fact that I shall be checked with care next year.
13th March 2002
Today I had another check and am
happy to know that after September I shall only have yearly checks.
Again I thank all staff at the Western General Hospital.
18th December 2002
My October mammogram was positive
so I have had a mastectomy and am now on the mend.
I have been fairly pragmatic about this and no doubt this has been due
to the fantastic support of my family and friends, and from again,
the Western General.
8th September 2003
I have had the post mastectomy tidy up. This is called removing a 'dog
ear'. What a strange name for surplus flesh! The ache of this lasted
longer than I expected but folk have been , as always, so supportive and
I am almost back to being myself. The operation is well worth having, as
I now feel more comfortable than before.
December 2003
I received the results of my last mammogram on Christmas Eve. Quite a present as
the results are negative. I now look forward to a busy year without hospital
visits until next December.
December 2004
My mammogram results
show all clear again. This is more of a relief this year, since my daughter is ill.
We would have struggled to cope otherwise.
February 2006
My mammogram results are clear again.
This is such a relief as I wish to be fit for my family.
My daughter has been away on holiday again and is really doing well on herceptin.
May 2007
All is clear again this year.
March 2008
I have had my check up rather late but all is well. I am now off tamoxifen which pleases me.
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