So why the chemo...
Well tomorrow I go see my oncologist for the first time so I guess it's time to quickly cover the backstory to the chemo part of this section... in essence it goes something like this.
Start of Jan 2008... Happy new year, what's that, a lump on my breast, probably nothing. I make an appt with the doctor.
a couple of days later a very nice doc reassures me that yes I am young, yes it's probably just a cysts, but we have the wonderful NHS and a things called the 2 week rule, which means I'll be seen and checked out properly within 2 weeks.
Jan 16th: just under 2 weeks. Ultrasound scan sees a lump, a very fine needle (didn't hurt honest) tries to take a sample, nada. It's not looking like a cyst anymore. So a larger sample is taken and appointment made to come back next week for results.
Jan 23rd: Hmmm, whisked up to the clinic, now have a mammogram too, it's true that they're not comfy but didn't hurt really. Another scan and now they scan the other breast too, WTF I'm thinking. There's something on the other side too. another biopsy taken. I'm now thinking I should train in this equipment the ultrasound gear looks cool (yes I am a Geek, there's no denying it).
Pop off for some lunch and back for results. I know somethings wrong when a consultant surgeon walks in instead of the doc, you don't need a surgeon to tell you everythings fine right.
Tommy and I prepare ourselves.
Yep I have Breast Cancer, yes it's rare in someone my age but not impossible, and there's also a lump on the other side that looks suspicious we'll get results on that side the following week they say, like that really matters anymore.
Surgery is recommended. Mastectomy in fact, I'm young, best not to risk it returning and I'm informed that because I developed it in the first place the chances of me developing it again are higher.
I hold it together and can barely breathe when leaving the hospital. Over the next few days I tell family and friends, wait for the shock to pass (takes more than a few days it turns out). Everyone tell me how brave I am. While that's nice to hear it doesn't change the fact that you have no choice.
Jan 30th: Yep the other side is cancer too. great. so what's next. the appt is booked. I'll be having a bilateral mastectomy towards the end of Feb. I leave and try to carry on with life for a while...