In January i found a lump. went to the Gp who did the two week referral to the breast clinic. Ultrasound showed 'possible hormonal lump' i swapped my coil to the non hormonal one. lump continued to grow and become more painful.
April-back to gp with pain in breast and redness around side of breast. told to take anti-inflammatory medication and rest.
Start of May-pain gets worse so back to gp. nothing new, more advice to take ibuprofen and rest.
Mid May-back to the gp as the lump is getting bigger and more painful. Whole breast is now red and hot to the touch and skin is very tender to the touch with a strange bruise underneath-apparently that is where the abcess is sitting. Diagnosis of possible abscess so given antibiotics and to take painkillers as required.
End of may-still no improvement so change of antibiotics.
Mid June-its getting bigger but told not to worry.
End June-with no improvement i get referred back to the breast clinic for ultrasound scan to locate this abscess and possibly drain it. my breast is red from underneath (where your bra wire would sit) all the way up to the top of my breast. Its angry redish purple, hot orange peel skin and sunken nipple. i cannot sleep due to the pain and i spend most of my time with a wet teatowel over my breast to try to cool it down,
Middle of July-scan cannot locate an abscess so breast doctor wants to have a punch biopsy to identify what this skin infection is (after a 10 minute lecture on nipple piercings and how ive bought this on myself with my 'vanity' and how as a nurse i should know better than to inflict this on myself) punch biopsy done.
Start of August-we have the results back and you have stage 3 breast cancer, you will need chemo, mastectomy, followed by another round of chemo and then radiation therapy and this needs to be done quickly. Given a folder of leaflets and a booklet on breast cancer.
Im not going to see a consultant for another 2 weeks. It will be 5 weeks since the team got the biopsy results back. 5 FUCKING WEEKS! before i will even be able to see an oncology consultant, let alone start chemo so it will be september before i start chemo. i will have been complaining about this 'lump' for 9 pissing months!!!!!
Im 32. ive had babies and i extended breastfeeding for 2 years for my younger two to reduce the risk of breast cancers. i dont smoke or drink or eat lots of red meat. How the fuck is it stage 3? and why is no one doing anything?
Im so god damn fucking angry and someone had the fucking cheek to tell me not to be angry as cancer isnt personal? Oh yeah? it feels fucking personal, Its taking my breast, it may have spread into my lymph nodes and beyond (hell its had 8 months already to have a nice little wander round my body)oh and that its a positive that im so young! REALLLLLY? my career is on hold, im raising 3 kids on benefits as i now cannot work and my partner who was a stay at home dad is having to look after me now and basically do everything for me as i cannot wear a bra for more than 20 minutes at a time and im so god damn tired all the time.
If you have read this so far please check your breasts and report any changes. id hate anyone to have to go through what i am going through.