Noticed my inner arm started brushing against the side of my breast in a way it hadn't done before, but digging around with my unprofessional fingers didn't reveal anything more lumpy than on the other side. Also had mammogram 6 months b4 as part of trial and under 50, so wasn't too concerned. Decided I'd get it checked even though (like most people) I'm a complete doctor phobe, and prefer not to get my baps out in public.
Dr receptionist stopped me chickening out by finding an appt the day I rang when she knew what it was for. Doctor didn't seem too worried, but referred me to breast unit at local hospital to be on safe side. Got appt after about 10 days. Started with a mammogram (bit squashy but fine), then a close up mammogram, then ultrasound exam - at which point Dr started using the word suspicious and I stopped thinking they'd say it was a cyst or something. Inserted fine needle into this area to collect some cells and place a tiny marker inside- really not painful as gave me local anaesthetic. Then another mammogram to check position of marker. Whole appt took about 3 hours including waiting. Went home to contemplate. For me this was the hardest time of the whole experience.
Another appointment made for weeks time to see specialist for results - still expected them to say they'd just found a lump of cheese in there, but walked into room and faced with team including breast cancer nurse (BCN) & everyone looking super serious. Everyone very kind, patient and keen to explain what was going on (if a bit medical at times) There was a cancerous lump and an area of calcification surrounding it, which must have been what I'd noticed. They gave me option of removal of area (lumpectomy) plus radiotherapy (chose this) or mastectomy - surgery date in a month.
How was I going to tell kids (11,14) and my parents? Decided on casual chat while kids watched TV ("I might need an op to take out a lump the dr found here" total transparency but didn't use c word) Harder telling my parents, but just kept them abreast (haha) of any info and hopefully they could process it all.
On the day it felt great to know it was getting sorted. Started early with an injection of radioactive stuff (no more painful than ordinary injection) to mark lymph nodes for biopsy during the op later (sentinal lymph node biopsy -SLNB). This took ten minutes so went home for couple of hours. Back to hospital for local anaesthetic and thin wire guided in to point to cancer for removal in op,using ultrasound. Didn't find this too painful either and chatted about family stuff while they worked. Waited couple more hours wearing those tight socks and attractive dressing gown, then the op. Never really been under the knife before, so nervous but felt like I was asleep for 5 minutes. Actually took hour and half I think. Will need radiotherapy soon, and maybe chemo, but was able to go home that night. The whole team absolutely fantastic - sympathetic, there to listen and support you and your family. Woke up in morning feeling overwhelming positivity - so glad I called my GP that day.