"So where to start...

This will be a shock for some (sorry). I have deliberated about sharing ‘My Journey’ however by doing so, hopefully it will help us all become more aware.

I guess the best place to start is at the beginning.

In early February, I found a lump in my left breast. I kept it to myself for a week (hoped it would go away).

I was booked in for a pap smear the day before my twins 21st birthday, so I discussed my breast lump with my doctor.

The following Friday I went to have it investigated (ultrasound, mammogram, literally the works). As it turns out, another lump was found.

Biopsies were done - luckily, the one they found turned out to be nothing. Ahhhh. But the one I found wasn’t, so the journey begins....

I was booked in for surgery, a lumpectomy. During this procedure another cancer was found sitting alongside my first one. Lymph nodes were removed.

Now the wait. Then the results.

Cancer was found in my lymph nodes. Well that wasn’t in the plan. Chemo is now involved. This is now where I am at. I met the oncologist yesterday, and the treatment plan is now set:

One chemo treatment every 3 weeks (4 cycles) and then one every week (12 cycles).

Still to be discussed is radiation and hormone treatment, after the chemotherapy.

Am I ready for this? You bet.
Am I positive? You bet.
Am I lucky? You bet.
Why? Because of early detection. I didn’t ignore it!

NOTE. I had a mammogram in October last year (regular scheduled one, every two years). Nothing was picked up, so I am forever grateful that I self-checked and then did something about it.

My family are doing okay but each of us have had our moments (tears, anger, scared).

I want to say a huge thank you to all the medical professionals I have met so far - amazing and wonderful people.

Stay tuned."