My Diagnosis Story

What symptoms led up to your diagnosis?

I had a thickening in my breast that just didn't feel right. So I went to a doctor for my Pap Smear and Breast examination, she said that it was nothing to worry about and that it was probably hormonal. A couple of months later I still had the nagging feeling that something wasn't right so I saw another doctor who immediately sent me for a mammogram, ultrasound and fine needle biopsy if needed. It was clear from the mammogram that I had breast cancer, biopsy confirmed it.

What tests did your doctor do, and what was this experience like?

I had a mammogram, ultrasound and fine needle biopsy at Bensons Radiology and they were great, it was obvious to them that it was cancer and that I actually had two masses.

Upon learning about your diagnosis- what happened next?

Upon learning I had cancer I was referred to the Breast Cancer Clinic where they did a core biopsy and scheduled me for a mastectomy, I then saw the oncologist who recommended chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  After all the this treatment I underwent a full reconstruction with the removal of the healthy breast given my family history.  Tamoxifen affected my uterus so I had a hysterectomy inclusive of my ovaries. Nearly fives years on I have just found a lump that is cancerous and I am scheduled for surgery next week. The fight continues.