I never thought that it would happen to me. I have had regular mammograms since the age of 50; which was the normal age in Canada. They have now lowered the recommended age to 40. I had a mammogram in October of 2020. There have never been any issues with my breasts except for calcium deposits. My late mother and my aunt also had the same issue.
I would normally receive a letter telling me that my mammogram is clear. I didn’t receive a letter this time. I figured that they were late. I got a call that they wanted me to go in for a biopsy. I had the biopsy done. That had to be the most painful procedure I have ever endured. I told myself over and over that it wasn’t breast cancer, but it was.
I had my first surgery in December of 2020 to remove the tumor, which was the size of a pencil eraser. I would not have found it when I did self exams. I had another surgery in January of 2021 because my margins were not clear. The good news was that my lymph nodes were clear. I started chemotherapy in March of 2021, and then radiation in May of 2021. I could not have gotten through all of this without my amazing husband, who was able to take me to all of my appointments.
I am now 3 years post treatment. My hair has grown back. The type of breast cancer that I had means that there are no post treatment medications that will respond to the cancer.
Nancy
Canada
Submitted 11/02/2023
This story is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
Thank you for opening about your story, Nancy.