The Start of my Cancer Journey

My cancer journey began in March 2018 when I randomly found a lump in my right breast while in the shower (Hands up – I have to admit I wasn’t examining myself but ladies please do, I was so lucky I found mine so early – If I had the big boobs I always wanted I might not have found it so easily!). But big boobs or small boobs please check yourselves!

I was a busy full time working mum, I kept planning to make an appointment with my doctor but work and life in general just got in the way and I didn’t prioritise it.  It was coming up to our 1 year wedding anniversary and Adrian and I had a well-deserved weekend away planned and I didn’t want anything to put a dampener on it (as if ignoring it was going to make it go away).  In the end, about 3 weeks after finding the lump, it had become more prominent and I knew I couldn’t ignore it any longer so while at the doctors with my son I mentioned it.  My doctor examined me and referred me to St. Vincents hospital for a mammogram.  I got my appointment about 2 weeks later for April 19th.

At the appointment, they did a mammogram and ultrasound and decided I needed a biopsy which was done straight away.  The one thing that played on my mind from that appointment was the consultants comment after examining me “we obviously don’t know anything until we get the results but I am concerned about it” That set off alarm bells – she was an expert – if she was concerned that couldn’t be good.

I remember walking outside, it was a lovely sunny day so I sat in the sun for a little and listened to The Red Hot Chilli Peppers – “Otherside” (it’s a song that transports me back to driving around Australian beaches with one of my best friends – the windows down, music blaring and sun in our faces).  I thought about what could happen and had a little cry.  That was the one and only time I cried over the cancer (so far!).  I headed to college that evening which was a good distraction and then it was just a matter of waiting for the results which were due one week later on April 27th.  I spent the next week torn between thinking positively to get the outcome I wanted and preparing myself in case the outcome wasn’t what I hoped for.