Pamela, Canada

During the summer of 2019, I'd started having pain in my left breast. Having spent weeks doing yardwork etc., I'd assumed it was a pulled muscle.   My doctor also made the same assumption.   She decided to send me for a mammogram to be on the safe side. 

Two weeks later, I got a call to say that I needed a biopsy.  I'd heard that these can be painful, but I was woefully unprepared for just how horribly painful they are.

I spent the next two weeks trying to hide the ever-present ice pack in my bra.  Although my only child was 20, I didn't want her to worry unnecessarily.

The results came in and my doctor called and asked me to come in to see her. I knew in that moment that I had cancer.  The doctor visit only confirmed it.  From that day onward, my life would be forever altered.

The next step was the surgeon consult.  The diagnosis was stage 2 lobular breast cancer. This type of cancer doesn't present with any lumps in the breast but rather grows like a tree branch.  It often doesn't cause pain either.  Since the cancer was in the center of the breast, a mastectomy was necessary.   I don't really remember many details of the next few weeks because I tried to keep myself fully occupied to keep my mind calm.

I was fortunate to have my surgery 7 weeks from the diagnosis so that everything happened in quick succession.  I was provided with an excellent medical team and was met with compassion.  I appreciated my surgeons frankness as I am not one to mince words or sugarcoat things.

There were many difficult days through my recovery and a great deal of pain.  Fortunately I also enjoy gallows humour so that was my weapon of choice in this battle. 

My outcome was a very good one.  The tumor was smaller than thought, no cancer in my lymph nodes and no chemo required.  I have recently reached my 5 year cancer free date but will need to stay on my meds for another 5 years and will continue to be monitored by my family doctor.  

My life definitely did change with my diagnosis, but I like to think it's changed for the better.  Despite horribly ill-made mastectomy bras and lymphodema under my left arm, I find myself with a better outlook on life.   I now genuinely enjoy every day as each one is a gift. I take nothing for granted and no longer put up with nonsense. 

I was so fortunate with my outcome and so blessed to have an amazing support system.  I have a loving family, a supportive ex-husband and friends who willingly put up with my gallows humour through this journey. 

At times I almost feel guilty to see how many others have had a far longer and harder cancer journey. To that end I have recently joined a breast cancer advocacy group so that I might be able (in some small way) to increase awareness of lobular cancer and speak for those who sadly can no longer speak.  I also counsel newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to help them navigate their journey.

If you can spare some time to advocate for any type of cancer treatments, or volunteer to help patients, please consider doing so.  

Cancer affects just about everyone. Some are patients, some are caregivers, family, friends, neighbors.  A small bit of time, or a small donation can really make a difference.