May Contain Nuts

I have come to the realisation that I’m shit at keeping this diary up to date. 

Last week I had an appointment for the results of the MRI, and they saw something in one of my lymph nodes, so they want to take a biopsy of that. At least it’s just there and nowhere else in my body. That was my greatest fear; the breast cancer being the secondary cancer. Simon came with me, and he got to meet Mr Thomas the consultant and one of the Breast Care nurses. He was very nervous beforehand and came away with the same feeling that I always have; it may be a scary diagnosis, but they are all so positive about everything. 

On Monday 23^rd June, Hannah came with me to the breast clinic for the biopsy of the lymph nodes. We made sure she had eaten beforehand, and we had water with us. Tom messaged saying “sit down” (she fainted the last time she gave up her seat for someone at a hospital and cut her head and ended up being a patient at another hospital). When we arrived, we were directed down the corridor near the mammogram and ultrasound rooms. I was called in for the ultrasound by Maggie (one of the nurses), she was there on my previous ultrasound when they had taken the first biopsy. The doctor she was with this time was lovely and they both had a good rapport together. It helped to keep me at ease. The needle came off the anaesthetic and dribbled down my chin, so there was some laughter about that. Biopsy was taken, a big plaster was put on and then I was sent for a mammogram to check the titanium marker. 

Two days later, I was back at the breast clinic to see Lesley, the Breast Care Nurse. The genetic marker test is to check for the specific genes, like the BRCA gene, that they know are hereditary and would mean that I might be predisposed to having breast cancer. That would affect my surgery as it may mean a double mastectomy and my ovaries being removed. Plus, it may also mean that my offspring and my siblings would have to get tested for it too. Emily came into the appointment with me as I thought it was something that she would like to see what happens in the rooms, rather than sitting outside and not knowing. I went into another room for the blood test and Emily sat with Lesley for a while. When it was all done, we came out into the corridor, where I saw Maggie again. She said hello and I thanked her for leaving plaster residue on my skin! So, we had a laugh about that. 

Wednesday evening, Emily came for a drive to Harlow with me to get my coil removed. That was just a 10-minute maximum appointment that took nearly 2 hours of driving to get there. Oh well, at least it’s done now. It was already in for 4 years longer than it should’ve been, so I was relieved to have it taken out. I had fears that it would be imbedded in me, but of course it was fine. 

Friday 27^th June was my last day at work. Everything else is out of my control, the one thing I do have control of is the day that I finish. I chose the day the Year 6s come in as I don’t want to get too involved in anything to do with them until my treatment is complete. It wouldn’t be fair on the parents or the school if I get the appointment for chemo within a couple of days. Plus, I have lots of things to do at home and I want to see some of my friends before everything starts, At least I hope I can.