On the 28th July 2011, my life changed in one phone call with the simple words - 'yes - it's cancer'. I've created this blog, for the benefit of my wonderful close and extended family; and for my amazing friends around the globe, so I can keep you abreast (!) of my journey.

My diagnosis of 2 x grade 3 (fast growing) tumours - type - 'Triple-Negative' - so called
because it doesn’t
have receptors (proteins on the surface
of cells) for the hormones oestrogen and
progesterone, or a protein called HER2, was shocking. This rare aggressive sub-type of breast cancer, therefore, doesn't respond to common
hormonal treatments, such as tamoxifen or
anastrozole (Arimidex®
) or
trastuzumab (Herceptin®
). Survival rates are considerably lower, than for more common types of breast cancer, especially in years 0 - 5, but on a par 5+ years post treatment.

Fast forward to December 2020. Secondary cancer . Triple negative again but the tumour localised to the scar of the primary cancer. The prognosis is weaker. I am buying myself time - with chemo currency.

This will not be a sad tale - but I hope it will amuse you, inspire you, and most of all allow me to lean on you from afar, as you guide me through what looks like a rocky road ahead.

I can't guarantee a happy ending, but hope to make you laugh to the end.

Thursday, 18 August 2011

Pathologists do take holidays

I know.
I'm waiting for my results tomorrow (Friday).
My BCN calls. Your results were not ready for today's multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meeting. That means there was nothing for My Surgeon, the oncologist, my BCN & other professionals to talk about.
The results are delayed because two pathologist haven taken their annual leave. What can I say?
I'm deflated, frustrated - not at all relieved - I sound like an inflatable doll.....
I just want to get on with it.

BCN says a couple more things that I hadn't considered like 'we haven't ticked the surgery box yet'. What do you mean - I've had my surgery - got the scars to prove it. No she declares...we wont know until we get the results...I might need more surgery if the cancer has spread....bugger.
I try to quiz her about whether it's triple negative or not...we won't know until the results are in....this is getting tiresome. Then she mentions The Royal Marsden in London. If it's the cancer that they think it might be, but can't be confirmed until the results are in (yawn) - then this is a centre of excellence for cancer & they have some drug trials on the go. 'I'll do it' I think. I'll travel the world if I have to. I've worked in pharmaceuticals & the prospect of a drug trial doesn't frighten me. It's no worse than having cancer - is it? Anyone fancy a trip to London?

I set about letting everybody know not to worry for me about tomorrow.

BCN promises to ring me when the results are in next week. I can have the results, but wont know what the treatment plan will be until the MDT have met on Thursday.
Hope they haven't gone on holiday too....


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