Sandra - Real Life Experience
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer I was devastated, shocked and really angry. I couldn’t believe this was happening to me, I had been so vigilant with mammograms and ultrasounds.
It all happened so quickly. One minute I was with my GP discussing the lump I had found, the next minute I was seeing a surgeon. I then went on to have three months of chemotherapy, then a mastectomy and then radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
My whole family was devastated by the news of my breast cancer. My youngest daughter was sitting for her university exams, my eldest daughter kept it all to herself. My husband and my sister were amazing. My sister was with me when I went for my operation, and through every oncologist and chemotherapy appointment.
Breast cancer has changed my life completely. It has been very dramatic and I now look at the world in a different way. I have cried buckets of tears but I have laughed a lot too, laughed at my situation. I have had the close support of my sister and my family and we took my battle against cancer on together.
As I completed five years of tamoxifen I was concerned as many women are, about my cancer returning. Secondary cancer is my biggest fear and I was delighted when I met with my oncologist who explained that there was a further treatment option available for me.
I am lucky. My outlook on life has changed and I enjoy each day with my friends and family around me. I still have my check-ups, my regular chats with my oncologist and nurse, but it is only a small part of my wonderful life.
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