Finding Warmth and Care

MY BREAST CANCER JOURNEY WITH CALVARY

I got home and instead of the usual race through the shower, getting dressed, breakfast and racing out the door, I had time. I opened the mail. You know those beautiful 50th ‘gifts’ you get – scrape your poo, check your boobs. I was opening the BCA envelope as I massaged a ‘pulled muscle’, which, come to think of it, was actually, sort of, in my breast. Hmmm.

A week later and the ‘pulled muscle’ hadn’t subsided, so I made a call to get it checked. I figured it was just a cyst and they would drain it. It was a bit like a golf ball.

Mammogram. Ultrasound. “I’m just going to get the senior technician to come in,” followed by, “I’m just going to get the rostered Doctor to come in.”

OCTOBER 7 –

“You have Breast Cancer”

I met Dr Rice, Jasmin and Jo the very next week. The warmth and care were the first things I noticed. The knowledge, thoroughness and concern followed as we sat down in the appointment.

to attend the cricket (I’m a cricket tragic, so 4 days post-surgery I made my way there. With drains! The poor security guard).

I was also able to still be a clown in The Christmas Pageant. 12 days post-surgery I ‘ran’ the streets of Adelaide. What an absolute buzz!

From there I met with Dr Joshi. Again, how fabulous is it having everything under the one roof?!

Jasmin came in to see me during the first Chemo session to check on how I was settling into the process (and to see the clown photos). She has continued to be both a friendly face and ear throughout the whole process.

I wrote and scribbled this line out over half a dozen times, but try as I did, it just felt like there was no better way to express my thoughts.

SEPTEMBER 22 – National Day of Mourning. I went to the gym and because the rest of the day was free, I tried a little bit harder than usual. Arms. Aaargh!

More tests, biopsies, scans. All in one place. Appointments seemingly just appeared, as Jasmin slipped out and organised them. Those early days I just wanted to be told where to go and what to do.

RESULTS - Dr Rice explained the surgery (single mastectomy with axillary clearance) and why other alternatives were ruled out. SURGERY - Both Dr Rice and Jasmin were amazing supports; firstly making sure that I got

Paclitaxel is finished and now I embark on AC. The cold capping has kept a reasonable amount of my hair. The Cancer Centre nurses have been wonderful. For all the fast-paced logistics they juggle, as a patient you are made to feel like everything revolves around you. The chats during the process, which focus on everyday things, about the weekend, a concert… all the normal stuff. It’s just so lovely.

When the Chemo is finished, I’m off to Radiotherapy. I’m sure I’ll meet more beautiful, caring, genuine people there too.

TIPS FOR PERFORMING SELF-EXAMS AND IDENTIFYING SYMPTOMS

Everyone’s breasts look and feel different. You may have lumpy breasts, one breast larger than the other, breasts that are different shapes, or one or both nipples that are pulled in (inverted), which can be there from birth or happen when the breasts are developing.

Become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts for any changes. Try to get used to looking at and feeling your breasts regularly. You can do this in the bath or shower, when you use body lotion or when you get dressed. Just decide what you are comfortable with and what suits you best.

Remember to check all parts of your breast, your armpits and up to your collarbone.

When you check your breasts, try to be aware of any changes that are different for you.

Know What To Look For

“I felt a lump,” is a common phrase for those who have had a breast cancer diagnosis, but there are many other symptoms or warning signs to watch for: a new lump in your breast or underarm (armpit)

• thickening or swelling of part of your breast

• irritation or dimpling of your breast skin

• redness or flaky skin in your nipple area or your breast pulling in of your nipple or pain in your nipple area

• nipple discharge other than breast milk

• any change in the size or the shape of your breast

• pain in any area of your breast

DON’T DELAY

Most breast changes are not likely to be breast cancer. However, if you find a change in your breast that’s unusual for you, see your doctor without delay.