I was going to write an article about, how five and a half years ago, I had a breast cancer diagnosis. My original diagnosis was hopeful. I had early-stage breast cancer that was hormone receptive, so the cancer cells were feeding off my oestrogen. So I had a mastectomy and treatment, and it all went well. Never did I think that it would return. Then I found out that it was back, and it was worse.
I’ve had a continuous cough for a while. As someone with two chronic illnesses, and a lowered immune system, having it stay for a while was not unusual. Then a few weeks back I started coughing up phlegm, lots of it. It wasn’t discoloured, so I knew that there wasn’t an infection. But I contacted the doctor all the same. One x-ray and CT scan later, I knew the truth.
I had my secondary cancer diagnosis last Friday (3rd March). I thought that it was back since I had a lump in my chest that needed looking at. But I didn’t think that the continuous cough would be connected. So the bad news… it’s spread to my lungs. I had better say upfront that it’s not terminal, but I will need palliative treatment for the long term future.
The good news is, that since my original diagnosis, there have been many more approved treatments made available. The new treatment I will have is a jab in each buttock and oral medication. (I think I’ll need a ring to sit on after the jabs.)
So, how am I feeling? Okay, frustrated, a bit anxious. It was a scary thing to hear that the cancer was now in my vital organs. I’m just glad that I have my faith to help me through. I know that believing in God is not for everyone, but it helps me.
My family and friends are rallying too, to do whatever they can. Having a support group, whether family, friends or a local cancer group meet-up, is so important in coping. Knowing that you’re not alone is vital in getting through, coping, and dealing with the treatment, and your own fears. I can never stress that enough. I live on my own, and if I didn’t have anyone to talk to, I would be mulling it over every day, and it would do me no good. Being able to take your mind away from the stress and fear of having cancer helps to balance one’s mind, which is beneficial.
If you would like to know more about breast cancer, then the following links can help (links not affiliated).
This article was originally published on Medium.
Charlotte Clark 