At the age of 48, I noticed a lump in my breast. I attended a one stop clinic, after several tests, they confirmed that it was benign and did not need to be removed. I was told it was extremely unlikely that it would turn cancerous.
Three and a half years later, at the age of 52, I found another lump in the same breast, quite small, close to the nipple, sore and irritating. Also, my breast had increased in size. This time they confirmed it was cancer and that I would need a lumpectomy. They estimated the carcinoma was approx. 9mm. I requested that whilst they removing this lump, could they remove the previous one. When I went back for the results after the procedure, they told me that the previous lump was cancerous, they had removed 54mm and had still not got it all. They advised that I needed to have a mastectomy.
After discussing a flap diep with the plastic surgeon, I decided on this. So 4 weeks after the first surgery, I had a 9 hour operation, where one doctor removed my breast and the plastic surgeon took over and reconstructed my breast from my stomach. Unfortunately, due to having diabetes, I developed some complications and ended up in intensive care, fortunately they sorted me.
I have had Chemotherapy, a nipple reconstruction, and I am currently in the process of having tattooing done. I attended a course "HOPE" to help with feelings after, amazing.
I remained positive all the way through, I have had wonderful talented treatment on the NHS, and I realised that if this second lump had not appeared, it may have been too late when the first one finally became obvious.
Please ladies, check yourself and go to your doctor if you are worried, it can save your life, the earlier, the better. It is fantastic what can be done.
Karen Ring
Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
