"Breast cancer during stroke recovery during a pandemic"

In Sept 2020, whilst recovering from a minor stroke I was receiving regular phone calls from my GP Dr Byass. During one of these calls I asked him "how do I tell the difference between a cyst & a fatty lump in my breast?"

I had found the cyst whilst resting in bed after stroke. He said to go to surgery the following morning 09.00 so he could 'have a look'. This I did. He wasn't sure what it was so referred me for ultrasound at NDDH Barnstaple.

In Oct 2020 I saw breast nurse (Claire) and she explained I was to have mammogram & ultrasound. Nurse Amy collected me after mammogram. Radiologist wanted magnified mammogram. He then did ultrasound on right breast & did biopsy taking 5 samples. Throughout I felt confident to be in safe hands & convinced it was a cyst. Claire gave me a leaflet explaining calcifications & that rarely were they cancerous.

Later in Oct 2020 I saw Mr Groome the surgeon - diagnosed invasive ductal breast cancer & he recommended mastectomy as tumour was large plus some malignant calcifications, which was a surprise as thought was seeing breast nurse re 'cyst'. He provisionally booked surgery for Nov. Mr Groome & Nurse Abi gave me time & space to ask questions & were kind gentle throughout. Didn't know what to ask! !

Mr Groome had & has the perfect manner = just right balance between telling it straight & empathy. Gave me absolute & total confidence that I was in the very best hands. As an aside...Hadn't told anyone about appt as convinced was cyst so daughter & sister thought I was having routine scan re stroke... was an interesting & emotional conversation with daughter that night!

Following Mr Groome's letter to GP, Dr Byass rang & gave me verbal support, encouragement & most importantly time.

Early Nov, pre-op at Bideford. Was bit alarmed when it was suggested that would be a day patient & possibly no general anaesthetic. Later learned always a general. Told not to underestimate soreness/pain after op so to keep up painkillers = good advice.

Later Nov. Radioactive injection at Exeter hospital, again lovely caring staff.  Then admitted for day surgery NDDH. Mr Groome & anaesthetist &   allocated nurse plus all staff were fabulous throughout. Slight hiccup when arrived at theatre without bed but quickly sorted. 😊  

Luckily in bubble with daughter & family (am widow living alone) so daughter & youngest grandson moved in with me for a fortnight = perfect.

In early Dec saw Mr Groome for dressings removed. He said pathology showed Carcinoma of R Breast pT2 (45mm) ER Pos HER2 neg G3 No VI pNo(0/4). He was superb in manner & care. Letrozole tablets prescribed for 5 years. Hospital pharmacy had run out, local chemist only had a few so they couriered them across (25 miles) the following day = service doesn't come any better than that! 😊

Late Dec. Prosthesis fitted (too sore to wear). Breast care nurses are excellent in every way. Saw Dr Hwang oncologist at Seamore centre. Fabulous place with fabulous people. He arranged adjuvant radiotherapy at Exeter all doses given over 5 days. They even arranged accom during treatment at Baker House - Claire & Christine were everything you could want during a potentially difficult & exhausting time - lovely, welcoming & thoughtful = 2 V special ladies.

Early Jan CT scan & simulation - epic fail & v upset with self as couldn't get arm into position, could be cording but prob not enough exercises: do your exercises! All present were very understanding & gentle especially the young woman who came into changing room with me offering encouragement & support.

Mid Jan success! 1st Feb treatment begins. The whole radiotherapy experience was managed & administered with care, compassion, encouragement, friendliness & support from Alex & the radiologists right through to 'Scouse' the carpark chap & all points in between. Am in danger of missing a wonderful person as will try to stop naming individuals.

Mid March telephone consultation with Dr Hwang. What a lovely man. He has discharged me back to surgical team for continued mammographic follow up.

In conclusion: This is a very potted version of events however, am not sure I have the words or ability to fully express my gratitude & thanks to every single person involved in this short, yet eventful, journey. At NO point in this whole adventure have I felt scared, unsure or unsupported. There have been a few tears as daughter & I saw dressing & wound & when dressing came off.

On the contrary I have felt safe, secure, supported, (loved even) and confident that I was & continue to be in the hands of professionals who are people who really genuinely care about their patients. There has been much laughter, encouragement, shared silly jokes, many many smiles and above all treatment that could not have been bettered in any way shape or form.

To say I am grateful & give sincere thanks has to be the biggest understatement of the century. Because of the individuals, treatment & care during this adventure I am alive, well and happy, albeit lopsided. (Which incidentally plays havoc with my minor OCD issues re balance & uniformity!)

Thank you for reading my story.