Having received the call from my GP that the biopsy confirmed the lesion is in fact Cancer naturally brought on my next set of tears. It is quite strange as the 5 days waiting for these results, some part of me knew this would be the outcome but there is still that little piece of you that hopes. You hope that someone made a mistake, you hope this was all a bad dream or some horrible joke, you hope that you are the 1% miracle that what is on the scan was actually not cancer. Then it is confirmed, and the reality is you do have cancer and your hope of not having to face Cancer is gone. This is now your reality; Cancer is now part of your life story.

My GP arranged my appointment with Breast Cancer Specialist Professor Carol-Ann Benn, I would be meeting with her 1 week from now to discuss my diagnosis.

An important note at this point is that from that first day of going for the scan and mammogram up until having the results confirmed the thought of dying has not been an option for me. Yes, I have googled and researched breast cancer in my days of waiting and the reality is it has become very treatable, the cure rate can be as high as 95% up to 99%. These are good odds; I just need to not be in the 5% or 1% right.

Important Note:

Google at your own risk, be careful it’s a minefield!

When researching cancer on the internet, be very sure to only utilise reputable official sites. If not, you could end up in a very deep hole with horrible outcomes. Be responsible, logical and careful, each and every diagnosis is different ensure you are researching your results and diagnosis. If you are unsure rather talk to your Drs get insight and recommendations from them which sites to reference and go to for support.

The Appointment

On the 1st of November my husband and I headed off to the first session with breast cancer specialist Prof Carol-Ann Benn. After waiting for at least a good hour we went into the room to speak to her.

Note:

Waiting I have learnt is just something you have to accept, no Dr’s are on time, expect always at least an hour to 2 hour wait.

First, we had to let her deal with her team as she was upset to find out I have waited a whole week to see her. Her rule is 24/48 hours after diagnosis and was therefore not happy I have waited 7 days, good start I thought.

In preparation for this appointment, I had reviewed my summary results of the biopsy and researched the potential diagnosis.

The reality is until I was diagnosed I though breast cancer was just that breast cancer. However, this is not the case apart from staging (0-4) it is important to know the character of the cancer as well as whether the hormone receptors are positive or negative. Treatment will be dependent on this information.

Out of the different types of breast cancer they say the one you don’t want is Triple-negative breast cancer. The good news is only around 10-20% of breast cancers are triple-negative breast cancers. Let’s be honest though, cancer is just that, Cancer, doesn’t matter what kind it’s still scary.  

In the room with Prof Benn, she explained the biopsy results and yes she confirmed my breast cancer is Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC).

When you get to this outcome you almost want to laugh, of course, it is one of the worst kinds, as people that know me joke, I do nothing halfway. If I’m going to get breast cancer trust me to make sure it’s one of the worst kinds.

Triple-negative breast cancer is cancer that tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein.

These results mean the growth of the cancer is not fueled by the hormones estrogen and progesterone, or by the HER2 protein. So, triple-negative breast cancer does not respond to hormonal therapy medicines or medicines that target HER2 protein receptors. Still, other medicines are used to successfully treat triple-negative breast cancer.

Prof Benn does go on to mention that the good news is they most likely will not remove the breast. Size of the lesion as well as the fact it is TNBC means they do not like to cut up front with this type of cancer.

She explained the treatment will most likely be as follows:

Step 1:
6 treatments (each treatment 3-4 weeks apart) of TAC Chemotherapy. The aim of this is to kill the cancer.

Step 2:
Remove the dead cancer surgically

Step 3:
Radiation focussed treatment on the area of the body where the cancer was after removal.

She is very convinced we will treat this, which leaves Grant and I feeling positive we will beat this. (Insert pom poms here)

She advises the approach is holistic, the next week will be full of tests, breast MRI scan, CT scan, Cardiologist appointment, Genetics counsellor and seeing a Medical Oncologist, who is top 5 in the world, for treating infiltrating/Triple Negative cancer. She does however prepare me that the medical oncologist is not the most conversive, i.e. he has the emotional intelligence of a Pot Plant. I smile and take mental note, how bad can he be he works with people every day, right. I confirm with her that I should keep my Gynaecologist appointment which is set for Friday that week. She agrees as I have a Mirena inserted for birth control and wants to keep it in for now and it is always good to have a check-up and inform my gynae about what is happening.

Friday will be a review and discussion of all the weeks tests and results and finalizing the treatment plan. She also wants to meet the girls to explain it to them and make them comfortable. (Which I love )

My husband and I hop in the car, update everyone with the positive news. We have a clear diagnosis, an oncology team which feels like we are in the right hands, a plan and we are more confident we going to get through this. Now we just need to get through all the tests so we can start treatment.