Jen

My Cancer Journey: From Diagnosis to Treatment

In late 2021, I began experiencing sharp pains in my left breast on different occasions, initially dismissing them as hormonal or cyst-related discomfort. However, by February/March 2022, I noticed the presence of a lump in my left breast, prompting me to take it more seriously.

On Tuesday, May 31, 2022, I finally decided to seek medical advice and made an appointment with my doctor. The doctor referred me to undergo a Mammogram and Ultrasound, which I had to postpone for two weeks due to my dog's ear infection.

On Tuesday, June 21, 2022, I attended the Mammogram and Ultrasound appointment. During the ultrasound, the nurse's concern led to a biopsy being taken from the lump. I received a call from my doctor's reception on Friday, June 24, 2022, asking me to come in for an urgent appointment.

Alone but supported by my mum and a friend over the phone, I went to my doctor's appointment at 10:30 am. There, I was delivered the life-changing news that I had an invasive carcinoma of the left breast. Although much of the conversation felt like a blur, I learned about the presence of a 4cmx3cm tumor in my left breast, along with inflamed axillary nodes under my left armpit.

On Monday, June 27, 2022, I met with a Surgical Oncologist who gathered more information about my condition and classified it as early-stage breast cancer (stage 3). However, additional tests were needed to determine the specific nature of the cancer and the best treatment course.

The treatment plan was outlined to include chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and hormone treatment. I underwent an MRI, ultrasound, and biopsy of the left axillary nodes as part of a new clinical trial for breast cancer patients.

At a meeting with the Oncologist Team at Royal North Shore Hospital on Wednesday, June 29, 2022, I was explained the functioning of cancer, the history of chemotherapy, and the possibility of joining a trial for immunotherapy. My cancer was identified as hormone positive and HER2 negative, raising the topic of freezing eggs for future fertility preservation.

On Friday, July 1, 2022, I underwent a PET Scan to detect cancerous lesions by administering a mildly radioactive glucose solution. Subsequent follow-up appointments revealed positive results for axillary nodes and indications of lesions on bones and inflamed lymph nodes in the lungs/chest.

A call from the Doctor of Clinical Trial on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, led to the necessity of a bone biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous lesions and assess eligibility for the trial.

On Thursday, July 7, 2022, I visited IVF Australia to discuss the option of freezing eggs, but this was ultimately deemed too risky due to the nature of my cancer.

Finally, on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, the diagnosis shifted to stage 4 or metastatic cancer, meaning the cancer had spread to multiple areas, and no cure was available. This development rendered me ineligible for the immunotherapy trial, necessitating a change in my treatment plan.

After an Endoscopy/Biopsy of lung lymph nodes on Friday, July 15, 2022, the results confirmed the spread of cancer to multiple places. As chemotherapy was no longer the preferred option, Hormone Therapy & Targeted Therapy through oral medication was chosen as the primary treatment.

On Thursday, July 21, 2022, I met with a Breast Cancer Care Nurse at North Shore Hospital to understand the treatment process and began the first hormone therapy drug, Zoladex, inducing early menopause.

A follow-up appointment with my Oncologist on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, culminated in the prescription of my first-line treatment, embarking me on a courageous journey to fight and manage cancer with determination and hope for the future.