It’s a Glorious Day.

A really good quote makes right thinking people curl at the edges – Nick Palmer

 Well Hello there!

My name is Toria in case you were not sure, but you should be, as you are here and reading my blog.

In case no one knows exactly what has been going on I will summarise it from the beginning so we are all on the same page.

Friday 13th April –  ( no one say it!) I found a lump in my right breast.

Monday 16th –  went to my GP who referred me to UCH for further investigation.

Wednesday 25th – spent 5 hours at UCH having examinations, mammograms x 2, ultrasounds, biopsies and then to be told that i had cancer in both breasts and different types.  Now that was the shocker, went in with one lump came out with two.  And to be told that is was not that unusual.  I was hoping to be special at this point.

Thursday 26th –  had to go back to UCH for an MRI of my chest area. Walked into the MRI room and was greeted with a bed with two large round holes in it that I had to place my boobs in.  I lay there on my tummy feeling like I was a cow about to be milked!!  35 mins later, a lot of bleeping and banging from the machine i was let off of the milking table and sent on my merry way.

Friday 4th May – went back to UCH with Nick for all the results.  Met with a charming consultant called Cheryl Lobo who informed us that

RH Breast Invasive Ductal Cancer, Oestrogen +, HER – and grade 2

LH Breast Invasive Lobular Cancer, Oestrogen +, HER – and grade 2

All these results are what they wanted to see.  Very treatable. But still have to wait for the MRI to determine best primary treatment options.

Nick and I left feeling very relieved that it was all positive news.

Monday 8th – Met with a fabulous Private consultant called Joanna Franks who after examining me and talking through all the results (still MRI not seen) she said a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction was what she recommended .  At this point she feels no Chemo will be needed.  OMG that was the best news I could have asked for.  I really do not have an issue with loosing my sagging 51-year-old, slight uneven boobs for a nice new pert pair that i can choose.  Yes it’s a 5 hour operation, a stay inhospitable for 3 to 5 days and 6 weeks recovery but no chemo is amazing news.

I have to now meet the Plastic surgeon ( which is on Monday) who will do the reconstruction, to look at photos and discuss what size i would like.  After which i will meet with J Franks again, a few more minor tests and then a date will be set.

It’s a strange time that we have been in the last few weeks, although I kept being told it was good I came in as soon as I found the lump there where times that my mind would wander off and start thinking the worst.  I tries to stop those thoughts as soon as they entered my head.  Positive thinking was what and is the way forward.  IT WILL ALL BE OK.