Mary's Story

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In August 2005 I had a routine mammogram; at 56 it was my third. Having no family history of Breast Cancer, it was quite a shock when I received a letter asking me to go for further tests. An ultra sound scan and a core biopsy were done on Friday 16/9, and I had a long chat with a Breast Care Nurse, even though the outcome of the tests would not be known for a few days. I went back on Wednesday 21/9, when I was given the bad news that I had a small area of cancerous tissue. It was just under ½inch (11mm) and was right behind my nipple. The Breast Surgeon gently explained that the only option was a mastectomy. I had had a gut feeling that the result was going to be positive, and that I would need surgery, but the possibility of a mastectomy had not entered my head, so this news was one of the biggest shocks of my life!

I knew straightaway that I wanted an immediate reconstruction; the thought of coming out of theatre with only one breast was not an option, I wanted to go in with two and come out with two! I was given several booklets with loads of information and also a video (which Mr Sterne has produced) explaining the procedures and the pros and cons of the different methods of reconstruction.

I spent the rest of the day, not surprisingly, feeling very down, I felt I was in a nightmare and wished I could wake up. But in the evening, out of nowhere, a thought sprang up in my head, quite forcefully, that I'm not losing a breast, they are going to take away the bad bit, and give me a new one. Suddenly I felt very positive, and refused to be negative. If any negative thoughts entered my head, I would tell myself off. In fact when I went into work the next day, I think I shocked a few people at how upbeat I was about it.

Arrangements were made for me to see Mr Sterne the following Thursday 29.9. He concluded that the best option was a free tram flap, (taking tissue and muscle from the tummy). It is the longest procedure taking about 8 hours, but he assured me that I could cope with such a long operation, as I was fit, healthy and young!! (A great boost for my morale). In addition I would be getting a tummy tuck for free.

Less than 2 weeks later, Tuesday 11/10 I was in City Hospital having the operation. My employers provide private medical insurance, but the speed at which I was dealt with and the great level of support I received, I had no doubts about using the NHS. I spent 10 days on a specialist, all female ward, where most patients had, or have had breast cancer.

The day before I went home, I got the results of the tests on the lymph nodes which had been removed; the cancer had not spread, and I did not need either radio or chemotherapy just Tamoxifen. I could not wait to get back to the ward so I could get on the phone and spread the good news. Unless you have had major surgery before, you do not appreciate just how much it takes out of you. For the first few weeks I needed to have afternoon naps. As you are not in pain or feel ill, it is easy to forget you are still recovering, and how quickly you can run out of steam and energy. However I found that I was able to drive only 2 weeks after leaving hospital. It was a little uncomfortable as I had to wear a pressure garment for 6 weeks to ensure my 'new' tummy stayed flat, but at least I was able to get back a degree of normality.

I was off work until just after the New Year, although I went in to see colleagues three times in December. After my first visit, I was told that everyone was amazed at how well I looked. They all said that if they didn't know what I had been through no-one would have guessed. But then several weeks of enforced rest, and plenty of sleep does help!

As a result of coming off HRT and taking Tamoxifen, you get hit with hot flushes etc. However my Breast Care Nurse referred me to the Menopause Clinic to help me cope with these side effects, and I will continue with follow ups at this Clinic.

It is now August 2006, and my new breast is still settling down. It is still a bit bigger than the other, and I may have to wait a few more months for it to 'shrink' to the same size as the other one. Once the breast has settled fully, Mr Sterne will be able to reconstruct the nipple, and later tattooing the areola. What I call the finishing touches. I shall be on Tamoxifen for 5 years with two yearly mammograms and an annual check-up in the Breast Clinic, so I cannot say I am free of it yet.

Although I would not have wished to have gone through this experience, I consider that I have been very lucky in some ways. I was lucky it was caught so early that I did not need chemo or radio therapy, and I feel lucky that I had such a great level of support and caring from everyone concerned at the hospital. In addition I was put in touch with someone who has been through a similar reconstruction, via Breast Cancer Care, and she was very supportive. And finally, I have met some lovely ladies (and a few husbands!) through the Butterflies meetings.