Down in the dumps, but, only for a short while.

G'day. Yes, it's me that is down in the dumps. Though in truth, the dumps have passed a little bit and my old optimistic self is returning. Fourteen months ago I had a pre cancerous calcium deposit removed from my left breast. All was well following that. Three weeks ago I had another mammogram and last Wednesday received a phone call asking me to attend the Breast screen clinic here in Melbourne, the next day. Hubby took me in and after a three hour wait I had a biopsy done, this time on the right breast. Had to go back yesterday for the results. Doctor thought at the worst it would be another pre cancerous calcium deposit, or that the results would come back "normal"


So, with this in mind I decided to get the train in and then walk the short distance to the clinic. Now to be fair to hubby, he did offer to take me, but I assured him that it would be no different than 14 months ago and all would be well. I like the train and it was a lovely (hot) day.

From all the women that were at the clinic last Thursday, the last three, including me, were the ones that needed to have a biopsy done. Not bad really when you have 25 women in a waiting room and only three need more tests. The other two ladies were in the waiting room when I arrived yesterday and they in turn were called in before me. Because we had kind of formed a bond, they both came out in turn after seeing the doctor to tell me their biopsy test were clear. I had to wait another 45 minutes before I was called and by this stage I had the strangest feeling that something was wrong.

I was shown into the doctors room and two nurses followed me in and we all took our seats waiting for the doctor. Now I knew something was wrong. First question was "Are you on your own today?" I replied that I was and that I had caught the train in. Anxiety on my part was rising. Doctor arrived and without further ado told me the biopsy result was not good and that yes, I have cancer, but hopefully it has been detected early. I will be in hospital within the next two weeks. A large area will be removed and one or two lymph nodes as well, just to see if it has spread. If it has, I face a whole different ballgame. If it hasn't, all should be well. We won't know until further tests are taken on what the surgeon removes.

 Then it was more waiting to have the carbon injected, so the surgeon can see where he has to cut. Then finally I was allowed to leave. Rang hubby as soon as I was out and on way to train, he was beside himself to say the least. Daughter couldn't stop crying and son, who is going through so much with his partner having a brain tumour and waiting on surgery, couldn't quite believe it. Anyway, I got home safe and sound and the train trip did give me time to read all the information sheets and books on cancer that I was supplied with. I have also just had a call from the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne and my pre admission day is next Monday. Surgery date will be given to me then.

This is not a "pity party" post, but a reminder to all women just how important a mammogram is. If I had put off this mammogram for any reason, which in truth could easily have happened, I would have a cancer spreading that no one would have known about, until it was too late and that's a scary thought.

Take care. Liz...