As many of you know, I've been struggling with a cough, which lead to shortness of breath in the last few weeks.
I had Covid The Return in June. Unfortunately, everyone (myself included) focused on this, resulting in it taking a bit to delve deeper.
I have not been keeping you guys up to date on developments this week as it's just too hard.
Yesterday, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Breast Cancer. I don't have long covid. Covid had no part in any of this. I have cancer. Aggressive, very metastasized cancer. I turned 42, 2 weeks ago.
The cancer is in my breasts, on my liver, and in my bones. Surprisingly, they have been unable to find any cancer on my lungs. Due to the cells found in the fluid around my lungs, they know that this began as breast cancer and that is it fed by the hormones in my body. Yesterday I had two biopsies on my breasts to find out which hormone is feeding the cancer. We will know next week and I will start medication to stop that hormone in it's track and push me into menopause. I am told that hormone fed cancer is "the best kind to have" as it has the most treatment options.
My next step is meeting with an oncologist. I am looking at a couple of private options, as hey, I've got private care. I'm hoping to have a date for that appointment today.
Today I go back to the consultant in Respiratory. As they now know the cause of the fluid, they can offer a few options on how to reduce/eliminate the fluid so I can at least go into my cancer battle with my best foot forward. I had a second drainage on Tuesday, where the fluid had returned and with vengeance. I know I'll get options today, but I'm hopeful that they can do another drain while I'm there as sadly the relief from Tuesday was gone by yesterday morning.
My parents will be coming over to help while I have treatment. I am very grateful that we will have additional hands around the house. Extra hands means my husband may be able to keep a bit of "normal" at work, the kids will have someone to take them to the park, and I won't have to sit around the house by myself.
They say parents should never have to bury a child. And I completely agree. But I don't want my babies to grow up without a mother. And my husband to be left on his own. I will fight this with everything I have. I don't care if I'm ever cancer free, but I do hope I reach a stage where it is manageable and just something I LIVE with.
I am fortunate enough to know many of you in real life. Please keep this private for now. I won't be telling the world until we have told our children. We know we want to call it what it is, Cancer. We will not be saying Mommy is sick. We will make SURE they know this has nothing to do with covid or my cough. We do not want them to fear either them, or anyone else, being sick, ill, covid, cough, etc. They will be told very soon but we want to be in a position to not have fear in our eyes and be sobbing (which we are at the moment).
I am thoroughly impressed with my hospital and the streamlined, well oiled machine that it is. I guess if you have to have cancer, breast is a good one as they know more every single day. At least it's not "well this is super rare".
Right now, I'm just looking to get a firm date in the diary for the oncologist and getting this party started. I am also really hoping that the respiratory consultant can help provide a higher quality of life as I go into this battle.
Thank you all for the genuine love, support, and just having my back.
Also I really want to keep this thread real. I may have days I am full of optimism. Please allow that. I may have days that are full of doom and gloom. Please alllow that. Basically just stand with me and not against me. Love you all!
