In May 2024 I found a lump in my right breast. I convinced myself that it was nothing and ignored it for a week, until I discussed it with colleagues at work. Luckily they were all concerned and pressured me into contacting the GP. I got a same day appointment with the GP and then had a mammogram the following week. A week after that, I saw the surgeon who told me that he was certain this was breast cancer.
The biopsy result took 3 weeks and my mental health suffered immensely in that time. It was eventually confirmed and I opted to have a mastectomy. Interestingly, I had already booked to go home (to Grenada) for carnival in August. Despite the fears of those around me I decided to discuss with the surgeon and postpone my surgery for 6 weeks until after I had returned. I still think this was the best decision.
I had a mastectomy and lymph node clearance on September 3rd. Since then, I joined the Optima trial, and as a result I managed to avoid IV chemotherapy. I completed radiotherapy on December 20th and I remain on Zoladex, Letrozole and Abemaciclib. I am keen to have a reconstruction but you only become eligible 6 months post radiation though the current NHS waiting list is years long. I’m still struggling with the symptoms of menopause, body image and the idea of femininity in my current body, but I’m hoping that these things will improve as time goes on.
