November 6th 2003, letter arrives, time for a routine mamogram, should I bother, examine my breasts once a month, nothing.
Oh well not got anything better to do.
Had mamogram. Forgot it.


Phone call, can you come back for second part of mamogram. WHAT! Rang, why, nothing to worry about probably films not good.
Whoops next day letter confirming they need more tests, at the end says bring a partner or friend with you. Dont like the sound of that. Dont tell husband, dont want to needlessly worry him.
Very strange that night over dinner he asks "had your results from mammogram?"Extra sensory perception ????????? Tell him. I'm coming with you he says, OK but nothing to worry about.
Next day went to Breast care centre, showed what appeared to be a growth in my right breast. Three core biopsys taken, Dr. thinks it is cancer.
Don't think so, even when they showed me still couldn't feel it. I'm a nurse I would know.
1 week later see consultant, yes its the "BIG C", could have spread to my lymph nodes, not certain if its invasive. Puts me on the waiting list, do I want just the growth removed, come back later if necessay and have lymph nodes out, or have section on table and if invasive take them out at the same time. Think the 2nd option best. Wait to hear when date is set.
Would you believe it 22nd Dec.
Got to be home for Christmas.
Well to cut a long story short, had op. was invasive, lymph nodes removed.
Woke up had a morphine infusion and drain, ugh!
Had a dose of morphine, felt ok but wanted to get up. Morphine infusion stopped. Up and walking in Desperate need of a cig. {OK SO I SHOULDNT}
Next day ask to go home with drain. District nurse can deal with that.
Home 23rd, drain out morning 24th, out shopping that afternoon.
Cooked Christmas day, all family home.
Feel fine, The worst is yet to come