Alix’s Story
In the days leading up to NYE 2021, I booked an appointment to see my GP. For the past few months I hadn’t been feeling right, it was something I couldn’t figure out until I felt a pea size lump in my underarm whilst having a shower. I wasn’t too concerned as I put it down to an issue with my 10 year old implants, perhaps a rupture. My GP, Dr Dhammika Perera agreed and I was sent for an ultrasound. This showed that a lesion had developed. At the ultrasound I was then rebooked a couple of days later for a biopsy. Given the time of year I didn’t think I’d hear back until early Jan. I was mid workout at the gym when I got the phone call from my very serious sounding GP to come in and see her today. The biopsy confirmed a positive result of cancer.
She has been a wonderful guide and source of comfort from the outset in what proved to be the beginning of a very difficult journey. It was definitely not what a 34 year old mother of three young children wanted to hear but it strangely bought relief as I knew my body had been trying to tell me something. My GP had managed to get me an appointment with eminent surgeon Dr Diana (Di) Hastrich and oncologist Dr Hilary Martin to discuss treatment. After a secondary biopsy result proved I had Inflammatory invasive ductal carcinoma ERPR+ HER2- node positive. This biopsy was preceded by multiple scans and testing to both confirm and elicit an accurate diagnosis for a roadmap moving forward to treatment.
After further discussions with Di, I decided to irrevocably commit to a double mastectomy to ensure I was only ever going to go down this pathway once. With three children in mind, I wanted to be certain this life event would not steal anything further from me in the future.
Treatment
My treatment began with 8 rounds of chemotherapy in January 2022, followed by a double mastectomy and node clearance in June. I also undertook genetic testing which came back with a positive BRCA 2 gene mutation diagnosis.
As a result my entire family enjoyed the opportunity to be tested for the same genetic disorder and take appropriate action in accordance with any results that generated. A course of action I am pleased to have been able to make known to them. In a negative environment I am happy to have been able to make this generational change available. Post-surgery, I had expanders put in and unfortunately had three infections in my left side so it wasn’t until March 2023 that I was able to have my implants put in place. On referral from Ed, I was extremely fortunate to meet Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician Dr Duncan McLellan who investigated, tracked and prescribed an exact antibiotic to deal precisely with the infections. These were problematic due to allergic reactions to standard prescriptions.
I was very blessed to have Dr Ed Van Beem as my reconstructive surgeon, not only is he an amazing surgeon but also a lovely man. Once the infections were completely resolved Ed was able to successfully complete the reconstructive surgery. Apart from some surgical “tweaks” I have enjoyed a completely satisfactory result and outcome.
Difficult Decisions
In February 2023, I underwent a preventative total hysterectomy (bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy) due to my BRCA diagnosis. This was again, a decision I took wholeheartedly to ensure that any residual opportunity for a cancerous event to manifest was removed.
I would like to acknowledge the brilliant medical team I had around me throughout this life changing event, their support, wisdom and love they constantly demonstrated when I didn’t even know the questions to ask. Additionally, my breast nurse Cath Griffiths and wound specialist Vanessa Morris where both instrumental and an endless source of comfort in their professional and personal expertise.
Further, I would like to confirm the wonderful professional support of Madeleine Stockden (lymphoedema, oncology and scar management) who has been of paramount importance in recovery and management of post-operative issues. She has encouraged and directed me through her experience to a better and healthier lifestyle in the gym and at home through personal involvement in cancer support events.
Motherhood
Difficult times do make for strange bedfellows, and I raise my hand to salute the many “breasties” I have made along the road through surgery to recovery and I have no doubt they are bonds that this life will not break. Families should never be taken for granted as I discovered on this journey and unconditionally thank my parents and family for their constant love and input.
While progressing through treatment my many friends and the support they gave us in helping to manage my children and keeping their little lives as normal as possible…..soccer training, meals, school pickups, sleep overs and the many small things that keeps little lives free from stresses they don’t understand.
As a woman who enjoys the thrill of fashion and current trends cancer is not a place of any joy as we lose one of the principal assets we enjoy most. To watch your hair slowly disappear on the shower floor is deeply saddening and brings the reality of what you are facing home with force.
Sam (Winter Grace Hair Artistry) thank you to you and the skillset you bring to cancer patients and helping us to realise the fading beauty we can still enjoy as it gently dissipates. To be able to lose your hair and still have it styled magnificently (mine is a “Penny” cut…with love) is beholden to your talents.
Today
March 2023 my husband left me and our three children. Despite being a solo parent it has not diminished the joys of being a mother and a parent and raising three healthy children.
Disclaimer: This story/article was written by the patient, sharing their personal experience with breast cancer.
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