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My Experience Pregnancy And Breast Cancer

  

When a woman is first diagnosed with breast cancer many things happen very quickly. Doctors and nurses can answer most questions. However, they cannot truly convey or understand what lies ahead for the newly diagnosed woman or other breast cancer survivors. A diagnosis of cancer during pregnancy is a dreadful diagnosis that many women face every year. Betterdays offers hope and support to women diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. Our network has women from the UK, Europe, Africa, Caribbean, United States. The pregnant with Cancer Network has acted as a catalyst for the development of our work. Women find great support in the type of service Betterdays is providing. Women find great hope when they are able to talk with someone else who has faced a similar diagnosis. In 2000 I discovered a lump in my left breast, due to my young age I didn’t think that I was at risk. After all I had had my children young and breast fed for 4 years. I led a healthy lifestyle and there was no history of breast cancer in my family. Initially I thought the lump was a mosquito bite or swollen glands. I didn’t think there was a possibility it could be breast cancer, especially as the media tended to reflect and focus on white middle class women 50+ and not young African Caribbean women in their 20s,30s. Not having any prior knowledge about breast cancer my immediate response was to ignore it. 6 months later I’m diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer which was (ER-) and (PR-) negative. I enquire about trials; I’m told there were none open. I underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy alone. 

It was difficult being a single parent unsupported, with no extended family to call on. Help with Childcare whilst I attended hospital appointments was non existent. Two years after my first diagnosis I conceived sadly I miscarried. After the miscarriage I was informed by a female Gp that I should have waited at least two years before trying to conceive. I was devastated. Despite having asked questions I was not given any information on pregnancy and breast cancer from my Oncologist or obstetrics. I returned home, immediately I began researching for information on pregnancy and breast cancer. I discovered the pregnant with cancer network.  3 Months later I discover a lump on the primary scar, I also discover three small lumps in my right breast. I call my Gp. Without examining me the GP suggests I make an appointment with the hospital. I do so only to be told the earliest appointment was three weeks away. Distraught and upset I make further enquires about the possibility of a needle biopsy performed privately to the sum of £1,000. I was without funds and with my history I felt I shouldn’t have to wait this length of time or pay such a large sum.

The following day I informed my Gp about the wait, and request a BSE. I’m accompanied by a friend. The Gp performs a BSE. He confirms 1lump in my left breast at the previous site and 3 new lumps in my right breast. Immediately a referral is made and I’m seen within two weeks. Feeling anxious and confused I informed my oncologist of my miscarriage and the conflicting advice I had been given prior to the appointment; being at a specialist cancer I was shocked at the absence of co-ordinated care between the GP and the obstetrics. At this point I was informed that I was (ER) - and (PR) - and the pregnancy wouldn’t have triggered the new lumps. A BSE was carried out on both breasts. The lump in the previous site is scar tissue and there’s no need for a biopsy. I underwent a mammogram and a needle biopsy was carried out on the right breast. Feeling somewhat reassured by his response, I returned home and awaited my fate. Two weeks later I received the results. The lumps were benign; I choose to have them removed. Surgery was scheduled for the following week. Hospital

In the meantime I discover I’m pregnant, I inform the hospital and cancel the surgery, I didn’t want to risk another miscarriage and I was adamant that I would not terminate the pregnancy.  I’m informed my oncologist would like too see me every trimester. At 12 weeks I return to the hospital and inform my oncologist that the lump on the left is still present. “Its lactation”, I’m told. I request further investigations to reassure myself everything was ok. My oncologist thinks it’s unnecessary. We’ll keep an eye on it. Six months later I develop a rash on my left breast. I reported this to my obstetric team. “Looks like a touch of eczema” the midwife says suggesting I apply some aqueous cream. At my follow up appointment I report the rash to my oncologist “it’s nothing but dry skin” he says. Perhaps it’s an allergic reaction to the washing detergent. Have you tried changing it?  I changed my washing detergent. The rash was extremely itchy; I began to develop a crust around the nipple which oozed from time to time. I thought the fluid was colostrum so I ignored it. Having no luck with over the counter creams I reported the rash to my Gp who prescribed hydraquaterzone cream. Towards the end of the pregnancy I was plagued with the rash and lump in my left breast. Prior to the birth I enquired about breast feeding, with my previous history the obstetrics were unsure and so sought advice from my Oncologist. Some time Later my oncologist informed me that I could breast feed.

5th February 2005 I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Sadly this was followed by complications; Due to the lump in my left breast I was unable to breast feed. I informed the midwife and a referral was made yet again. A needle biopsy was carried out “my gut instincts tells me it’s not cancer”, said my oncologist. I sat there shocked, and numb at his response knowing that a delayed detection may result in diagnosis of breast cancer that is more advanced. I returned the following week for my results. The test results were unclear and the procedure needed to be repeated. 4 weeks after giving birth I was diagnosed with a recurrence of breast cancer. I continued breast feeding with one breast resenting the knowledge that I had to wean the baby early. I found this option difficult; I discussed this with my oncologist and was given tablets to dry up the milk

Once Ebony rose was weaned I underwent a double mastectomy followed by a combination of taxotere and Herceptin, which I had to fight for despite fulfilling the criteria. It was an extremely difficult time for me and my 13 year old daughter, she was going through adolescents and her father had unexpectedly been diagnosed with cancer and died. I was dealing with Birth, death, breast cancer all at once. Throughout my journey I have experienced and endured insurmountable odds 3 near misses, and a catalogue of mistakes. It was a devastating, frightening, and isolating time compounded by conflicting information, inequalities and the fact that I didn’t meet anyone in a similar situation. I had no choice, something I didn’t want another woman to experience. I survived the demoralising ordeal and continue to campaign for better treatment across the globe. Having experienced cancer twice undergoing the treatments and side effects I know only too well the heartache that a diagnosis of cancer brings, physically, psychologically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.

Betterdays vision is of a society were all members of black and minority ethnic communities have access to cutting edge information and support services delivered with dignity and respect. Betterdays provides services so no woman need be alone. You will discover that the healing is a process. Sharing with someone who has “walked the miles” in similar shoes offers an opportunity to learn, take comfort and, perhaps, make a new friend. No matter how far these women are from their initial diagnosis and treatment, helping them helps you. 

 


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