Living with Secondary Breast Cancer
by Avril Kingshott
2016 diagnosis
I was first diagnosed in 2016 with breast cancer, I had a single mastectomy then chemotherapy and subsequently radiotherapy. I did not have any visible lumps or bumps, but I did have a dent in my breast. I only noticed it when I got out of the shower and I caught sight of my breast in the mirror. Once I had seen the doctor everything happened very fast. I think I was in denial, I kept looking at my breast and could see it was sitting different but in my head there was nothing wrong me, oh how wrong was I. Fast forward to 2020/2021
Living With Secondary Breast Cancer
In 2020 I moved a heavy bag and something in my hip popped, and I was having issues with walking so I called my GP and unfortunately because of covid I could not be seen in person. I was told I had pulled a muscle and was prescribed pain killers. The pain continued and was getting rapidly worse, so I call the GP again and this time was told I had sciatica and prescribed different pain killers. Nothing was helping so I called my GP a third time and you would of thought with my cancer history they would jump all over it, but no, it took six months to finally get an x-ray and the next day to tell me I have secondary Breast cancer in my pelvis.
This was hard to take in and my only thought was how and I going to tell my family the cancer had come back. So I was booked in for surgery a week later. I had double total hip replacement with long stem as my hips were breaking. After having a full body scan and MRI the cancer is in my spine and other areas they call it widespread bone mets.
I wont lie it sucks having SBC there is no cure but, I am treatable. My life has changed dramatically, some days I feel like I have forgotten how to live a normal life, as I am always at the hospital for oncologist appointments, blood test, scans, treatment and blood transfusion’s. Because of certain treatments they can cause other problems, cancer is the gift that keeps on giving.
I was referred to the St Wilfrid’s Hospice for palliative care, they control my pain meds. It took a while for me to feel comfortable going there, I did have talking therapy and it helped I am at peace with what I am going through, the ghost that has been hanging on my shoulder is not there anymore I am facing it head on. I now have everything in order and sorted, so my partner does not have to worry when the time comes.
I have coped with everything I have been through because of my outlook, I always try to stay positive and am always grateful for something everyday, being a part of Breast Cancer groups that have been through the same as you helps a lot, you need that support.
One of the biggest issues I find hard is the cancer fatigue, I am constantly tired, and having to nap more and doing things like shopping or taking a small walk can tire you out. I am living everyday in the best way I can within my limitations & remaining positive.
