When my appointment with the consultant came around, I went with much trepidation, but at the same time was anxious to get it over with so I could know the worst.
My worst fears were confirmed when the consultant explained that because they had found some cancerous cells that were starting to come through from the original site in the ducts of the breast, it was no longer DCIS (or Ductal Carcinoma In Situ) but Invasive Ductal Carcinoma. It was a slow growing type and was at stage 1-2. He told me that there was a good likelihood that the cancer could be stopped by removing my left breast and some of the lymph nodes would be removed for testing at the same time. There may also be the possibility of taking Taxoxifen for a while afterwards if the cancer was oestrogen dependent.
I instinctively said “NO!” as soon as he said this, and my husband asked if there was anything else they could do besides this as it seemed such a drastic step to take for such a small area that had not been causing me any bother up until now. He sadly shook his head and repeated what he had told me.
I hadn’t put much thought into it up until then but at the back of my mind I vaguely remembered something I had read about an alternative treatment involving apricots and apple seeds, but couldn’t remember what.
I said I would go away and think about it, and would give my answer in a few days. He said that time was of the essence and it should not be left for too long.
Arrangements were made for the breast care nurse to call in a few days’ time and go over what the operation would entail. “Don’t worry,” the consultant said as we left, “We’ll look after you”. Somehow I wasn’t reassured.
This post is part of a weekly series in which Sue Insole describes her health journey. Her first post, The Letter Every Woman Dreads, describes the painful process of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Next week, Sue discusses the impact her condition had on her family, and explains how she started to think about alternative treatments.
Click here to get an email update when Sue writes her next post.
SUSAN INSOLE, BSYA (N Th.) is a former NHS nurse and is now a
nutritional therapist in the field of natural health. She worked in a
health care setting for 16 years, firstly in the field of
rehabilitation and then as a welfare officer and secretary within a
hospital setting. She was also an advisor for weight loss in 2001 -
2003. She achieved a diploma in 2006 for nutritional therapy. She is
the author of a downloadable eBook, What Works in Health. Her website
is: www.naturalhealthbenefits.com