When were you diagnosed with SBC?
I was diagnosed with SBC 12th June 2019.
How were you diagnosed with SBC?
I was breastfeeding my 4 month old daughter, and she suddenly became very fussy when feeding on the right side, noticed a thickening to the right breast and assumed was due to breast feeding. After a couple of weeks it didn’t change, so my GP sent me to breast clinic. There, the surgeon couldn’t feel anything sinister and put it down to breast feeding, but ordered an US. It became apparent then that this was not breast feeding related. A biopsy was taken there and then, and a week later o was told I had breast cancer, but it was stage one and curable. A met the oncologist a week later who ordered blood tests, there was an elevated marker so a Bone isotope and Ct scan we’re ordered and 3 weeks after my initial consultation I was diagnosed with HER2 SBC with mets to my bones.
What has been your treatment Journey?
I started treatment on 1st July 2019. Initially 6 cycles of docetaxel and herceptin and perjeta. After a second option I asked for an extra 2 cycles of docetaxel, which took me to 8 cycles. I finished the docetaxel in November and continue with H&P very 3 weeks and zolendronic acid for my bones every 6 weeks. My last scan in March showed promising results with bony healing. I am currently (anxiously) waiting for another scan, I’ve got some elevated blood markers, which is the cause of my anxiety.
What would have helped make your journey so far easier?
I’m very much of the mindset that this is my life and my health and I have to be my best advocate. Being a health care professional myself has helped and allowed me to take charge and question the team allowing me to make informed decisions about my care. That being said, being diagnosed SBC is an incredibly scary place to be. I think compassion from staff would have made my journey easier, there seems to be a distinct lack of understanding of what being a “young SBC patient” means. Some of the questions and statements that staff have said to me have been very unhelpful or even upsetting. I am truly grateful for the support networks I have found myself online. The forums to speak with other SBC ladies have been invaluable.
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