Mammogram clear (for now)

After the 'five weeks to wait for my mammogram results' debacle, I turned to my breast care nurse for help. I explained that the wait would be agonising and would ruin my Christmas and that of my family and loved ones. She spoke to the oncologist for me and within 48 hours gave me the amazing news that my first mammogram was clear. I was absolutely thrilled, relieved and about a hundred other emotions I couldn't even name and went on to have a wonderful Christmas. I have to say though that a number of the ladies who were diagnosed with primary breast cancer at the same time, or in some cases, secondary breast cancer, have not had the same good news. Many people have the misguided view that it is in your control whether cancer comes back or not. They confidently tell you that staying positive, relaxing more and living healthily will do the trick. Of course, all of these things are great, and may certainly have an impact. But the truth is, those women who now have terminal cancer, or who have died, did all of those things too. They were just horribly unlucky. The majority of us will get through this thing, with the joy and added wisdom that such an experience brings. Others will not, and my thoughts are with them as they face challenging times ahead.

Amanda