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Kerrie Skene

Stawell VIC Diagnosed age 34 ‘What Next.....' It was a week after my 34th birthday (1999), when I heard - ‘Sorry bad news I'm afraid, its cancer'.  Eight years later, a couple of weeks after my 42nd birthday (2007), I hear those words again. (Note to self, no more tests before any birthdays.) The first time round, I had finished breast feeding my first child and found a lump in my left breast. I thought it was just a blocked duct, but had it checked out anyway. After enjoying the bliss of motherhood, the last thing you want to hear is that you have cancer. I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, had a lumpectomy, chemo & radiotherapy. The last eight years have been challenging to say the least.  Six months after the end of treatment, I found out I was pregnant again.  Eighteen months later my marriage broke down and spent the next few years dealing with separation, divorce, custody battles (I ended up with joint custody), in and out of court and then adjusting to being a single parent to my two wonderful children. The size difference between my breasts began to bother me. The left side, where I had had the treatment, was quite firm and perky - which I wasn't complaining about.  I thought to be 42, have had two children and have a perky breast was something to brag about.  But the right side was twice as big and was heading south. I had just seen my Oncologist for my 7 year post treatment check up. All was well, mammogram clear, blood test fine. I brought up the size difference and was told that radiotherapy does affect the breast that way and the tissue does shrink and become firm afterwards.  He gave me a number of a breast surgeon and said if I was unhappy with the difference to have a chat & see about evening them up. To cut a long story short, I saw the specialist about a month later.  She was concerned about the left side, so did a core biopsy - ‘just to be on the safe side'.  A few days later those words came back to haunt me - ‘Sorry bad news I'm afraid, its cancer'.  I remember thinking - ‘what next, bring it on'. This time it was Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.  Neither cancer was related to the other, both were primary. I was told that it's not common to have both types in the same breast, but it does happen. I am now looking at a Bilateral Mastectomy and another round of chemo. I thought I would tell my tale to empower woman with knowledge, especially those who have had a lumpectomy and radiotherapy.  If you have any concerns with your treated breast to get it looked at and ask questions.  Lobular cancer is very hard to pick up in a mammogram, I only found mine by sheer luck.  There were no distinct lumps and my breast just felt thick - like a muscle. I hope my story helps breast awareness and I wish every woman well through her journey, whatever stage they may be at. Last Updated 7 December 2007