In February 2013 I was invited to be part of the Breast Screening Programme - a little reminder that the big 50 was coming my way, how nice of them to remind me I thought at the time.

Within a couple of weeks of having my first mammogram I was called back for a further screening, on my first examination they had said that it is common to be called back as sometimes the results are not very clear, but does not necessarily mean there is anything to be concerned about.  So to the Churchill Hospital I went where I had a further screening.  I was diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, I was advised that they needed to do a wire localisation followed by a surgical biopsy, they used a stereotactic vacuum assisted biopsy technique, which I had on the 22nd February,  sometimes the operation if it is a small size (they thought mine measured 6mm) of bad cells can in itself get rid of the bad cells. I was called back in on the 27th February 2013, I walked in to the Churchill with my husband hopefully to hear that all was fine.  As we walked in to the small room with 3 nurses in attendance, I guess I knew what was coming, its hard to describe the emotions that are running thru your mind, perhaps an out of body experience, your watching someone else be given that news, its not you they are talking to! It took time to digest this news and time for me to compose myself to be able to talk to my family, and especially my 15 year old daughter - she coped with it really well, I have to say honesty is the best approach for children as long as you manage the detail according to age.    I had to undergo a further operation, a right mammographic wide localisation wide excision, on the 14th March I was admitted  for surgery, all being well if they got a clear margin no further treatment would be necessary.  The operation went as expected and I went home a few days later to recover.

I had my follow up with my surgeon on the 21st March,  3 sides clear one side within the margin, so having discussed all the options a decision was taken to undergo a larger operation, due to the size of bad cells being larger than first indicated, i had an option to undergo reconstruction, I took that path as I had no intention of going back under the knife for the 4th time. So on the 4th April and 9 days before my 50th, I had a Right Therapeutic Mammoplasty and a Left Breast Reduction - basically a boob job, that was a positive to think about, and the results are great.  On the 11th April my husband and I returned to the hospital to see my surgeon, good news, I had all sides with clear margins.  The original measurement of the bad cells I had was 6mm after my final operation and over 4lbs taken, they told me I had had 60mm of bad cells, which put me in the  intermediate grade DCIS.  We discussed radiotherapy assessing the risk of with or without this the possibility of the DCIS returning.  Decision was taken to follow up with a course of 25 sessions of radiotherapy which I completed in July 2013.

I am still under my oncologist and surgeon and in March had my annual mammogram which was reassuring and showed no worrying features, which is good news.

My message to all you ladies out there, if you get invited for a Mammogram, take it, I did debate whether to go or not, but I know I made the right decision to go, had I left it I could be in a very different place to where I am now.  I am a very lucky lady.

The attention and care I was given at the Churchill had made me want to help them by raising money for the work they undertake, also I wanted to set myself a challenge, hence I am doing an open water swim which I have never done in my life, nor wore a wet suit - till now. 

I am raising money for the Jane Ashley cancer centre, Churchill hospital, oxford, part of the  Oxford University Hospital,  who support women with breast cancer, looking after women many of whom undergo far more intense treatment than I had to handle.  They provide surgical needs, are involved in research and clinical trials.  I want to do something to help them continue that work and find a cure for this dreadful Cancer that should not be touching any of our lives, but is now touching so many.  My heart goes out to all those whose lives are affected by cancer, who have lost loved ones, many I know directly or indirectly.

Please support me in my challenge and help me to raise money for a great cause if you can.  In the free text box don't forget to state "Jane Ashley centre donation". Thank you.  Nicky

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