Although less common, Julie experienced sensitivity directly around the lumps.
Transcript
I was putting my daughter to bed and was laying on my side when I realized that there was something strange with my breast. I felt a lump, which was sensitive. Then I asked my partner at the time to have a look at it. I showed it to him. We thought it was a little strange and it stayed on my mind. It was around the month of November. At the beginning of December I went to the doctor with my daughter who had a bad cough. At the same time, I discussed my case with the doctor and said: “I have a lump. Should we check it?” I was 30 years old at the time. And he told me: “Usually when it is a cancer you don’t feel anything, but we will do an ultrasound anyway. But don’t worry.”
More from: Julie
More content
- Alternative and complementary therapies – JulieJulie is under medical treatment at the moment and is very careful about using complementary treatments; she informs her health professional.
- Relating to health care professionals – JulieA good relationship with her medical team gave Julie confidence.
- Coping strategies – JulieJulie explains why she sought out more formal support once she learned that her cancer had spread to her bones.
- Understanding the diagnosis – JulieJulie decided that she wants to focus on what is happening with her and how that can help her.
- First symptoms – JulieAlthough less common, Julie experienced sensitivity directly around the lumps.
- Talking to children about cancer – JulieJulie found that her daughter's presence throughout her cancer journey helped her maintain a normal routine and avoid falling into a depression.
- Preserving fertility – Julie (2)Julie explains why she feels that discussing fertility issues with women undergoing treatment for breast cancer ought to be a matter of routine.
- Preserving fertility – JulieJulie described the factors she took into account and what it was like having only 2 days to make that decision
- Recurrent and metastatic (advanced) breast cancer – Julie (2)Support from health professionals and being responsive to her own needs has allowed Julie to manage her situation.
- Recurrent and metastatic (advanced) breast cancer – JulieJulie's cancer had also spread to her bones. She hadn't realized how commonly metastases occurred.