I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 2007. I was 45
I think I knew that it might happen due to family history So after finding the lump it wasn’t a total shock.
I had a double mastectomy with diep reconstruction from my tummy Followed by 6 rounds of iv chemotherapy
For me That was it the cancer was cut away I had no breasts left and the chemotherapy was just to make sure
Each year I had a check up. Every year was clear and at 5 years I was told the likely hood of it reoccurring was very low
In 2015 at 7 years they told me there was no further need for check ups .
At this point I was loosing my voice and after a number of tests I was diagnosed with Squamous cell carcinoma on my larynx A totally different cancer
I had laser surgery and radiotherapy
It kept reoccurring and I had further laser surgeries
At a check up in 2019 I said about a lymph node, on my neck left side just below my ear at my chin , It was growing and becoming uncomfortable and I was finding my glasses on that side tight.
I assumed it was the squamous cell cancer.
The surgeon didn’t think it was
We did a biopsy and it came back as my Triple negative Breast cancer
After 15 years it had quietly returned
I think I have been very lucky if it hadn’t been for my Head and neck surgeon it probably wouldn’t have been found so soon.
I had more chemotherapy for triple negative breast cancer now on my neck but shortly after this at a head and neck review they discovered a reoccurrence of the squamous cell cancer on my larynx I had further laser surgery
It still returned and in Nov 2021 I had a neck dissection, for the squamous cell cancer, which included full removal of lymph nodes on left side of neck
Unfortunately I was told just before Christmas that it hadn’t been successful
I was sent for scans to make sure I hadn’t any cancer in any of my organs
Thankfully they came back clear
In February this year I had a full laryngectomy followed by 33 rounds of radiotherapy
I will not be able to speak again
Today I have been adviced to go for another mri scan
This is part of the ongoing checks for breast cancer and head and neck cancer
These scan results will determine the next steps in this unfinished story
15 years ago I thought my breast cancer story was over
Instead it was likely sleeping in my lymphatic system the whole time and only discovered because of the head and neck cancer.
All I can say is check and check again.
You know your body and if something doesn’t feel right get it looked at You know your body best.
Finally don’t let anyone tell you it can’t be the cancer returning - even if it is 15-20 years later in the strangest of places.
Elaine
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