Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer

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My SBC Journey: Claire

28th July 2020 SBC & Me

claire1

When were you diagnosed with SBC?
Confirmed May 2016
How were you diagnosed with SBC? 
Scan following end of primary treatment confirmed bone mets present from beginning of treatment.
What has been your treatment Journey? 
My initial diagnosis followed weeks of delay as I was being treated for mastitis with no change to the swelling in my left breast. Due to a further delay trying to get an appointment at the Breast clinic, my employer paid for me to go private for the appointment, who confirmed I had breast cancer that day. Primary treatment followed, I was 37 at the time, which consisted of neoadjuvent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a mastectomy. Secondary treatment started with Letrozole, zoladex monthly injections and bone strengthener, Ibandronic Acid and forced menopause! After a couple of years and stable treatment I asked if it was possible to have an oophorectomy (ovary removal) to stop the zoladex injections, which was approved. I'm currently 4 years stable on front line treatment for bone mets.
What would have helped make your journey so far easier? 
Having access to a secondary breast cancer nurse to help me through all aspects of treatment. It was a great help having a nurse during primary.