As mentioned you were diagnosed with breast cancer twice and underwent a double mastectomy, lymph node clearance, and a five-month course of chemotherapy. According to you what precautions and watch out signs women should keep a track to seek early diagnosis and treatment?
As I said, on both occasions I found the lump myself. Mammograms don’t always show up anything sinister, especially if you are a relatively young woman because the breast tissue is too dense.
If you are familiar with the look and feel of your own breasts then you can spot any changes, and the earlier the better.
How did you go about with the therapy, where you still working all through, and who all kept you going during this tough time?
I could have opted for another lumpectomy but given my family history of breast cancer (I also lost my cousin Sara at the age of 46 and my aunt was diagnosed with beast cancer twice) I decided it would be sensible to reduce my risk as much as possible and have a bilateral mastectomy. It was a huge decision and I can’t say that I don’t mourn the loss of my breasts, but I’d spent the last 13 years worrying about being diagnosed for a second time and I wanted to reduce my chances of a third occurrence, so I took the plunge…
The chemotherapy was gruelling – I was actually hospitalised for 5 days after the first session. In between the surgery and the chemo I’d done a 22 date tour of the UK with fellow singer song writers Julia Fordham and Judie Tzuke.
My best friend Kate, my daughters and my partner Mike supported me throughout the treatment. I don’t know how I would’ve done it without them.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
