Tests, Scans & Treatment - Tell us your story! Joan’s Story

Joan gives her account of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Stewart: Can you tell me about the moment you first found out you needed to undergo tests or scans?
Joan: I had been concerned about a lump in my breasts for six months, but as the nurse said it was a fatty lump, I ignored it and thought I’d ask if it could be lanced.  The appointment with an oncology registrar did not go as I had hoped.

Stewart: What kind of tests or scans were you sent for, and how were they explained to you?
Joan: I was sent immediately for a mammogram, biopsy, and ultrasound.

Stewart: What was going through your mind in the days leading up to your first test or scan?
Joan: I didn’t have a chance to plan, as I was expecting a quick chat and the lump would be lanced at some point in the future.

Stewart: How did the medical staff treat you during the testing process?

Joan:  I was in complete shock.  Firstly, the registrar had no empathy whatsoever, and all she said was “That doesn’t look good” and “Please bring a family member to your next appointment.”  However, the Breast Clinic Nurses are fantastic.  They are so knowledgeable and understanding.

Stewart: Were there any particular moments during the scan or test that stood out to you emotionally or physically?
Joan:  I was in complete shock.  I was told to come back for the results.  

Stewart: Did you feel well-informed and prepared going into the procedure? Why or why not?
Joan: I was completely unprepared.  I had had mammograms in the past, but was not prepared for the biopsies.

Stewart: How did you cope with the wait for results?

Joan: To be quite honest, I haven’t a clue!  I was in shock.  I know I immediately spoke to a friend who I knew had had breast cancer, and she was wonderful and full of hope. The difficult time was telling my sister, who lives 100 miles away.  

Stewart: What were your thoughts and feelings when you received your results?

Joan: I had been prepared for bad news.  I was told that I would have to have chemotherapy to shrink the lump so that it would be easier to remove.  I would then have a full mastectomy followed by radiotherapy and hormone treatment for life.

Stewart: Have your experiences with testing changed over time as your treatment continued?

Joan: I’m an expert!!!  The only scan I haven’t had is an MRI.  I have been braver about asking questions, and I’m good at saying no to certain treatments. 

Stewart: Was there anything you wish someone had told you beforehand about what to expect?

Joan: Where do I start?  I’m going to have “If you don’t know the questions to ask, you won’t get the answers you didn’t know you needed” engraved on my headstone!

Stewart: What advice would you give to someone who is about to go through similar tests or scans for the first time?

Joan: Remember that you don’t have to be uncomfortable.  If it hurts - tell them!  The staff giving tests and scans are doing them every day and, in most cases, know that you may be nervous.

Stewart: Did you find any comfort or support from certain people, routines, or environments during the testing process?

Joan: I visited the Wellbeing Centre at Peterborough City Hospital.  They have the answers to your questions and answer some questions you didn’t think about asking.  Make lists of your questions and concerns before you go to meetings.  It helps to have someone with you, and you can ask if you can record the consultation.  There are several support groups in the area, and it’s comforting to be able to hear someone say,” Oh, I’ve had that scan.”  You are not alone!

Mammograms

A mammogram is a specialised low-dose X-ray of the breast used to detect early signs of breast cancer, often before symptoms such as a lump can be felt. During the procedure, each breast is gently compressed between two plates for a few seconds to spread the tissue and obtain clear images; this can feel uncomfortable but should not be painful and only lasts briefly. Mammograms are used both for routine screening in people without symptoms and for investigating specific breast changes. Early detection through regular screening significantly improves treatment options and outcomes, which is why attending scheduled appointments is strongly encouraged.