Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/85232
126: yourjourneys Que SeraSera WORDS BY: Margaret Comer It was really interesting doing a review of this time of my life - to say I enjoyed it would be ridiculous but I don't regret the experience and am deeply grateful that I live in a country where such fine medical treatment is available. I was in my early-fifties when, during my annual mammogram an indicator of early stage cancer was identified and surgery followed. Two years later, again during a mammogram, cancer was identified. Following a biopsy, it was confirmed as breast cancer and a mastectomy was recommended which I agreed to very quickly. It was a difficult time but gently and professionally handled by the breast surgeon, Julian Francis and the nursing support team. This time I would also need to have radiotherapy. There were no warning signs at all, no lumps or bumps. I had a history of breast cysts and over the years had four "lumps" removed but none were cancer so initially I was feeling fairly confident. I will never forget the look on the radiologists face when she asked me to wait again for my X-rays to be reviewed - I think I knew then that not all was well. Once diagnosed, I was quickly enveloped in the big hospital system. At every touch point through my treatment I was impressed and very grateful for the caring, the advice and the humour that I experienced. Needle biopsy showed that surgery was required and the process started quickly. I was overnight only for my mastectomy - I went home in the morning with a drain attached and started the healing process. My first visit to the Oncology Department was frightening; being in the midst of obviously very sick people was something I will never forget. Once my radiotherapy plan was established, I commenced this part of my treatment and apart from tiredness and a very small area of burning, I was fine. I have a particularly wry sense of humour myself and on many occasions through my treatment humour from the medical team at the right time was just wonderful. Imagine day after day having to advise