The Diagnosis
Grade 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, with a dollop of Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) on the side!!!
It's like a whole other language isn't it? I don't know if you're aware that there's more than one type of Breast Cancer, I know I didn't. There are in fact 6 types, some rarer than others and I can barely fit all the information of the ones I have to deal with into my tiny little brain, never mind researching them all.
So here's a brief on the two I'm battling with...
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, is basically where Cancer is fighting to turn your machine into Cancerville, after forming in the milk ducts, the cancer cells multiply and divide invading surrounding tissues forming lumps or various other warning signs. Without you consciously knowing it, a war has begun and your machine is under attack.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ, is where the cancer cells are maintained within the milk ducts. Again, your body will give warning signs if this occurs so checking of oneself should become a regular practise.
Grading, is a guideline on how much energy the cancer has, the higher the grade the quicker it's growing and spreading. I'm looking at a grade 3, which is the highest growth rate.
Staging, however, is a guideline of how far around the body it has managed to travel. From the breast, it first invades the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bones and brain. I'm at Stage 3, so we caught it before it had found it's way through to any of the major organs.
Signs and Symptoms
Self Examination is very important. Doing it regularly helps you to become familiar with your breasts. I always found this easiest when bathing or showering. The soapiness helps to feel all those lumps and bumps that are normal/abnormal to you. Move around your entire breast in a circular pattern from outside to centre with the pads of your fingers. Check the entire breast and armpit area too. You are feeling for any lump, thickening or hardened knots.
Try In front of the mirror
Look at your breasts first with your arms at your side, and next with your arms raised overhead. Notice any changes in contour, swelling, dimpling of the skin or changes in the nipples. Then put your palms on your hips and flex your chest muscles – again look for any visual changes, keeping in mind that both sides won’t necessarily match.
Or do it Lying down
The best way to feel breast tissue is to lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder, and your right arm behind your head. Use your left hand to mover around your right breast in small, circular motions covering the entire breast and armpit. Use light, medium and firm pressure. Also squeeze the nipple to check for discharge and lumps. Repeat for the left breast.
A change in your breast’s size of shape
Skin changes on the breast, such as indentation or dimpling
A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
An unusual discharge from the nipple, especially if it is bloody.
Peeling or flaking of the nipple
Enlarged lymph nodes, or swelling in your armpit
A change in the colour and texture of the skin on your breast – looking like the skin of an orange.
Do it After every period - check yourself regularly but a couple of days after every period is a good time
Do it often - Know what you're looking for, learn your lumps and bumps so you become familiar with what should and shouldn't be there.
Get Groping yourselves on a regular basis!!!
If you feel anything that concerns you, contact your doctor immediately. Cancer is very unforgiving, so whatever your beliefs... It is vital you know WHAT it is you are dealing with.