Michelle's cancer story
Donation protected
I never thought I'd ever have to do this, but here we are! You never know what life will throw at you.
In March 2016, aged 32, I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. I went through chemotherapy, mastectomy and reconstruction and radiotherapy which completed in January 2017.
Unfortunately after a second reconstruction in April 2018, a new lump was found in my chest wall. I had to push for medical staff to listen and take my concerns seriously and eventually got a scan in early June.
Finally, on the 21st June 2018 - three days after my wedding, we got the news we were dreading. The cancer had returned in my chest wall/sternum. Still triple negative. The toughest to treat and very fast growing.
In July 2018 I had major chest surgery. It was meant to last 4 hours, but I was in there for 10! My sternum, ribs, left breast, and collar bones were removed and replaced with mesh and cement. The recovery has been very difficult in many ways. Physically and mentally... Not to mention the ongoing pain and trauma this has caused us all.
Recently I received my full results. Within 4 weeks, the cancer had spread to bones and lymph nodes changing my diagnosis to metastatic cancer - which was a devastating blow.
My treatment options are VERY limited. I can't have radiotherapy, I can only have chemotherapy and hope it works. If it doesn't, we are already looking into trials that I could be part of, but my cancer is complex and fast growing.
Today (only 5 weeks post op) we found a new mass - a suspicious mass that is likely another tumour and is already 3cm.
Due to lots of issues and delays over the last few months, and the speed at which the cancer has grown and spread we are raising money to get a second opinion, a CT scan and to start treatment sooner rather than later.
Despite my calls and pleas, I won't have a scan until the end of September, and won't start chemotherapy until October. I can't wait that long. I can't wait for the cancer to spread around my body more. My husband and son need me - and I need them!
I just want to get the treatment I need as soon as possible to give me the best chance of living my life ❤️
https://www.instagram.com/my_story_cancersucks/
In March 2016, aged 32, I was diagnosed with stage 3 triple negative breast cancer. I went through chemotherapy, mastectomy and reconstruction and radiotherapy which completed in January 2017.
Unfortunately after a second reconstruction in April 2018, a new lump was found in my chest wall. I had to push for medical staff to listen and take my concerns seriously and eventually got a scan in early June.
Finally, on the 21st June 2018 - three days after my wedding, we got the news we were dreading. The cancer had returned in my chest wall/sternum. Still triple negative. The toughest to treat and very fast growing.
In July 2018 I had major chest surgery. It was meant to last 4 hours, but I was in there for 10! My sternum, ribs, left breast, and collar bones were removed and replaced with mesh and cement. The recovery has been very difficult in many ways. Physically and mentally... Not to mention the ongoing pain and trauma this has caused us all.
Recently I received my full results. Within 4 weeks, the cancer had spread to bones and lymph nodes changing my diagnosis to metastatic cancer - which was a devastating blow.
My treatment options are VERY limited. I can't have radiotherapy, I can only have chemotherapy and hope it works. If it doesn't, we are already looking into trials that I could be part of, but my cancer is complex and fast growing.
Today (only 5 weeks post op) we found a new mass - a suspicious mass that is likely another tumour and is already 3cm.
Due to lots of issues and delays over the last few months, and the speed at which the cancer has grown and spread we are raising money to get a second opinion, a CT scan and to start treatment sooner rather than later.
Despite my calls and pleas, I won't have a scan until the end of September, and won't start chemotherapy until October. I can't wait that long. I can't wait for the cancer to spread around my body more. My husband and son need me - and I need them!
I just want to get the treatment I need as soon as possible to give me the best chance of living my life ❤️
https://www.instagram.com/my_story_cancersucks/
Organizer
Michelle Dorman
Organizer
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