CT Scan Results

It's the day I've been dreading. In the waiting room, my heart is in its usual state of almost catapulting itself out of my rib cage. Luckily my amazing boyfriend is with me and he helps to settle my nerves.

After over an hours wait, we are finally called in. My consultant shares the good news, essentially it's all good. Despite being invasive, the cancer hasn't spread outside of my breast. My lymph nodes and bones are clear.

The scan has however shown that there is actually two lumps in my left breast so they'll need to add a savi scout marker during another ultra sound scan prior to my op.

The scan also revealed a 4-5cm cyst on my ovary so I'll be sent for further scans and blood tests for that. 

I feel like a weight has been lifted. I was so scared that the cancer had spread to my spine because I've been suffering with back problems for a few months. Now I can hopefully get a good nights sleep for once and just look forward to having the cancer removed in a couple of weeks.

CT Scan Day

When your cancer returns second time around, your NHS consultant will send you for a CT Scan to see if the cancer is a new primary or if it is secondary and has unfortunately spread to other areas of your body such as your bones or your brain.

The CT scan isn't as daunting as the MRI as you don't go in to a big tube and feel completely claustrophobic.

Photo Credit: David Millington 

During the scan, the radiology team will inject you with a dye called a contrast medium. They tell you that you will feel like you have wet yourself but you haven't. It is such a strange feeling! Genuinely feels like you've peed yourself for a minute or two! 

I was asked to lie flat throughout. At various points I was told to hold my breath while they took various scans.

The whole thing took about 40 minutes for the full body scan although, If you do have the dye you may be asked to stay at the hospital for up to 30 minutes afterwards so ensure you don't have any adverse reactions. 

I'll get my results in a couple of weeks once the radiologist has analyst my images. 

NHS Cancer Prehabilitation

Prehabilitation was something completely new to me this time around. I was invited to the hospital to run through my diagnosis and assist me in getting as fit and healthy for my op and cancer treatment both physically and mentally. 

I filled out a questionnaire in the waiting room and then had a one to one session with one of the nurses. 

I was actually a great session, we talked about various things:

• Exercise: They offered my a couple of weekly exercise classes at the hospital as well as some tailored exercises to assist after my operation. 
• Nutrition: We discussed the benefits of a balanced diet and should i need it, Advice from a  access to tailored support.
• Mental wellbeing: We talked a lot about how I was feeling following my diagnosis. Luckily, having been through it before, I am feeling positive. I have that "I've smashed it before, I'll do it again" mentality but it was explained that I can at anytime reach out to them for emotional and psychological support 
• Information and other services: Education about your diagnosis and treatment from a clinical nurse specialist. Help with stopping smoking if you need it and details of how to get support from the Macmillan cancer information and support service.

I don't think this is available through all NHS trusts but I found it very beneficial and a great help.

Find out more from Cancer Research.