In 2004, I was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer — a 2.8cm tumour. I underwent chemotherapy to shrink it, followed by a lumpectomy and radiotherapy.
I actually found the lump myself, but both my GP and surgeon initially thought it was just normal breast tissue. It didn’t show up on a mammogram, but because I had private health cover, I was offered an ultrasound as well — and that’s when the tumour finally revealed itself.
Thanks to that private health cover, I went on to have biannual ultrasounds and mammograms for five years, and then annual mammograms after that. It was during one of those routine checks, in 2019, that another tumour was found — a 6mm hormone-responsive invasive lobular carcinoma. Once again, I had surgery, radiotherapy, and another five years of annual mammograms.
By year four, my circumstances had changed, and my ongoing care moved to the NHS. My fifth-year scan in 2024 came back clear, and my next routine mammogram was scheduled for 2027.
When Something Feels “Off”
In May this year, I thought I could feel a lump. It seemed to appear and disappear, which was confusing — but something just didn’t feel right. By July, I decided to visit my GP. She couldn’t feel any lump or mass but, knowing my history, referred me to the two-week breast cancer clinic for further checks.
At the clinic, the advanced nurse practitioner also couldn’t feel anything, but since it had been over a year since my last mammogram, she arranged for both a mammogram and an ultrasound.
The ultrasound came back clear — but the mammogram showed a slightly darker area compared to the previous year. More tests followed.
A surgeon examined me but also couldn’t find any lump. I was then sent for an MRI, which revealed a suspicious mass. This led to another ultrasound and a biopsy.
Even with all those scans — mammogram, ultrasound, MRI — no one, not even the specialists, could feel anything physically.
And that’s the key message I want to share.
The Diagnosis
Despite being undetectable by touch, I was diagnosed with a 1.8mm triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma in my right breast.
Thankfully, my CT scan showed no metastases, but because I’ve already had lumpectomies and radiotherapy on both breasts, my next step is a double mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy. Again.
With triple negative breast cancer, there are no hormone treatments or long-term medications to prevent recurrence — it’s chemotherapy or nothing.
Why I’m Sharing This
I need to stress this: the lump I thought I felt wasn’t even the tumour. The actual tumour couldn’t be felt by anyone.
If I’d waited until 2027 for my next mammogram… well, I might not be here to tell this story.
So please — listen to your body.
Check your breasts, your underarms, and your neckline regularly. If something feels off — even if it comes and goes — get it checked. If you feel unwell without a clear reason, follow up on it.
And most importantly: don’t be dismissed. Don’t be fobbed off.
If you feel something is wrong, fight for yourself.
Moving Forward
I know I have a long road ahead of me, and I won’t pretend I’m looking forward to it. But I’m incredibly grateful for my support network, my friends, and everyone who continues to walk beside me.
Once again, I find myself feeling — strangely — lucky. Lucky that it was found. Lucky that I trusted my instincts.
If sharing this helps even one person get checked sooner, then it’s worth every word.
