A visual representation of the journey, showing key events and milestones from diagnosis through treatment.
First consultation with the surgeon on Friday afternoon, followed by whirlwind of diagnostic imaging - mammogram, ultrasound, core biopsies. MRI scan the following week completes the picture. From reassuring examination to mounting concerns.
Read more →A week after the diagnostic tests, all results are in: HER2-positive invasive ductal carcinoma with lymph node involvement. The surgeon presents the complete diagnostic picture and outlines the NACT strategy with a clear goal - pathological Complete Response.
Read more →PET/CT scan reveals no distant disease - cancer is localized (huge relief!). Meeting the oncologist at Royal Marsden, receiving the treatment plan with pCR as the goal. But an unexpected finding on the PET/CT leads to an urgent cardiac referral and a pause before treatment can begin.
Read more →Six days of cardiac testing and anxiety. From coronary calcification concerns to discovering excellent heart function. The relief of receiving clearance to proceed with the preferred chemotherapy regimen.
Read more →With cardiac clearance received, the complete treatment roadmap is finalized. Genetics testing initiated. Consent forms ready to sign. After weeks of preparation, assessment, and planning, treatment is ready to commence with a clear path to pCR.
Read more →Specialist neck ultrasound to investigate PET/CT findings - one tiny node that might not even be involved, everything else completely clear
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