How Were You Diagnosed?

When were you diagnosed with secondary breast cancer?

March 2016 confirmed.

What type do you have?

Bone Mets to my ribs, sternum and lower spine. 

Did you have a primary diagnosis?

Yes - October 2015.

What symptoms made you go to the doctor? 

My left breast had swollen to twice the size of the right breast and I had electric shock type pain going through it.  I could feel a lump in my under arm but it was hard to tell what it was. 

How long did it take to be diagnosed? 

I had about 4-6 weeks of being treated for mastitis by my GP with antibiotics.  I knew within myself it wasn’t mastitis. 

It took longer than it should also as I didn’t receive my 2 week referral to the breast clinic.  As it was taking so long and I was worried about it, my employer at the time very kindly paid for me to go to a private clinic where I was diagnosed same day. 

How many times did you speak to a medical professional before you were diagnosed?

Quite a lot due to the mastitis issue and then not receiving my breast clinic appointment.