ABSTRACT
Belinda was brilliant and organised a mammogram and ultrasound for later that day. It was very difficult trying to maintain normality in the office I share with nursing friends and they were aware that ‘something was going on’, as I was quite subdued. I guessed the news wasn’t good when the mammogram and ultrasound took a while to perform and just by observing the radiographer’s expression, but I wasn’t prepared for the news that I also had a problem with calcification in the right breast, which would also need a biopsy. So I walked back to the office with the knowledge that the left breast lump was very likely malignant and the right side would also need investigation. As soon as I saw my friends I burst into tears and explained what I knew. Gill’s the Lymphoma Clinical Nurse Specialist but her previous post had been in breast care and Catherine was leader of the IV team so I was in very good hands for advice and support. They decided the best course of action was to come home with me and open some wine! This was how Phil found us later that evening as he returned home slightly earlier than usual, before Gill and Catherine had left. He looked a bit annoyed with us and was obviously puzzled why we were at home drinking wine. So my carefully planned explanation was blurted out when they left us alone.
