Lynette Jones: A Breast Cancer Survivor Story
Disclaimer: Know Your Lemons deeply values and respects the experiences and stories shared by breast cancer patients. The advice, statements, or facts presented in these narratives may not necessarily align with medical expertise or be universally applicable to every individual’s situation. Breast cancer is a complex and highly individualized medical condition, and while these stories offer valuable insights and emotional support, they should not substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance and decision-making regarding breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. Know Your Lemons encourages a collaborative approach between patients, caregivers, and medical professionals to ensure the best possible care and outcomes for those affected by breast cancer.
Lynette holding the Know Your Lemons app
Lynette is 56 years old from a little village called Tonteg in South Wales, UK. She works for the occupational health team council in her area, providing public services including health, housing, benefits, event planning and more. She enjoys walking, running and sea dipping. Currently, Lynette has started a counseling skills course at her local college so that she can start a cancer support group at her work, in which she knows many will benefit from. Lynette has given us permission to share her edited video and zoom conversation with you in order to help inspire others to take action when it comes to their breast health. Here is her story...
HOW SHE FIRST HEARD ABOUT KNOW YOUR LEMONS
Zhenya: Alright, let's dive into your story. How did you first hear about Know Your Lemons?
Lynette: I first came across Know Your Lemons on social media, specifically Facebook and Twitter. It seems that when you receive a diagnosis, everything related to your condition starts appearing in your timeline. When you're overwhelmed with a diagnosis, you naturally seek more information and help. I explored various avenues, and Know Your Lemons was one of them. It's hard to sift through all the information out there, but that's how I came across it.
HOW SHE DISCOVERED HER CANCER
Zhenya: That's great to hear. Many people discover us post-diagnosis, just like you did. It's fantastic that you reached out and are willing to share your story, as these stories can be truly impactful and inspirational. People take action when they hear from individuals like you. Thank you for taking the time to do this. How old were you when you discovered your breast cancer, and how did you find it?
Lynette: I found it myself in August '21. I was 53, and I had a mammogram three years prior when I was 50, and everything was fine. I stumbled upon it by chance. It was a hot day, and I was wearing a vest. I noticed a little dimple on my vest and took a closer look. I realized there was a lump underneath. So I decided to inspect further to see what was in there.
HER DIAGNOSIS STORY
Zhenya: That's quite the discovery. What did you do next? Did you make an appointment with your GP?
Lynette: Yes, it was a Sunday, which wasn't ideal because it was the weekend, and not much was open. I called the NHS hotline and explained that I had a lump and wanted to be seen urgently. Looking back, I realize that was unreasonable. But the GP saw me on the following Monday, and they referred me to the breast clinic. Initially, they told me it would be an 8 to 12-week wait for an appointment, even though it's supposed to be a two-week cancer pathway in Wales. Due to COVID and other factors, the waiting time had extended. That was concerning.
Zhenya: So, you had to wait for about six to seven weeks to be seen?
Lynette: Yes, eventually it was around six to seven weeks. However, I contacted my Member of Parliament (MP) because I felt the wait was too long and impractical. She wrote a letter to the health board, which expedited my appointment. I managed to get seen a bit sooner, but it was still a long wait. Waiting for three months not knowing if it was cancerous, how advanced it was, and what the future held was very distressing. You want to start the treatment immediately.
Zhenya: I can only imagine the stress that waiting must have caused. Early detection is critical, and I'm glad you fought for a quicker assessment. What was the process like when you finally saw a healthcare professional?
Lynette: The first step was a physical examination. The doctor visually and physically assessed the area, which was challenging because I had to keep my arms down. During this examination, they noticed the dimple I had mentioned earlier. Following that, I had a mammogram, and afterward, they conducted an ultrasound. Immediately after the ultrasound, they performed a biopsy. At this point, nobody had confirmed or denied that it was cancer. The radiographer conducting the biopsy inquired about how long I had been waiting, which made me anxious because I still didn't know the diagnosis. Then, they sent me back to the consultant. After the biopsy, they confirmed it was cancerous.
WHERE SHE IS NOW
Zhenya: That must have been quite overwhelming. What is the current status of your cancer journey?
Lynette: I had a lumpectomy in December. After the results came back from that surgery, I was advised to have a mastectomy because they found cells that had morphed in the breast, which was different from the initial diagnosis. They initially thought it was ductal carcinoma in situ, but it turned out to be lobular. Luckily, the mastectomy revealed another tumor that was not initially detected. If I hadn't had the mastectomy, it could have led to a recurrence. The tumor was just four millimeters in size. They suggested chemo and radiation, but I didn't need radiation due to the mastectomy. The decision about chemo hinged on my recurrence risk, which turned out to be low based on the Oncotype DX test. So now, I'm on hormonal therapy.
Zhenya: It's quite a journey you've been through. You mentioned finding a dimple on your breast, which you hadn't known was a sign of breast cancer. Did you have any knowledge of this before your diagnosis?
Lynette: No, I didn't. While they mention dimples as one of the signs, I had only seen more general visuals of breast cancer awareness campaigns. This time, I noticed that this dimple was just one and didn't fit the typical images that depict one lump or unusual dimpling or rashes. It was a single dimple, which stood out when I lifted my breast, especially since I have a larger chest. This is what the consultant mentioned during my diagnosis, that it might not have worried them if it was just the lump, but the dimple raised concern.
12 SIGNS OF BREAST CANCER + IMPORTANCE OF EARLY DETECTION
12 signs of breast cancer: What breast cancer can look and feel like.
Zhenya: I see. It's essential to raise awareness about the different signs of breast cancer, including dimples. Have you seen the visual of the 12 signs of breast cancer that we have?
Lynette: Yes, I have. I recognize it, and it's the second image from the left on the top row.
Zhenya: What were your initial thoughts when you first saw this image?
Lynette: I was looking for the signs that matched my experience. The visual is very informative and gives a clear understanding of what to look for.
Zhenya: It's great that you found the visual helpful. We're trying to spread awareness about the 12 signs because there's more to breast cancer than just a lump. Did you know we also have a self-exam app?
Lynette: I wasn't aware of the app, as I only started exploring this information after my diagnosis. It's something I'd be interested in using and sharing because it could help others.
Zhenya: That's wonderful to hear. Many people discover these resources after they've been affected by breast cancer. You're planning to set up a cancer support group at your workplace, which is fantastic. Sharing these resources and your experiences can make a significant difference in raising awareness and helping others.
Lynette: I believe it's essential to share and reach out, even though it can be challenging at times. I've only started looking for this information since my diagnosis. It's not something you pay much attention to until it directly affects you, which might sound strange. But I've only delved into these resources since discovering my condition.
Zhenya: That's entirely understandable, and you're now in a position to share and make a difference. We'll send you a link to share your story through a video, which can be more impactful and personal when spreading the message. It's great that you're considering this, as your experiences can inspire and help others.
Lynette: I'll definitely share the app and other resources with people who might benefit from them. Two people have already gone for tests following my diagnosis, and they found lumps. Fortunately, they turned out not to be concerning, but they were worried at the time. My experience prompted them to check.
Zhenya: Your willingness to share and help others is making a positive impact. Breast cancer can be a difficult topic to discuss, but your experiences and sharing can make it easier for people to understand and address it. Thank you for sharing your story, Lynette.
Lynette: Thank you for all the work you do, the information you provide, and the awareness you're raising. It's incredibly important.
Zhenya: We appreciate your kind words. We'll stay in touch and send you the link for the video. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Lynette: I will, thank you. Have a great day.
Zhenya: You too. Goodbye!
