2. Phyllodes tumor
3. Interviews

Patricia's interview

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How did all start?

I found a small lump in my left breast in April 2019.

Do you already have a diagnosis? How long did it take you to get it?

It took until they removed my first 5cm in diameter tumour to diagnose it as a malignant phyllodes tumour.

For what medical specialties have you been treated? What has been the most useful specialty for your?

I've had 7 operations to remove 11 MPTs since Oct 2019. I also did 33 rounds of radiation therapy in Feb & March 2021.

What has been the most useful thing for you so far?

I believe radiation shrank my most recent MPTs & have so far prevented local reoccurrences.

What have been your biggest difficulties?

It has been really discouraging to experience so many MPT reoccurrences in such a short period of time.

How has your social and family environment reacted? Have your social or family relationships changed?

I'm single & though I have some good friends, I've felt very alone & isolated during this time. Covid-19 had, of course, made it all worse.

What things have you stopped doing?

I've not been as mobile & I was of work for about 1 year.

What do you think about the future?

I just had a CT scan which showed a growth in my uterus. I will have an thorough exam this coming week & hope it's not an MPT metastases.

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