Following her treatment for primary breast cancer, Leighanne found the Moving Forward course helped her to talk through her experiences. Now, as a Breast Cancer Voice, she’s finding ways to help others facing similar challenges.
Could you tell us about your experience of breast cancer?
In January 2024 I was in the middle of selling my house, working from home while trying to fit in viewings. I have an annual health assessment through work. I almost cancelled to do a viewing. I'm very glad I didn't.
I’d had cysts on my breasts before, so when I felt a lump I was unphased. I thought it’d always been there. However, the doctor referred me to the breast clinic. After a few appointments, an and surgery, I was diagnosed with stage 1 oestrogen-receptive breast cancer.
It was quite scary going from thinking it was a cyst to having a cancer diagnosis. But my consultant and the breast cancer clinic team were great and explained everything that would happen with my treatment plan.
Over the next few months, I had more scans and further surgery, including a which confirmed the cancer hadn't spread. This was followed by a course of . I'm now on tamoxifen for the next 10 years, and I’ll shortly have the first of many annual reviews and mammograms.
I was upset at my first radiotherapy session, but the amazing radiographers put me at ease. They got me chatting about my weekend plans, which included seeing Taylor Swift on her Eras Tour. They even played Taylor Swift’s music for me during my treatment. A session that had started with me feeling uncertain and overwhelmed ended in smiles and feeling upbeat.
What support did you receive after treatment?
Those same radiographers told me about Breast Cancer Now's Moving Forward course. It’s for people who have recently completed treatment for primary breast cancer and are managing life after treatment. I decided to sign up.
Moving Forward gave me the chance to talk about my experiences with women who had been through their own diagnoses, and to talk with professionals in a safe and welcoming environment.
The hosts of the course talked in depth about the work Breast Cancer Now does. That got me interested in finding ways to get involved. I talk openly about my experience, and I really believe in reducing the stigma of cancer to encourage people to seek earlier diagnosis.
How did you get involved in Breast Cancer Voices?
I found Louder Voices on the Breast Cancer Now website and signed up. Shortly after, in September 2024, I became a lived experience project team member on the Here for You project. As a project group member, I attend monthly project calls and provide feedback and input into the team’s activity.
I was recently lucky enough to be on the interview panel for support officer roles at Breast Cancer Now. It allowed me to experience conducting interviews from a different perspective, and introduced me to questions that were more specific to the charity sector.
I always feel like my contribution as a Here for You project group member is welcomed and valued. But being on the interview panel felt like I was able to deliver something tangible, with my opinion having an immediate impact. I really appreciated this opportunity to develop and hone my own skills, and I’d happily help with interviews again.
How are things going now?
Besides being a Louder Voice, Breast Cancer Now has had another positive impact on my life. I set up a WhatsApp group with the girls I met at Moving Forward. We’re always planning meet ups and sharing how things are going.
I've had a few minor setbacks since finishing treatment, including swelling and discomfort in the area where I had radiotherapy. When I got back to doing some gentle running, I found that the radiotherapy on my chest wall had impacted my breathing, too.
Both things were getting me down a bit, but I was able to talk it over with the girls when we met up and get their support. I also contacted the breast cancer nurse team. They referred me for lymphatic massage, which helped to settle things.
Breast Cancer Now helped me throughout my diagnosis and treatment. Now, I feel privileged to be able to give my time to help others going through the same.
Want to share your voice?
Our Breast Cancer Voices, like Leighanne, make a real difference to what we do. By joining our Breast Cancer Voices community, we’ll keep you up to date about opportunities to use your experience to shape our work.