Struggling with health anxiety after primary breast cancer, Louise signed up to one of our Moving Forward courses. Sharing her experiences helped get her back on track, and inspired her to volunteer and help people like her.
Can you tell us about your diagnosis?
It was completely out of the blue. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in summer 2022, after noticing a small persistent leakage of clear liquid from one of my nipples. I was completely convinced that they’d say it was nothing sinister. I was fit, healthy, and just getting on with my busy life. The reality of the diagnosis blindsided me.
The next few months were a blur of biopsies, scans, fear, shock, and meetings where I had to make life-altering decisions about my body. I then had a and surgery. Everything in my life seemed to have turned upside down, and the fear of my mortality was crippling.
In late September that year, I found out that surgery had completely removed my cancer, and my genetic tests came back clear, meaning I didn't need any further treatment at that time.
What was life like after treatment?
Whilst my family and friends were relieved and optimistic, I felt numb, detached and terrified of recurrence. I had to go back to work, and although some normality returned, I had lost faith in my own body. I was wracked with health anxiety and the trauma of what had happened.
During this time, I saw an advert for Breast Cancer Now's Moving Forward course. I read the comments and felt such a connection with peoples' perspectives. I wasn't the sort of person to share my vulnerabilities in front of others, but I felt stuck and I wasn't enjoying the life I was so grateful to have. I impulsively decided to sign up for the course near me.
How did the Moving Forward course impact you?
I sheepishly arrived for day 1 of the course and was greeted by a volunteer who instantly made me feel welcome and put me at ease. Each of the participants had a different story, but we all shared the same challenges, fears, and concerns for the future.
I made some positive commitments to myself during the sessions, about some things I was going to start doing. I made sense of some of my fears and gained some really useful resources I didn't know about previously. The facilitator and volunteers inspired me to take back control of my life and I absolutely did.
I never looked back, and I decided that one day, when I was ready, I'd volunteer too, and give something back to help others.
How have you found being a volunteer?
I've now been a Someone Like Me phone volunteer for around a year, and I’ve spoken to a number of women in similar situations mine. To be able to listen, empathise, share stories, and even offer some practical tips that helped me is such a privilege. I’m also about to volunteer at my third Moving Forward course.
I'll never underestimate the courage it takes for people to come along to a session when your life has been turned upside down by cancer, and you need some support to move forward. It's an honour to be there. My workplace is keen to support charities that are close to our hearts, so I'm also grateful for their support in helping me give back.
What would you say to people who’ve received a diagnosis?
I hope that anyone reading this who feels stuck or lost after a diagnosis, feels they can take a step closer to signing up and joining us. The kettle is always on, and support is at hand from those who’ve been there and have found a way through.
Find support to move forward after treatment
You don’t always feel 'back to normal' when you finish treatment. Our Moving Forward courses help connect you with people like Louise, who understand what you’re going through.