Sharon is still in active treatment for breast cancer, but that isn’t stopping her from taking part in the 2.6 fundraiser challenge!
Sharon is still in active treatment for breast cancer, but that isn’t stopping her from taking part in the 2.6 fundraiser challenge!
I’m feeling strong enough for a challenge
On 1 November 2019 I was diagnosed with invasive lobular breast cancer with two lumps in my left breast which had spread to two of my lymph nodes. I had surgery to remove the lumps and all my lymph nodes on the left side. I started chemotherapy in January.
On top of the cancer I also have fibromyalgia and an underactive thyroid which causes fatigue and widespread pain.
My fourth and last chemotherapy was a little worse than the sessions I'd had before. I was due to have six but it was reduced because of the risks with coronavirus.
But, after two weeks of feeling crappy, I started getting out and about a little and walking up the mountains near me (socially distancing myself as I only came across the odd sheep on my walks). My body was starting to feel a little stronger and so, when I saw the 2.6 Challenge on Facebook, I thought, ‘I can do that’.
I wanted to give something back
I saw it was linked to Breast Cancer Now and was delighted that this could be my opportunity to give something back. I regularly look for support and information from all the breast cancer charities online who have helped me along the way.
So, on Sunday (less than three weeks after my last chemo), I will be running 2.6 miles to raise money for Breast Cancer Now.
I set up my JustGiving page with a target of £100 and in two days I've raised a massive £897 so far, which is more than I ever thought. The generosity of friends and family has just reiterated to me just how much support I have through all of this, and it's made me determined and prepared to hit the next stage of my treatment which is radiotherapy in a couple of weeks’ time.
It’s a scary time for people with breast cancer
Being diagnosed with breast cancer is scary at any time, but even more so during the covid crisis. It helps if you have a good support network around you. I'm lucky to have such a wonderful family and circle of friends, and I realise some others are not so lucky.
To those who may not have as much support, I would say take all the help you can get and all the help you're offered. I'm usually such an independent person and it's difficult to rely on other people, but my advice is to grasp with both hands all the help you can.
Stay in touch with friends and family and don’t be afraid to ask for help. You'll be surprised how eager people are to do a good deed for you. The priority slots for online shopping from the major supermarkets have been a God-send. Keep your mind and body active and try to have some sort of structure to your day. YouTube and online social networks are full of fitness videos and ideas. And then don’t beat yourself up for having a well-deserved rest with your feet up and a good book.
This is such a worthy cause
My husband and my son and daughter have vowed to run with me on Sunday, supporting me every step of the way.
I'm proud and very happy to be challenging myself during my treatment for a very worthy cause and as a thank you to Breast Cancer Now for helping me and other people to beat cancer and kick its butt.
We will come out the other side. Love and light to you all.
If you want to take part in the 2.6 Challenge, we have plenty of ideas to inspire you!