I had cancer in both breasts, but I’ve never done things by halves!

In September 2021, I sat in my consultant's room with my husband, and he told us that my biopsies confirmed I had breast cancer.

I had cancer in both breasts

Anyone who knows me knows I don't do things by halves, so to have it in both breasts was very me.

I had absolutely no symptoms and could feel no lumps. My diagnosis came from a routine mammogram - if ever there was a reason to get your screening, this is it!

Had I not bothered, forgotten, didn’t have the time or anyone of the other numerous excuses we make not to go, my story would be very different.

When I came round from my operation I remember thinking, ‘well that's not so bad’

I had no pain and 4 very neat dressings. I'd had tumours removed by lumpectomy from both breasts and lymph node removal from both underarms. 

What they didn’t seem to mention is the blue boobs!

My surgeon used blue dye as a guide for my lymph node removal. Almost 3 years on I still have blue boobs – much to the amusement of myself, family and friends.

After my surgery I had 5 rounds of radiotherapy – my oncologist called it a ‘mega blast’. I’ll have medication for 5-10 years.

Will I ever give up? 

Never! I lost my lifelong friend Karen to Covid in February 2021. When I feel down I can hear her in my ear saying ‘kick its ass". Yes, there are down days, but the good ones outweigh them now. I feel more positive and ready to look forward to the future.

Always accept help

Whether that’s from family, friends or charities like Breast Cancer Now. There’s no prize for struggling alone. 

I first found Breast Cancer Now online, and used the Forum a lot to get answers I needed. The helpline was also there for me when I was having a tough time with radiotherapy.

I think it’s really important to find other people who have been affected by cancer and understand what you’re going through. With family and friends, you often put on a brave face. But being around people who understand and who you can talk openly with makes all the difference.

I’ve been volunteering with Breast Cancer Now for just over a year

I volunteer for my local Moving Forward courses. I love the fact that I can help other people with breast cancer and give back to the charity that has helped me so much.

I’m also interested in fundraising for them.

I was excited to get involved with the Afternoon Tea photoshoot 

I can accept my new look now, I'm more positive and ready to look forward to the future. The photoshoot was a great opportunity, and I really enjoyed the day. 

I’ve now signed up for this year’s Afternoon Tea

Baking is a passion of mine – Victoria sponge is my signature bake!

If I hold an Afternoon Tea, I’ll invite all my friends and get them to bring their friends too. My house isn’t huge, but I know we’d manage! Everyone could bring a cake, we could sit and talk, fundraise and raise awareness.

If you’re thinking about holding a tea, just do it!

Worry about the ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ later. You could have an Afternoon Tea with 3 people, and it would still make a big difference.