Hi, I'm Fiona and I was diagnosed with stage 2, grade 3 invasive breast cancer in March 2020, just before I turned 47. The tumour was 35mm, located on the side/underarm of my right breast, and was both er+ and her2+. I had a wide local excision with sentinel node biopsy, followed by 6 rounds of chemo (3 x EC and 3 x Docetaxel), and concurrent trastuzamab/Herceptin injections. I then had 10 days of radiotherapy and started a five-year course of oestrogen suppressant (Exemestane). I was also having monthly injections of zoladex, as I was premenopausal. Having suffered with endometriosis however, I asked to have my ovaries removed instead and had this surgery in December 2020.
Treatment was relatively straightforward for me, I completed active treatment 6 months after diagnosis, although chemotherapy in particular was quite challenging and unpleasant. Going into medically induced menopause overnight was also very difficult and it took some time for me to adjust to and accept this significant alteration to my sense of self.
I also had mental health difficulties during this period. Prior to diagnosis, I had just started EMDR (a trauma therapy) after two years on a waiting list, and this had to be suspended. I was also a carer for my father who was beginning to develop dementia. So, I understand that breast cancer does not happen in a vacuum. It arrives unexpectedly and unpleasantly in a life that has many other demands and challenges.
Since finishing treatment, there have been ups and downs as I continue to craft and build my post cancer life and being. I have retrained by completing a diploma and am looking forward to starting my new career. My partner and I got married recently which was a wonderful and life affirming celebration especially as my wife was and is so incredibly supportive during my treatment and recovery.
I value the ways in which I have grown and developed as a person through the challenges I have experienced. This is not to say that cancer was anything other than a trauma. However, allowing myself the space (and having support in that space) to fully experience and process what I am truly feeling and thinking has helped me to move towards and into post traumatic growth. It has been particularly meaningful for me to offer this support via the Someone Like Me telephone service since August 2021 and through the email service here at Someone Like Me. If there is something you feel I can help with, then you can email me at fiona@breastcancernow.org.