Abi's story

I had a 6-month baby and 2-year-old at the time - it was full on! I learnt a lot about resilience and my own inner strength having to go through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy appointments alone. However, whenever I went in for treatment, the support I had from the nurses was amazing.

A routine scan showed a recurrence

In 2022, I was carefully stepping into life after breast cancer. Then, a routine scan showed the cancer had come back on my surgery side. This news was a huge setback. I faced more surgery and treatment.

Now, my treatment will last for a long time, which is a big mental adjustment. Even though this happened, I'm a very positive person. I don't pretend things are easy, I'm honest about the tough parts. But I also look for the good. I share my story and speak out to help people spot cancer early and to support better research.

I’ve relied on Breast Cancer Now information

I’ve read Breast Cancer Now’s booklets, information and website during this journey. They were such a comfort and gave me a sense of control during a situation where everything feels the opposite.

As my initial diagnosis came during the pandemic, I was alone in consultations, and it was hard to digest all the information. I read through Breast Cancer Now’s information on exercises to do after my mastectomy, and it made me feel a sense of safety and that I was doing the right thing.

Although the internet can be great, it is hard to know what to trust, and it can be overwhelming. However, I knew I could come to Breast Cancer Now and their information will be reliable. It feels like I have access to another support system which I can use whenever I need.

There are so many acronyms and nuances with a diagnosis, types of receptors and treatments that it's so reassuring to have it set out in an understandable, digestible way.

I wanted to do more, so I joined the Breast Cancer Voices

I’ve helped with a range of things - the most exciting was going to the launch of the Government's NHS 10-year plan as a Louder Voice. I took part in a round table discussion with patient advocates from other charities and NHS staff. The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, and the Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, were there!

I've also joined patient advocacy groups and given my input on some interesting topics, from research for pharmacists to Breast Cancer Now’s strategy. Being a voice gives me something so important. It makes me feel like myself. Cancer has stripped me of a lot of my identity and confidence. I’m no longer working due to the side effects of chemo.

Having treatment every 3 weeks can mean that often the feeling of being a "patient" takes over. Volunteering as a voice gives me purpose, reminds me of everything I am beyond cancer and is a much-needed focus away from medical appointments. I love using my voice in this way and it’s one of the real positives for me that has come out of my diagnoses.

My wear it pink plans

This year, my friends and I are turning the internet pink, one crazy outfit at a time. Wigs, bras, anything goes. The mission is to create a vibrant online spectacle by sharing our photos. The more fun we have, the more eyes we'll catch, and the further our pink message will travel.

Keep it simple

My top tips would be to keep your fundraising or event idea simple so as many people as possible can join in. Make sure everyone knows where their donations and contributions will be going and what a difference they are making. Finally, have fun with it!