Adeanna’s Story

I was diagnosed in Covid lockdown  

On Friday 13th November  2020, at the age of 47 and during Covid lockdown, I was diagnosed with HER2-negative stage 1 primary breast cancer. I found a lump after a shower that I hadn’t noticed before. And there was liquid coming from my nipple long after I had dried myself. I was going to leave it and thought it was nothing, but several weeks later the lump was still there. So, I called the doctors.  

At the time, appointments were mainly on the phone  and I was worried they wouldn’t see me. I didn’t know much about the symptoms of breast cancer, but I knew it was best to get it checked out. My best friend took me to the hospital but wasn’t allowed in with me to hear the results, so I had to go in alone where I was given my diagnosis. When I heard the word “cancer”, I sobbed. The rest was a blur!  

I had a lumpectomy just before Christmas, and then I started a course of intensive radiotherapy once I’d healed. Having found the lump early, I was told I might not need to have chemotherapy,  but they said I’d know more after the operation and might be put on tamoxifen.  

Keeping positive through it all was tough  

Unfortunately, tamoxifen caused issues with my uterus, and I had to go back to hospital for another operation. After 2 years they changed my medication, and I had Zoladex injections every 28 days. I didn’t have chemotherapy because the cancer wasn’t found in my sentinel lymph nodes.

Keeping positive through it all was tough, but I was determined to fight it till the very end! I felt like I was in a bad dream, but the reality kicked in and I had to keep going. I had very supportive family and friends but there were some who didn’t cope well with it and were very distant, to the point we didn’t speak again.  

I’m now 5 years cancer-free and life has changed me. I’m not who I used to be. I used to live waiting to do the things I wanted. Now, I live each day to the full because being here is a blessing and I’m extremely grateful!

My top tips for fundraising 

Games work well and everyone likes something competitive! I use the games provided in the fundraising pack and always hold a raffle as well. It’s so important to promote what you are doing early it as it really gets the interest going so people want to help fundraise. 

I started fundraising for Wear It Pink with a tour of Jazzercise classes 

I qualified as a Jazzercise Instructor in 2023 and started fundraising for Wear It Pink with a tour of classes. It brought everyone together to share their stories and help raise awareness. And it’s now a regular event that everyone looks forward to participating in. 

I love meeting all the ladies who are also passionate about raising awareness and fundraising for breast cancer. It’s been especially lovely that they have shared their stories with me and felt they had someone to talk to. 

Some have come to me since the classes telling me about family members and it’s really made a difference bringing everyone together as a community.  

I fully support Wear It Pink and am extremely passionate about it. Breast Cancer Now do amazing things with their support and research.  

I hope my story helps raise awareness to check yourself and not ignore the signs or symptoms. I didn’t ignore my symptoms, and it saved my life!