I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer in 2019 at the age of 60. I worked as an Outpatient Matron at the time and I’ve never been more terrified in my life. I underwent 6 months of neojuvant chemotherapy, a mastectomy, 15 sessions of radiotherapy and 14 months of oral chemo as a precautionary measure as there is no other targeted treatment for TNBC - Also had two years of Zoledronate infusions at six monthly intervals to protect my bones. I am so grateful that I am five years clear now and have been discharged from all follow up and back in the national breast screening programme. And I now have a wicked mastectomy tattoo!
I hope I can offer support and encouragement to anyone going through this and to say that it’s a long road but there is life after cancer. I completed the mini moonwalk for breast cancer awareness in 2023 walking 15.6 miles through the streets of London, overnight, wearing a decorated bra which was so emotional and I burst into tears as we crossed the finish line! Last year I did the 10k nightwalk for Cancer Research Uk and completed it in 2 hours.
I hate the ‘warrior’ and ‘fighter’ analogy along with the soft voice and head tilt thing!!!! You’ll know what I mean!!!
it’s your journey and don’t let anyone invalidate your fears and anxieties - they are real!
