I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in December 2014, aged 38. It was a massive bombshell and I was in complete shock. I had an invasive grade 3 Breast Cancer in my right breast.
I opted to have a mastectomy that was followed by chemotherapy. I didn't require radiotherapy, and I am now taking Tamoxifen. I later went onto to have a left Mastectomy and a bilateral Lat Dorsi (LD) reconstruction, later followed by a nipple reconstruction and tattooing. Even though I was BRACA1 and 2 negative, my mum had died of breast cancer at a relatively young age.
My partner and I had only been together 18 months when I found out the news, and I remember thinking he would run for the hills. I got married in August 2016 and he has been my rock, supporting me throughout.
I also have two daughters, who were aged 13 and 10 at diagnosis. It was so hard trying to find a way of telling them as I didn’t want to worry them, but managed to find the strength to be as positive as I could.
I really enjoy yoga, walking and cycling. I definitely have a different outlook on life now, and really appreciate everything and also how incredibly lucky I am. I don’t let the little things worry me anymore and listen to my body if I’m tired, and most importantly enjoy each and every day.
You can email me on: claire@breastcancernow.org
I don’t let the little things worry me anymore and listen to my body if I’m tired, and most importantly enjoy each and every day.