Kate

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2015, aged 33. I had no family history of breast cancer and it came as a huge shock. I had a grade 1 ductal carcinoma in my right breast and had four lymph nodes removed which were clear.

As well as finding out I had breast cancer I also found out that I was 4 weeks pregnant. This made my circumstances ‘unusual’ and altered the treatment plan that I had. I went on to have a mastectomy when I was 12 weeks pregnant. I did not have a reconstruction at the time although it is something I would consider in the future.

My breast cancer was oestrogen receptor positive so after the birth of my little boy I started Tamoxifen for five years.

I also have another son who was 3 at the time of my diagnosis. We decided not to tell him as he seemed too young and we wanted to keep him in his happy bubble. My husband was with me every step of the way and was always my voice of reason when things got too much or my mind ran away with negative thoughts.

I have now found my ‘new normal’ and although still have anxieties from time to time, I enjoy life. I love spending time with my two precious boys and definitely have a different outlook on life now. If you have any concerns around breast cancer and pregnancy, having a mastectomy, taking Tamoxifen or anything else please email me.