I was always terrified of having breast cancer, don’t know where the fear came from but always said I wouldn’t do anything if I found a lump! I noticed a change in my breast (but not a lump) and only went to see about it as I had a 7 year son, which kind of puts things in perspective. I had a mastectomy, full axillary clearance, 8 sessions of chemotherapy, 20 sessions of radiotherapy, 5 years of tamoxifen and 6 months of letrozole. I decided, at that time, not to have a reconstruction.
The same week as I was diagnosed my younger brother was diagnosed with terminal cancer; it was a terrible time for us all. My son took it really hard when my brother died and was so afraid that I was going to die too. To him, cancer was cancer.
I think that however much support you have no one can understand what you are going through unless they have been through a similar experience so once I had myself back together (as much as I’d ever be!) I decided I would like to become a volunteer for Breast Cancer Now. I’m involved in all sorts of things: modelling at lingerie evenings, giving breast awareness talks and talking to ladies at Moving Forward courses.
I took early retirement three years ago as I had another scare about five years ago but everything was OK. I love going to keep fit classes, reading, walking and meeting friends for coffee and lunch.
I have thought about having a reconstruction many times over the years but still don’t feel I am ready. Having discovered that I can wear lovely bras it doesn’t bother me as much, although I’m only human so sometimes I still have body image issues.
If I can help in any way please get in touch – my email is pearl@breastcancernow.org
I think that however much support you have no one can understand what you are going through unless they have been through a similar experience. So once I had myself back together (as much as I’d ever be!) I decided I would like to become a volunteer.