In December 2021, I was diagnosed with a grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma in my left boob. Although not convinced it was even a lump, following a mammogram, an ultrasound and a biopsy it was confirmed as breast cancer. 

Thankfully my prognosis was good: a curative approach that would entail an operation to remove the tumour followed by radiotherapy. Most importantly for me and my state of mind in dealing with the diagnosis, no chemotherapy was needed - a treatment which I have all too sadly had to see way too many loved ones and friends endure.

It was all very quick from there; at the end of January the tumour was successfully removed with clear margins and the sentinel lymph biopsy showing that the cancer had not spread.

Fifteen rounds of adjuvant radiotherapy then followed at Guys Cancer Centre. Admittedly it was a relief to complete the treatment and I don't miss changing into a hospital gown, holding my breath for 20 second stretches, getting pins and needles from my elevated arms, the cumulative tiredness, the radiation burn effects of the blasts or having to walk into a building that reminds you of what a horrid disease cancer is on a daily basis. I do and will, however, remain forever grateful for being put through the system so efficiently, that I did not have to privately fund my treatment (thank you NHS) and for the care and kindness shown by all NHS staff throughout my cancer journey so far.

So why this run? Having run a few half marathons previously (my last one was August 2021) in between my operation and the radiotherapy I signed myself up for the Royal Parks Half Marathon (always good to have goals even if you haven't a clue if you'll be able meet them right?) and although I didn't get a ballot place, I did secure a place to run on behalf of Breast Cancer Now. 

To run the half on behalf of a charity, and one that specifically undertakes research into this disease while offering support to those who need it, provides me with a sense of purpose. Funding the continued research into breast cancer remains crucial so that those who are diagnosed with it stand the best chance of survival but also, as with all cancer research, to hopefully one day find a cure.

So there you go, that's my story and hopefully come the 9th October I'll be fully fit and able to complete the 21 km around London's lovely parks and in doing so make a small difference especially as I recently found out that due to my experience with cancer I can no longer donate blood (having given away 48 pints of the red stuff in exchange for a cuppa and a countless bourbons over the years). 

If you are able to make a donation you will be helping to make a significant difference to others whilst also giving me that extra boot up the derriere to get myself around the course!

Big love and big thanks, Andrea X

(ps. please also remember to regularly check your wobbly/dangly bits).

Official bit: Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.