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Sue's Story - In late February of last year, I attended my scheduled mammogram appointment. It wasn't until a few weeks later that I received the results, thankfully indicating everything was clear. Relieved, I breathed a sigh of relief… we all have that doubting feeling - will it be me this time! 

However, within a short span of time—though I can't recall precisely when—I discovered a lump on my right breast. Where had it come from? How long had it been there? Could it have been present during my recent mammogram? Surely, if it were serious, they would have detected it then! With those thoughts, I swiftly packed away any worries, choosing to address them another day.

After several month I eventually confide in my husband, John, together, we decided it was time to consult a doctor.

In early July of last year, I received the diagnosis of a grade 2 ductal cancer. I am not really sure how long it took me to take on board what was happening. I didn't feel unwell, everything was as normal, it was a very strange feeling, almost like an out-of-body experience, I suppose it was my coping mechanism! 

Telling my daughters about my breast cancer diagnosis proved to be the most challenging task. The mere thought of it saddens me deeply, but their incredible support, alongside my husband, has been a tremendous source of strength for me and still is today! 

In August 2023, I underwent Therapeutic Mammoplasty & Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy surgery. I was now thrown into a whole new phase of emotions, and the stark reality of surgery and life during and after treatment set in. 

To complete my breast cancer treatment, I underwent a course of radiotherapy. For me, this was probably the hardest part of all. Radiotherapy is a lot more aggressive both mentally and physically than I had imagined. I am now undergoing hormone therapy, which will continue for the next five years, and that too brings it’s own challenges!

It is now almost five months since the completion of my treatment, the side-effects of the radiotherapy have faded and I now feel ready to talk about my experience.

Here are a few of my thoughts and tips...

• Check your breasts regularly!!
• Find your tribe - I didn't tell the world about my cancer. For some it is definitely the right thing to do, but for me at that time, keeping it to my family and a few friends made it easier to cope with.
• Follow Dr Liz O'Riordan @oriordanliz - she's amazing! 
• Finally be as positive as you can be, and take one day at a time. It is definitely one of the hardest, scariest things that you will go through, but keeping positive really does help... I promise!