https://www.facebook.com/groups/865029660819065 

A note from Nicky below;

Hi I’m Nicky,

I’m 38 and I have breast cancer.

I was officially diagnosed as having breast cancer on the 14th May this year and, as with anyone, it was something that I never thought I would have to hear. 

At the time I was 8 weeks pregnant and had noticed some small changes to my left breast in the form of a lump and general hardening, an orange peel texture on the skin along with my nipple becoming inverted. I assumed that this was due to being pregnant as to be honest my breasts had already undergone some slight changes, but thought it was worth getting checked out.

I arranged an appointment in the next week with my GP on the advice of my midwife (who was my first port of call). I trundled along to the GP and as he examined me I could tell by his reaction that he was suspicious of what this could be and, as politely and as gently as he could, he let me know he was concerned that this could be cancer. 

My GP referred me to the breast cancer consultant at Harrogate hospital and within about a week after extensive testing, my worst fears were confirmed. I was told that I have Grade 2 DCIS breast cancer. 

These words were truly devastating. 

They rocked not only me but the ones I love around me to our cores. We had just spent such a short time being so excited about our miracle pregnancy (that’s another story!) and now we were being told the worst. Whilst this was the most difficult news to deal with that I had ever received, I was incredibly thankful that I acted as quickly as I did and for the swift and concise actions of the team at Harrogate.

Fast forward to the present day and I’ve undergone 4 rounds of chemotherapy and am about to head into my mastectomy surgery (Friday 10^th September), currently 25 weeks pregnant! 

Everyone I have encountered along the way have been amazing, and there have been a lot of them. My two cancer consultants; one surgical and one my oncologist, my breast cancer nurse, the ultrasound Dr and his assistant nurse, all the amazing staff at the Sir Robert Ogden centre who have administered my treatment, the
amazing ante-natal team lead by their lead consultant and everyone else who I have met along the way. The oncology team at Leeds have also been kept involved due to the complex nature of my case.

Now I know my story is a little unusual and a pregnant bald woman is hard to miss, but every member of staff along the journey has gone out of their way to check on me, has remembered my name, has asked about my life and has acted with genuine compassion and empathy towards me. These people, every one of them, has had a positive impact on my treatment and on me every time I have spoken to them.

What Laura has set up here is amazing and for me to be part of something that will give something back to those who may not be fortunate to get the care I have received along my journey so far. This charity supports care for those with cancer in poorer, less fortunate countries. We can all be guilty of taking the NHS and their services for granted at times, but it’s not until we truly need them to save our lives do we really appreciate just how special they and the people who work within them are.

Now whilst I would love to come and do the whole walk with you all, I feel that my pregnant bump and post-surgery soreness simply won’t allow it, but I will be joining in part of the way - even if its just at the pub at the end!