Hiya!

So my story originally starts with finding a lump and wanting to raise awareness of how important it is to check regardless of gender!

I’d signed up for an ultra challenge to walk 30km around the Cotswolds in June 2024 however due to what happened after finding the lump… I had to postpone ☹️☹️ gutted was an understatement.

In mid February 2024 I found a lump in my breast. At first I didn’t think too much of it as I know hormones throughout a month can cause changes however something didn’t feel quite right after a couple of days. I spoke to the doctors and had an appt the same day! I got examined and the doctor explained that I’d be referred to the hospital under cancer pathway. I was advised not to panic as it’s just the route that needs to be taken and I’d be seen within 2 weeks. My referral appt was beginning of March and within this, I was examined and expected just an ultrasound, in my head hoping it would be a cyst. I did have an ultrasound but I also had a mammogram (at this point I started to worry slightly!) and then I had a biopsy! The consultant advised that they believed it to be suspicious but I’d have a follow up appt in 2 weeks, those weeks felt like forever! Going back to the hospital and trying to remain positive for results….. to then hear the words ‘I’m sorry it’s stage 3 breast cancer’ I remember just saying ‘ok’. It was the gasps from those by my side that really made me realise it wasn’t great news. I was told that I’d have a journey to embark on starting with 6 rounds of chemotherapy, injections (which isn’t fun for someone whose needle phobic!) surgery and radiotherapy!

The chemo started 3 weeks later and it was gruelling and the side effects hit me hard but the physical changes were hard to deal with. Within two treatments the cancer had shrunk by half! I couldn’t believe it. Despite how it was making me feel, it was worth it! After 4 months of chemo, I was told I didn’t need to complete the final 2 sessions and surgery would be going ahead. The surgery was a success but I still need radiotherapy and injections. But… I am beating this awful disease!!

I’ve now finished radiotherapy wooohoooo so that’s pretty much all treatments done aside from preventive injections til June next year and I’m looking forward to ringing the bell!! Especially as I’ve had what’s deemed a ‘pathological complete response’ which means there’s no cancerous cells left!!! 🥳🥳🥳🥳

Now all treatments are effectively completely, I can now start properly training for my postponed walk for @coppafeel!

Ive now signed up to do a slightly different challenge to what I was meant to do in 2024 but I’m doing a 25km walk in the North Downs in July 2025.

From my own experience, if something doesn’t feel or look right, please please go get checked out!! It can save your life!

If you’re able to share this message, offer words of encouragement, or are able to make a donation, your involvement will help ❤️

CoppaFeel! are the first UK breast cancer charity to create awareness amongst people, with the aim to instil a new healthy behaviour that could one day save a life. They are on a mission to ensure breast cancer is diagnosed early and correctly by getting the nation to check their boobs/chest regularly. They want to educate people on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, encourage them to get to know what is normal for them and empower people to have the confidence to see a doctor if they notice anything that isn't right for them.