Andrea Kicking Cancer's Ass!

On 4th May 2018 it will be 2 years since I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Oestrogen + Breast Cancer aged 41. I was fit and healthy, didn't drink, eat meat and there was no history of BC in my family. I had one early symptom of discharge but this was only for 5 days and then I had nothing. I went to the Doctors straight away but despite this the Cancer had already spread to my Lymph nodes. My treatment plan was Lumpectomy, Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy and then Tamoxifen for 10 years. To go from being fit and healthy to not being able to walk upstairs was really hard not just on me but my immediate family. A cancer diagnosis has a far wider impact than that person and most of my family have struggled with my diagnosis at some point. In January 2017 I completed my active treatment and whilst my family celebrated this I was simply glad to be alive. I can't say I was still standing because I could barely stand but I was still here! 2017 was a harder year for me as I battled to regain my fitness. Time and time again I would get setbacks as I had been left with some quite severe side effects but I was determined to keep going. At every hospital appointment I was told that my body would take 12 months to recover from all that had been thrown at it but I refused to listen - I had a new zest for life and suddenly wanted to live life to the full but I was battered and bruised both mentally and physically!! Several times I pushed myself too hard and would end up in bed for days and suffering from the pain but I was determined to keep trying. Despite everything that I have been through I still feel lucky - lucky to have been diagnosed early, lucky to have survived the treatent and to still have a life. In my opinion my life is in many ways better now. I appreciate everyone, everything and take nothing for granted. I put myself first and I have learned how important my health is and this needs to be my main focus now for the rest of my life. I appreciate that not everyone has the same outcome as me and only recently someone I know sadly lost their battle with Breast Cancer at the age of 39. I'm now at a point where my health is the best it's been since diagnosis and this is why i'm doing Race for Life this year. Sadly due to long term side affects I won't be able to run but I will be walking. I want to raise money to continue the research into finding new ways of treating cancer rather than the harsh treatments like chemotherapy so that one day people can be treated for Cancer and not be affected so badly. Also to continue the research in to finding a cure. Any donations are appreciated no matter how small and if anyone would like to join me on the walk or come along to support me then please feel free. Thanks for taking the time to read my story and remember to do self checks and go to all screening appointments.