My Story
Late in 2019, I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. I had 22 weeks of chemotherapy, followed by surgery and radiotherapy which took up most of 2020. My recovery has been slow and is still painful with some legacy side effects. Triple Negative means that the cancer doesn't have any of the hormone receptors commonly found in breast cancer. There is no preventative medication available for Triple Negative. It has the lowest 5 year survival rate - mine had spread to the lymph nodes and for this, there is a 65% 5 year survival rate. It's also the most likely breast cancer type to return. I was one of the lucky ones and I am so grateful for the support of my Oncologist, the Oncology Team, Surgeon, Radiologists and breast care team who saved my life and continue to support me. I am walking this 10K with my family in memory of my good friend Marie who also had breast cancer. I miss her infectious smile and laugh and I still can't stop the tears when I think of her (daily). I also walk in memory of my Auntie Liz who's wise words, even in the grips of morphine, help and guide me every day - I miss her. I walk in memory of Naomi's Mum Rosemary. I met Naomi through Marie. We share our pain and loss and Naomi has been a great support to me - she gets it. I walk in memory of Rawdon's Mum Christine. Rawdon, Louise and their girls have been a huge support to us all and I know seeing me ill must have bought back memories. Thank you to Louise and Isobel for walking with us. I walk for my Dad who was treated for Hodgkins Lymphoma in 2007. He has been left with damage to his lungs due to chemo treatment. I am most privileged to be physically walking the 10K with Judy and her daughter Annabel. Judy has fought her own battle with breast cancer and her courage and positivity is contagious! We met through the Winchester & Eastleigh Cancer Support Group. We both walk with our fellow group members very much in our mind. The most courageous group of women I've ever met! Lastly, I'm walking with and for my family, Joe, Alex and Sam without whom I wouldn't have coped with the news of my diagnosis and through my treatment and recovery. They have each been incredibly strong and supportive and the experience has bought us closer. 1 in 2 people will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Every single pound you donate makes a difference to Cancer Research UK’s ground breaking work. Donate to my Giving Page today and help bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.
