Kayleigh's Race for Life

I first discovered a lump in my breast in June 2017. I made sure that I got it checked by a plastic surgeon, as I have cosmetically enhanced breasts, he told me that is was probably nothing and that I would be referred to hospital. I then went to dorchester hospital women’s health clinic, I was seen by 2 people and underwent scans the following month, in July. I was told that it was probably just tissue and that I should just forget about it and come back in 6 months time and that they would have another look had the lump not decreased in size or even disappeared altogether. The lump never did reduce in size nor disappear completely so I then went back and had another scan. They confirmed what I already knew, that the lump was still there. I would then go on to have 4 biopsy’s done in December, just before Christmas, a time when I should be enjoying time with my family and friends and enjoying that festive season but with something as serious as the possibility of being diagnosed with cancer at such a young age. I couldn’t relax and enjoy the special time of year. All I wanted was for this nightmare to be over with. In my mind I was trying to convince myself that I was OK. I received a letter which confirmed that I had yet another appointment after Xmas… Only to be told the news I was dreading… the lump was cancerous. I couldn’t believe that I had cancer. Two weeks later I had an operation to remove my breast and have the area reconstructed.. A sample of my breast tissue was sent to America where they recommended I undergo chemotherapy. I am now undergoing my third batch of chemotherapy. I felt like my world was ending. How can this be happening to me? My family bought me a puppy as a distraction to the nightmare. I’m currently on a 6 session chemo cycle which mean that I have it every 20 days. When I have chemotherapy my face swells up and I feel the need to sleep all day and just feel generally run down for at least 3-4 days. I also have injections in my belly for 7 days which give me mobility problems and severe bone pain. I’d say that I’ve lost about 70% of my hair already but I choose to shave it to stop me getting sad when it falls out. Losing your hair as a young women is hard and made me very stressed, self conscious and anxious. My emotions, as you can imagine, have been all over the place but I have a great wig and I have now learnt to embrace my look. I try to keep my routine the same where I can, as this helps take my mind off everything so I try and get to the gym when I can as this what I love doing and before this whole ordeal it was what made me feel good, but by the time I feel myself again which is usually day 16 I’m then getting ready for the next dose ... The gym have been great supporting me. They raised over £300 for Cancer Research by shaving their heads in support of me and doing a rowing challenge throughout March. The community feel and support I have received from them has really kept my spirts up and made me feel strong. 💕