Sarah's Race for Life

My Story

I was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer in April 2015. This is the most aggressive type of breast cancer and once my tumour was removed it was sent to the labs for testing. The results came back saying they had found cancer cells in blood vessels outside the tumour which meant it had ‘leaked’ into my blood supply. They then told me that there was another test they wanted to do, to determine the ability of those cancer cells to multiply and spread but this test was only done in America and the cost for it was £1,500.00 which was not covered by the NHS. However the Hospital had been given funding by Cancer Research to cover the cost of this test and the results would give my Oncology consultant an accurate assessment of my risk factors, low/medium or high which would help determine my treatment so my tumour was packed up and sent off. Two weeks later I received the result, I was placed at high risk and given a 60% chance of the cancer returning and spreading. As a result of this my chemotherapy treatment was ‘personalised’ so as well as the mix of chemo drugs that are used for breast cancer, another strong one was added. I’m not going to go into detail of how tough going through treatment was or how sick it made me because my point is I am still here. I was given the chance to fight something that turned out to be highly aggressive and invasive. Besides the brilliant care I received by everyone I came into contact with during my treatment, I am also immensely grateful to Cancer Research because who knows, without them paying for the test to be done in America, it may not of been considered as an option and how aggressive my cancer was may not of been discovered and I don’t like to think about the possible consequences’ of that……. Please help me help Cancer Research give others diagnosed with cancer their chance to fight for their life because when your given this devastating diagnosis, you become desperate for that chance. Donating through this page is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with Cancer Research UK.