Story
I’ve had my life saved by somebody like you, who’s decided to press that ‘Donate’ button. Thank you! You never think it’s going to happen to you - I didn’t! I can’t stress enough how vital it is that Cancer Research UK, receive the much needed money for research so that you, your family, colleagues and friends don’t endure the traumatic experience that has scarred us. In November 2018, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer, two weeks after my first mammogram. Within 4 weeks, I had undergone a lumpectomy -a 9 mm malignant growth was removed from my right breast and 4 lymph nodes removed for analysis. On Christmas Eve, I had a full body scan to check if cancer had spread. Having to spend Christmas watching my friends and family, trying to enjoy themselves, whilst quietly worrying themselves sick about the possibility of cancer having spread, was the most painful experience to witness. On 4 January, I sat with my oldest two children by my side, to receive news that the cancer hadn’t spread but I needed further surgery to remove the remaining 24 lymph nodes from my right armpit as the nodes removed during the first surgery were ALL cancerous, which meant cancer had started to spread. Watching my own children sit through that consultation and how they reacted, ripped out my heart. It doesn’t make any difference how old your children are, you never ever want to see them having to go through something like this. They’re your babies, regardless of age. The second surgery took place and after that, I began chemotherapy and Wednesday 12 June marks the end of my 6, three weekly cycles. My journey isn’t over, as I need radiotherapy at Christie’s and then further medication. My life is changed forever - also the lives of my family, friends and colleagues have changed because they, unfortunately, have experienced firsthand, the impact this disease has had on not just myself but how it affects them and how they could possibly deal with the situation if it arose within their own family unit or circle of friends. Cancer needs to be talked about and people must try not to shy away from the subject. I’ll openly admit that there have been times when I’ve wanted to give up - when I’ve felt so poorly due to the side effects of chemo. The days when I couldn’t get out of bed and my whole body ached. I lost my long, thick hair, my eyelashes and eyebrows, in fact, total hair loss. I’ve felt the most poorly I’ve ever been in my entire life during chemo. I’ve cried and lost my temper. I’ve been angry, frightened, lost, exhausted and in pain. I would never give in though - I wouldn’t let cancer get the better of me. I wouldn’t admit defeat and watch the pain and suffering of my loved ones. I can’t begin to explain how it feels to have your entire world crumble beneath you and have to rely on others to guide and support you, emotionally, physically and financially. We need to talk about cancer and we need to raise both awareness and funds in order that more and more lives can be saved. Given time, cancer will be detected and cured at an earlier stage. It’s such an awful, helpless situation to find yourself in and it’s the not knowing that sends you into a state of total disbelief and despair. If you are able to help in any way, by sponsoring my wonderful colleagues from Primark, my son and my daughter in law, your donations are going to create an immense sense of hope for those like me and eternal gratitude from people like me, my children and 3 grandchildren, my friends and colleagues. My colleagues, have tirelessly supported me along my journey and I hope I’ve encouraged them all, to get themselves checked, to remind others to get checked, and never be afraid to talk about cancer, never think they’re alone and never ever give up the fight. I hope I’ve been open and honest enough with everyone in my life who has followed my journey to recovery - there isn’t an aspect I won’t discuss and I made it quite clear from the outset, if there’s anything at all they want to ask, then don’t be afraid to. Please help us to help others. We all know someone who is battling cancer, has battled cancer or has been affected by cancer. I have both physical and emotional scars. Cancer has caused so much pain and anguish to everybody in my world. I’m one of the lucky, unlucky ones. I’m surrounded by people who care and love me. I work alongside the most amazing, genuine, caring and generous people at Primark, who have already given time and money in support of Cancer Research but they just never give up! These people have shown true dedication and determination to the charity which has become paramount to my survival. PLEASE DONATE - even the smallest amount makes a difference. Thank you. You will have made a difference just by reading this because you have now become more aware.