July 21st 2024.
When I found a lump in my left breast just two weeks before my wedding in late 2021, I was only 30 years old. Initially, I didn't think much of it and assumed it would go away on its own. But my then-fiance Stuart was the one who showed real concern and urged me to get it checked out.
At first, I thought the lump was just caused by stress, as I had a lot going on in my life. Stuart and I were planning to get married in Cyprus, but with the ongoing pandemic, I was worried I might contract Covid and not be able to travel. As a nurse working on a Covid ward, I was constantly exposed to the virus. Despite the uncertainty, we were fortunate enough to have our wedding go ahead as planned.
I had hoped the lump would disappear once things became less stressful, but unfortunately, it didn't. So when we returned home, I made an appointment with my GP as promised. Stuart was a bit worried, but neither of us thought it could be cancer. However, my GP referred me to the breast clinic after I mentioned the lump was getting bigger.
There, I underwent a physical examination, ultrasound, mammogram, and several biopsies. The doctor at the breast unit even suggested I bring someone with me to my next appointment, where I would receive the biopsy results. A few days later, I received a phone call while at soft play with my young daughter. A breast nurse informed me that there was a high chance the biopsy results would show cancer. I was scared, to say the least. I worried about how I would break the news to my loved ones, but I had to remain strong for my daughter and went back to playing with her. The rest of the day was a blur.
About 10 days later, I met with a consultant, accompanied by my husband and dad, and received the devastating news that the biopsy results did indeed show cancer. My initial thought was, "What have I done to deserve this?" I had always taken care of my health by eating well, exercising, and avoiding unhealthy habits. I couldn't bear the thought of not being there for my daughter's milestones.
The consultant informed me that I would need several scans to ensure the cancer hadn't spread to other parts of my body. The waiting for the results felt like a lifetime, and it was one of the most challenging parts of my journey. I couldn't stop thinking about how much time I had left. Thankfully, the scans showed no spread, and I could focus on starting treatment as soon as possible.
Due to the aggressive nature of the cancer, I had to undergo chemotherapy. In December 2021, I also had a lumpectomy before starting 13 rounds of chemotherapy in February 2022. It was a difficult time, especially since we were also in the process of moving into our new house. But with the support of my family, we were able to make our house a home.
During my treatment, I had a scare when I arrived at the hospital for a round of chemotherapy and felt like I was going to pass out. After being reviewed by a doctor, it was determined that I had an infection and had to start antibiotics immediately. This meant switching to a different type of chemotherapy, which was administered in smaller doses over a longer period. I also used a cold cap to limit hair loss, but I still lost a significant amount of hair. It was hard for me to deal with, as I no longer looked like myself, and it was a constant reminder of what I was going through.
After discovering cancer in one of my lymph nodes, I had to undergo surgery to remove all the nodes under my left arm. In August 2022, I completed the final part of my active treatment with 15 sessions of radiotherapy. As I went through my treatment, I realized that I wasn't the only young person being diagnosed with breast cancer. I found a community of people going through similar experiences on Instagram, and I also received support from Maggie's centre, a charity that offers free care and support for cancer patients.
Sharing my experience with others my age made me feel better, and now I'm in remission. I'm also taking hormone therapies to reduce the chances of the cancer coming back, and thankfully, I haven't experienced any side effects. However, my yearly check-ups still make me anxious.
Throughout my journey, my family, friends, and colleagues at work, as well as the team at the hospital, have been incredibly supportive. My daughter Hollie is now five years old, and although she was too young to fully understand what I was going through during my treatment, she occasionally mentions things like, "Remember when you had no eyelashes?" It's heartwarming to see her grow and know that I'll be there for all her milestones.
I've also signed up for The MoonWalk Scotland, a fun walking challenge that takes place overnight, to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. I'm doing it with a group of friends from school who supported me during my journey, and they now check their breasts every month. My goal is to raise as much money as possible because the thought of other families going through what we did makes me sick to my stomach.
To everyone, regardless of age, my message is to check your breasts and chest regularly. Breast cancer can affect anyone, and early detection can save lives. If you notice any changes, don't hesitate to see your GP, like I did. It could make all the difference.
It was a tough journey, but it has shaped me into the person I am today. I never expected to go through breast cancer at such a young age, and it was isolating at times. But I never lost sight of what was important to me - the unwavering support of my loved ones.
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