June 30th 2024.
It was a typical weekday in October, and Vicky Green was cozied up on the couch, ready to watch her favorite show, Bake Off. As the weather began to cool down, the 31-year-old clothing merchandiser from Cheshire wrapped her hands around her arms to warm up. But as she shifted, she felt a strange lump in her left breast.
"It was a shock," she shared with The Agency. "I immediately sat up and examined it closely." Growing up, Vicky's mother had always stressed the importance of regularly checking for signs of cancer and protecting her skin with SPF, so she knew she needed to make a doctor's appointment right away.
"After waiting a week to see if it would go away, I finally made an appointment to get it checked out," she explained. "The doctor found another lump and referred me to the hospital. They reassured me that it was probably nothing, but I couldn't shake the feeling of worry."
After undergoing mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies, Vicky's doctor delivered the devastating news. "I'll never forget when the doctor said, 'Prepare yourself, it could be cancer,'" she recalled. Vicky and her partner, Mick, have been together since 2019, and the next two weeks waiting for the results were the most difficult of her life. "I was physically ill with worry, unable to eat or sleep," she shared.
On November 29, 2023, Vicky received the confirmation that she had triple negative breast cancer. While her cancer was caught early, the doctors warned that it was aggressive and grade three, meaning it could spread quickly.
"When we got home from the hospital, we just cried," Vicky admitted. "You never think it will happen to you." Her partner, Mick, also shared her shock. "I couldn't wrap my head around it and how much our lives were about to change," he said. "It's hard to believe at 30 years old."
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, making up 15% of all new cancer cases. While it is more common in older people, the risk increases steadily from age 25-29 and significantly from age 35-39 in women. Men are also at risk for developing breast cancer.
The symptoms of breast cancer include a lump or swelling in the breast, chest, or armpit, changes in the skin, such as puckering or dimpling, changes in the color of the breast, nipple changes, rash or crusting around the nipple, unusual discharge, changes in size or shape of the breast. It's important to be aware of these signs and to seek medical attention if any are present.
Vicky and Mick's plans were also disrupted by her diagnosis, including their upcoming trip to Mick's home country of South Africa. While they were able to get a refund for their trip, it wasn't just about the money or the vacation. Mick had planned to propose during their trip, and now he had to come up with a new plan.
"I wanted to make it special and unforgettable for Vicky, and I knew she would love it," he explained. "But with our plans changed, I was in a bit of a panic trying to come up with something else."
Vicky and her fiancé, Mike, were relaxing on the sofa one October afternoon, indulging in their weekly tradition of watching the Great British Bake Off. As the weather was getting colder, Vicky snuggled closer to Mike, seeking warmth. It was then that she noticed a strange lump in her left breast.
Confused and concerned, Vicky immediately thought back to her mother's constant reminders to check for any signs of cancer. Without hesitation, she made an appointment with her doctor. After a week of waiting, Vicky's appointment finally arrived. The doctor discovered a second lump and referred her to a hospital for further tests.
Despite the reassuring words from the doctors, Vicky couldn't shake off her worries. She underwent mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies, and was then told the life-changing news - it could be cancer. The next two weeks were a nightmare for Vicky as she waited for the results.
Finally, on November 29, 2023, her fears were confirmed. Vicky had triple negative breast cancer. While it was caught early, the doctors warned her that it was an aggressive and grade three cancer, requiring immediate treatment. Vicky and Mike were devastated, never expecting something like this to happen at such a young age.
They cancelled their upcoming trip to Mike's home country of South Africa, causing not only financial strain but also disappointment as Mike had planned to propose to Vicky during the trip. Despite the setback, Mike was determined to make the proposal just as special and unforgettable.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 15% of all new cancer cases. It can affect people of all ages, with the risk increasing as one gets older. Men are also at risk of getting breast cancer. The symptoms to watch out for include lumps or swelling in the breast or armpit, skin changes, nipple changes, unusual discharge, and changes in breast size or shape.
For Vicky and Mike, the diagnosis was a shock and their lives were turned upside down. But with the support of each other and their loved ones, they faced the challenges ahead. Vicky started her treatment, determined to fight the cancer and come out stronger. And while their plans may have been disrupted, Vicky and Mike's love for each other remains unwavering.
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