Hi, I'm Lisa, from the UK. I have 4 children, and I’m a stage 1 breast cancer survivor.
The first thing I noticed was an area of thickening in my breast, and so I went in for a check. However, it turned out to be benign. In actual fact, the cancer was much deeper and couldn’t be felt. Thankfully, this mammogram was able to pick it up. Without it, I might have missed it completely, as I hadn’t had an invite for my first routine mammogram.
Beyond shock, I felt frightened, helpless and nervous after hearing the news. I felt infuriated and resentful. It left me feeling powerless and vulnerable. In the past, I also lost my grandparents to cancer. Still, there was still some optimism, especially as it was caught early. I felt hopeful, inspired and thankful as well.
I cut down on my drinking by half, exercised more, and tried my best to eat healthier every day.
My doctors’ recommended treatment plan included a lumpectomy, lymphadenectomy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. I trusted their expertise and did my own research too. The choice left me feeling happy, hopeful and a bit more motivated.
While my cancer is in remission, I’m still taking hormone therapy.
Despite experiencing lymphedema and menopause symptoms, I tried to manage them by exercising more. Financially, I was fortunate not to face difficulties.
After my diagnosis, I continued the lifestyle changes I made at first. I still work on eating healthier every day, exercising more, and reducing how much I drink. I haven’t changed how much time I spend with my family.
With my family, I’ve made plans for more holidays, days out and birthday celebrations. For myself, I plan to go on more holidays, weekends away, concerts, and days out.
My biggest dreams are to see my family’s health, happiness and contentment. I hope to work for a cancer charity in the future.
For me, it’s dying. To cope, I've created a network of contacts that have also been through breast cancer and I try to stay realistic.
Despite still feeling fearful and nervous, I feel more optimism nowadays. I feel hopeful and thankful for each day. I feel courageous for getting this far.
To those on their own cancer journey, I would say, “Use the support available, for example, the Breast Cancer Now charity has forums and opportunities to talk to people that have had a similar diagnosis and treatment. They can also help with access to healthcare professionals. I now volunteer with Breast Cancer Now which in itself has really helped my mental health, I always have someone to turn to. Don’t try and face this alone.”
This patient's story is published and shared with their full consent. Any personal data that can be used to identify the patient has been omitted.
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