I put on a large amount of weight during COVID (2 stone, or approximately 13kg). I had enough and made an effort to lose. I lost 4lbs in week one and noticed a slightly raised area on my left breast. Then I lost 3 lbs in week two and got dimpling. I knew I was in trouble then. So I booked an appointment with my GP. I was very lucky and got the appointment quickly. I knew by her reaction, though she didn't say anything.

I was referred to a hospital and by next morning I had received an appointment for the following week. I had a check, mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy that day. Two weeks later (approximately in June 2023) I got my diagnosis - stage 2 breast cancer.

Before the symptoms I perceived as concerning, I was feeling extremely lethargic and slightly nauseous for months prior. I think now it must have been the cancer.

I didn't make any changes to my lifestyle post-diagnosis.

The treatment plan recommended by my doctor included a mastectomy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy.

After doing my own research, I opted for a bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction, in addition to radiation and hormone therapy.

I felt very relieved, motivated and hopeful once my treatment plan was decided. I’m still on hormone therapy today.

Because of treatment, I was fatigued, suffered from nausea and vomiting and lost my appetite. Managing these side effects meant exercising more frequently and improving my nutrition.

I also faced financial difficulties due to the cost of prescription, and expenses for traveling to treatment like car parking.

Whilst receiving treatment itself, I managed my alcohol intake, stopped exercising and ate a healthier diet.

Apart from lifestyle changes, my relationships have changed since my diagnosis too. I've grown closer with my parents, visiting and keeping in contact with them more frequently. In contrast, my relationship with my partner suffered; we haven’t been intimate with each other since finding out I had cancer.

Looking ahead, I plan to get away more with my family and do more activities on the weekends. I want to live a happy, fulfilling life and watch my loved ones develop and grow and achieve their own dreams. I’d also like to start to put myself first and apply self-care without trying to feel guilty.

My biggest fears were the blood tests. I also dreaded not being able to do everyday things after surgery. Additionally, I feared that I would be lonely and bored, and that people would be awkward around me.

To overcome these fears, I listened to my body. I rested when I needed to but stayed as active as I could. I try not to shut people out too, asking people not to be awkward around me and being very comfortable to answer any questions that I could.

It’s been some time since my diagnosis, but I still feel the same as before – confident, courageous and hopeful, with a gut feeling that I’m going to be alright.

Just work towards your next appointment or treatment. Try not to think too far ahead. Be careful with joining online support groups, they can be very negative and scary. If there is a support service like SOLAS (state agency in Ireland), engage ASAP – they are invaluable.

Let people help you and rest when your body is telling you too. Believe in yourself and the power of positivity. You will be gobsmacked at how strong you are. People will feel awkward around you and possibly avoid you at times because they don't know what to say. I think it is our responsibility to make people feel okay, make contact with them, and be open to answering questions they may have but don't always make it about cancer.