My name is Patricia, and I am a cancer survivor living in the United Kingdom. I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in May 2023. It was detected after my first mammogram with the NHS, after which I was called back for a biopsy that picked up the cancer. As part of my treatment, I underwent a mastectomy, radiation therapy and hormone therapy, and was declared cancer-free in 2024.
When I was first diagnosed, I remember feeling sad and fearful. I was just really scared.
At present, I have completed treatment and am in remission, but I am still taking medication. As part of my treatment, I underwent a mastectomy and a DIEP breast reconstruction. I was put on Tamoxifen (20mg) for 5 years and I had 15 sessions of radiotherapy. After radiotherapy, I had an infection in my reconstructed breast, which was something I didn’t expect. I made my treatment choices based on the doctor’s recommendation and my treatment was financed using universal credit. After deciding on my treatment plan, I felt optimistic, because of the reassurance from my consultant. Opting for breast reconstruction surgery also made me feel optimistic, because it helped me feel more like me. In 2024, I was declared cancer-free.
The primary side effect I experienced because of my cancer treatment was fatigue. I just felt really tired all the time. I managed this side effect by self-medicating.
At present, I am retraining and plan to change careers over the next two years.
I resigned from my job after I was diagnosed with cancer.
My cancer diagnosis challenged my self-esteem and self-image. Throughout my journey, I also dealt with physical side effects, changes in my appearance, and the fear of recurrence. However, I was able to overcome these challenges with the help of counseling from a cancer charity.
My biggest fear today is a fear of the cancer returning. I have tried to manage this fear by speaking with a therapist or counselor and by joining a support group and connecting with other cancer survivors.
Today, I feel optimistic. Since diagnosis, I have had the opportunity to undergo counseling and scar therapy.
To those diagnosed with cancer, I would say put yourself first and take each day as it comes. I would also recommend joining a support group. I also want people to be aware of the side effects that come along with any oral treatment.
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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