First diagnosis and treatment:

After reading a book about a lady with breast cancer, I was prompted to start doing a monthly check on my breasts and be more pro-active regarding my health. In October 2003, I found a lump in my right breast after doing my monthly check, which urged me to go to my GP.

The process took a while as I could not get a hospital appointment until 3 months later. After finally acquiring a hospital appointment, I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. My advice for anyone who has just been diagnosed is to stay off Google and listen to your medical team.

Following my diagnosis, I opted for a lumpectomy, however this was unsuccessful as the margins were insufficient. Due to this, I had to have a full mastectomy on my right breast.

After my mastectomy, I was prescribed Tamoxifen which helped to reduce the risks of developing breast cancer again. I was incredibly lucky for 5 years on this drug, my body tolerated it well and the cancer had not spread – I felt great.

Second diagnosis:

Due to my history of breast cancer, I continuously had annual checks and two mammograms a year. From a routine check in 2018, DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) was found in my other breast.

It might sound strange, but when I had my second diagnosis, I was relieved. My left breast had always been lumpy, I was constantly having cysts drained which was a nuisance. Additionally, my left breast always added extra stress and anxiety leading up to my annual appointments.

For over 14 years, I had been used to having a full mastectomy on my right side, so opted for an implant on my left side. I wanted to look the same when I woke up which is why I made this decision, and I could not be happier.

As soon as I was fully healed from my second mastectomy and reconstruction, I started exercising more to take control of my life. I found that jogging, getting fitter and being outside was exceptionally good for my mental health.

Achievements:

After 19 years of annual checks, I was signed off from the hospital at the age of 52. It was also my 25^th wedding anniversary so my husband flew me away to Philadelphia to celebrate. During our trip, I ran up the Rocky Steps to the song ‘Gonna Fly Now’ (theme from Rocky). This track has seen me complete the Great North run 6 times and many miles of jogging around my town of Thirsk.

I’m currently the Curriculum Leader in Performing Arts at a secondary school where I have worked as a music teacher since 1995. I work with a wonderful team, including my husband who is Deputy Head teacher. My job brings me so much joy, I’m always telling my students (and myself) to laugh and smile lots.

I had the privilege of teaching my son who I have now seen graduate and is currently training to be a detective in the MET. My son is my ray of sunshine, we enjoy running together and we are considering entering the Great North Run together.

Navigating post-surgery lingerie and swimwear after surgery:

After my first mastectomy in 2004, finding post-surgery bras and swimwear was frustrating because it was hard to navigate my size and which styles would be right for me. My current go-to bras are the underwired bras by Triumph, these are best suited as they accommodate my breast form perfectly.

I found a lot of mastectomy swimwear to be too long in the legs or extremely expensive, which is not practical for me. However, I have a few pieces by Nicola Jane which are my absolute favourite.

Although it was difficult to find the appropriate swimwear and bras, I still felt confident with my new body. I remember getting changed in a public changing room and feeling liberated about how I looked. I found myself wanting other ladies to see me and realise it can happen at any age.

Life after surgery & advice:

My advice for anyone going through their own breast cancer journey would be to take it one step at a time. You should be kind to yourself and have little treats now and then. I have recently supported a parent of a student who is about to finish her treatment. We will soon be picking out a new breast form for her and celebrating with afternoon tea.

I make sure to embrace every day, each day is greeted with the mantra ‘it’s a great day to be alive.’ Next month I will be celebrating my 54^th birthday, I plan to teach more music and continue enjoying life.