Debbie
‘I want others to know you can beat this disease’
Debbie Boland was diagnosed with stage 3 HER2+ invasive ductal carcinoma in August 2018. She initially found a lump, which wasn’t visible on a mammogram and could only be felt when she lay down. Three biopsies found three tumours in Debbie’s breast, one of which was nearly five inches, with two others beneath it. They had also found cancer in her lymph glands. Her diagnosis came as a shock as she always made sure to check her breasts.
Just a year after her diagnosis, Debbie took part in Prevent Breast Cancer’s BreastFest 2019. The campaign was the brainchild of Prevent Breast Cancer Patron, Margo Cornish, and saw 100 women, affectionately known as BooBees, who had been affected by breast cancer join together to spread awareness and fundraise for a future without breast cancer. Debbie has once again signed up as a BooBee as part of our new, equally important drive – BooBee’s Big Campaign 2022. All our BooBees are raring to go and would love for you to join them for their flagship fundraising event – BooBee presents Bingo Bedlam – a high-octane evening of emotion, inspiration and FUN at Manchester Central on November 19th.
Debbie has kindly shared her inspiring story and explained to us the impact of BreastFest 2019 and why she has signed up to be a BooBee once again.
Can you let us know about your diagnosis?
I found a lump in March 2018. The locum doctor I saw at my GP’s surgery thought it was fatty tissue and sent me for a mammogram, which came back all clear in April. In July, the lump was bigger (I could only feel the lump when I lay down, not when I was stood up – neither could the doctors). I went to see my doctor and he referred me straight away to The Nightingale Centre who saw me within a few days.
I initially had three biopsies including my lymph glands. They found three tumours in my breast, one of which was nearly five inches and two others beneath it. They also found cancer in my lymph glands. Mr. Chattergee was really concerned that my initial mammogram hadn’t shown anything. I had another mammogram when I had the biopsies which showed a very slight change. He told me 10% of invasive aggressive breast cancers don’t show up on a mammogram.
What was your reaction to the diagnosis?
I was extremely distressed as I always check my breasts and felt let down by the locum doctor. I knew I had to be strong for my family. I wanted to know all the facts and what my prognosis was, I also read everything I could find about chemo, surgery and radiotherapy. I needed to be ready for what I was about to go through.
Nothing prepared me for the chemo. I was hospitalised five times with severe side effects. After the third cycle they stopped it as my body couldn’t take it anymore. I lost over two stone in nine weeks. They sent me for an MRI which then confirmed the cancer had thankfully gone. I still suffer with side effects, and I’m still going through the various phases of reconstructive surgery, but I am here to tell the tale and hopefully inspire and help others.
I started my breast cancer journey in August 2018, four years on and I’m still having surgery to try and replace what cancer took from me. Thankfully I am still here and will be having my four-year MRI scan in the next couple of months.
What was your experience with BreastFest?
BreastFest was an amazing experience for me. I lacked confidence and hated the way I looked after having chemo and surgery, I was in a lot of pain too. I met so many ladies that were all at different stages of their journey and realised that I wasn’t on my own. We had all been battered and bruised and needed something to make us feel better about ourselves.
The catwalk gave me my confidence back. I also made some lovely friends for life.
Why have you decided to sign up as a BooBee again this year?
Prevent Breast Cancer is an amazing charity that is very close to my heart – predicting, preventing and protecting future generations. If I can help raise awareness of this awful disease and encourage women to check their breasts regularly from an early age, I will feel that I have accomplished something. I know I am one of the lucky ones, I am a four-year survivor.
I want others to know that you can beat this disease, but that early detection is crucial.
I look a bit different this time. My hair has grown, and I’ve now got two breasts (I’d had a mastectomy at Breastfest). I’ve definitely come a long way since October 2019.
I am also doing it again for my lovely Mum who sadly passed away in February 2021. She was very grateful, overwhelmed and proud that I was on stage in 2019 and I know she will be there by my side this year.