Jo
‘This campaign is truly close to my heart’
Our BooBee Ambassadors are 100 women who have been affected by breast cancer. They are joining together to fundraise and spread awareness for a future free from breast cancer. 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.
Jo Kerfoot was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, aged 45. After recovering, she made it her mission to not only spread awareness, but also raise vitally important funds for Prevent Breast Cancer, including taking part in the Great Manchester Run in 2021!
Sadly, in 2022, she received the dreaded news that her cancer has returned, but she hasn’t let that dampen her spirit or resilience, and has joined up with Prevent Breast Cancer as part of BooBee’s Big Campaign.
Jo has very kindly shared her breast cancer story with us and told us why she wanted to be a part of the BooBee Campaign, all while still going through active treatment.
Could you share with us a summary of your experience with breast cancer?
I was first diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 45 on 11th November 2020.
I had had a previous small lump screened in December 2019 at a private hospital in Wilmslow. There were no concerns and so no further investigations. I thought no more of it.
It was then Lockdown 2020. During the summer we'd go on bike rides and enjoy time together. I remember feeling more tired and had a couple of dizzy spells. Bloods revealed I was anaemic, so I was put on tablets.
In October, my daughter bumped into my boob, and it hurt a lot. I was watching Lorraine on ITV and her producer, Helen, had launched a breast cancer campaign - Change + Check. I recognised some of the symptoms highlighted such as nipple discharge, unusual pain and discomfort, plus skin changes. I had pain in my armpit too. Given I had been screened in December, I thought it wouldn't be anything sinister. However, due to my symptoms, I booked an appointment to see my GP. I was seen the same day and my GP put me on the 2-week pathway to a breast clinic.
I then got my appointment at The Nightingale Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, within two weeks.
I saw a consultant, and although he wasn't concerned, I was given a mammogram and an ultra-sound there and then.
Can you tell us more about your first diagnosis?
I was then subsequently diagnosed with hormone positive ER/PR 8/8 HER2 breast cancer. There were multiple tumours. I had a single mastectomy (with skin and nipple sparing) in the January, then went on to Tamoxifen (hormone therapy).
What happened next?
Fast forward to April 2022, and after several months of pain, weight loss, and a noticeable lump on my implant side, it was confirmed I had the dreaded recurrence. Again, several tumours, and this time in my nipple, which meant all of my breast skin needed to go. I had another mastectomy on 9th August to remove the implant and skin, with an immediate DIEP FLAP Reconstruction. I am currently recovering.
Are you still going through treatment?
Yes. I’m currently recovering from the surgery I had in August, and I’m due to have radiotherapy soon too. Until pathology results come through from my surgery, I am unsure if I will be having chemotherapy.
What inspired you to apply to take part in the BooBee’s Big campaign?
Since my diagnosis I have done some research and with my experience, I have raised awareness through my Instagram page. I have met several inspirational women also involved with BooBee’s Big Campaign, and I am passionate about preventing a future free from this disease.
Another great opportunity to come out of this journey is my involvement with Heather Glover's Skarlette business, where i have modelled the lingerie. This have me some much needed confidence after my Mastectomy.
I believe that from a traumatic event, such as cancer, should come a positive outcome. My mission is to help others with my knowledge, spreading the ethos of PBC and to get people checking! I also want to inspire. The campaign is truly close to my heart.