Debbie
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.
Read her inspiring story from 2019 in the Daily Mail:
This will be Debbie’s third campaign as part of the BooBee Team and she has provided us with this update leading on from her 2019 diagnosis.
“I had been told by my Consultant that I could have reconstructive surgery 12 months after my Mastectomy..... I couldn't wait, I was struggling with my mental health and now had really low self esteem and very little confidence, I couldn't even look at my body in the mirror, it was awful .... roll on January 2020.
I eventually got an appointment for early Feb 2020, I cant tell you how devastated I was when my Consultant told me I couldn't have the surgery yet.... the waiting list had been closed as there were too many women waiting for delayed diep surgery. I was inconsolable and was hysterical at the time, so much so that my Consultant referred me to a psychologist.
My lovely Mum knew how much the surgery meant to me, she said that it didn't matter how much it would cost that she would help me pay for it privately, I was so appreciative, at last I could see some light at the end of the tunnel.
I started researching different surgeons and enquired about a plastic surgeon at The Spire Hospital, just as I was starting to feel a bit happier about my situation Covid Hit - WTF It was one thing after another I couldn't believe it.
My mental health had already taken a battering and now this.......
My Mum was with me every step of the way through my Breast Cancer treatment, she was my best friend and Rock, we were extremely close and went everywhere together. In November 2020 after a few weeks of having indigestion and pains in her back my Mum was diagnosed with Terminal Pancreatic Cancer and told she had 12/14 weeks to live. I can't even begin to tell you how devastated we all were, I'm struggling to type about it to be honest, its a horrendous disease and it was just awful to see her in so much pain and suffering so much......
My lovely mum fell asleep in my arms on 23rd February 2021, but before she lost her fight she made me promise I would have reconstructive surgery and live my life to the fullest.
October 2021 I finally had Reconstructive surgery at The Spire, 3 years on From Diagnosis, it was a slow recovery but now at least I felt like a woman again, my hair was growing longer, my figure wasn't too bad and I now had a belly boob! and a cleavage! on the down side my other boob was much bigger ( and saggy ) and needed reducing and lifting...... My Plastic Surgeon at The Spire was fully aware of my journey and said she would carry out any additional surgery on the NHS as she felt I shouldn't of had to pay private in the first place.
Fast Forward August 2022 final surgery to my right breast just in time for The Boobee Bingo Bedlam Campaign 2022.
I have come a long way since my Diagnosis in August 2018, my life is busy and I make the most of every single day. Family and friends are very important to me and I spend as much time as I can with them.
I've supported Prevent Breast Cancer since Margo's original campaign in 2019. Breastfest really helped my confidence and self esteem at the time as I was really struggling, I also made some life long friends that have been there for me throughout my journey.
I'm an ambassador for Prevent Breast Cancer as I want to do all I can to raise awareness and funds for this amazing charity. 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 as I'm a Five year survivor, I want others to know you can beat this disease but that early detection is crucial.
I've been on the Catwalk 3 times now ( I kept my clothes on with Rick Astley though for Maggies ) but it's now someone else's turn to feel empowered and more confident, So I'm hanging my underwear up to become a Queen Bee instead.
The Boobee Campaign is an amazing opportunity for ladies to meet others ladies, share stories and information and raise more awareness and funds.
Great friendships are made that would never have been possible......together we can make a difference to protect future generations.”