SAM

My journey… I had a diagnosis of Primary Breast Cancer in 2007… I found a lump in my breast and despite many visits to my GP I was ‘too young’ to have BC… I insisted on a referral and waited in total..a whopping 13 weeks to see a Breast Cancer Specialist.. she told me there and then that I had Breast Cancer…. I was devastated and despite the help of my family and friends I felt I had no where to go… I found myself lost at the age of 40 and mum to two very young children..  I didn’t know anyone else my age or within my family who had faced this situation before.  That said my positive side kicked in and I was fortunate enough to be treated for my diagnosis…I had  a radical mastectomy lymphoma node removal and no option for reconstructive surgery at that time. Then followed six cycles of chemotherapy and 15 sessions of radiotherapy.  I recovered and bobbed along in life until in 2011 and a routine check up with my Oncologist lead to a diagnosis of Secondary Breast Cancer. I had asked in clinic about pain in my shoulder.  After an x-ray I was called back into the room and told the cancer had returned to my humerus resulting in a pathological bone fracture. I knew then I had an incurable diagnosis.  In 2016 following more complications in my arm it was confirmed that I had tumours in the soft tissue of my left arm.  I continue with treatment to this day to control my tumours.  What I didn’t understand is that none of the Health Care Professionals had informed me of the fact that I could have but not necessarily would have, a potential recurrence of Breast Cancer or a diagnosis of Secondary Breast Cancer.  It’s a possibility not a probability…..
However, my survival instincts kicked in and my positive pants were pulled up high… despite multiple setbacks and gruelling treatments I’m grateful for every single thing thrown at me during my journey so far and I’m determined to get behind the opportunity to raise awareness (not scareness) of Secondary Breast Cancer… Not every diagnosis is treated with the same options. 

I was delighted , very grateful and fortunate to join the MAGGIES campaign for Cancer in 2018 where I met with our Earth Angel, Margo Cornish. I was out of my comfort zone and was involved in Maggies on the Runway. I shared the catwalk with 12 other inspiring ladies facing a cancer diagnosis… we strutted our stuff with the wonderful Rick Astley on the catwalk coined Ricks Chicks!  I also whipped off my wrap on the Figleaves catwalk to strut back down there in not much more than my underwear and a great big bag of confidence! My MAGGIES family are still very much in touch.  I then signed up to  the Prevent Breast Cancer BooBee campaign in 2019… I have been working together with other BC Bees since then and beyond.. Since then I have been involved with campaigns in 2020, 2021 & 2023 I have had the most amazing experiences and made memories with so many people I have met through campaigns… unfortunately I have also seen some of them run out of treatment options that gave them the best chance of extending their lives.  No options simply mean, no more treatment and those people lost their life.  May they stay 4ever young