“Hard And Life Changing Decisions Had to Be Made”
Helen’s Story
Breast cancer at the age of 26, yes really!
In 2006, aged just 26 I found a lump in my right breast, this would be the start of my cancer journey with friends, family and even the consultant at that time convinced that lump would more than likely be a cyst due to my young age.
I was devastated to learn that I had stage 3 breast cancer, a lumpectomy and full lymph node removal under one armpit was followed by grueling chemotherapy and radiotherapy and this was further followed by post cancer treatment including Tamoxifen and Zoladex (chemically induced menopause, here I come).
A year later and as a precaution my twin sister was invited into the breast clinic to receive a mammogram/ultrasound - unfortunately or fortunately as the case seemed further investigation was required and within a short space of time she was also diagnosed with breast cancer and the cycle of operations/treatments started for again for our family.
In 2010 (between my wedding and my honeymoon), aged 30 and following a routine examination I was diagnosed with a further primary breast cancer and without question made the decision to have a mastectomy, which was again followed by chemotherapy and Zoladex injections.
I then received the news that I had the BRCA 1 gene making further cancers almost inevitable - hard and life changing decisions had to be made.
Over the next 3 years I underwent further surgery, including the removal of my ovaries, making me a menopausal 33 year old and a further mastectomy of the remaining breast.... all of which were done to continue my fight for survival (is it warm in here )
In the midst of fighting for my life I saw the chance of having my own natural family dwindle. Unfortunately I was not offered egg retrieval upon my initial diagnosis and when offered in 2010, tests showed that the likelihood of successful egg retrieval was very slim due to my previous treatment, this felt like a crushing blow as our plan had been to have children together and I felt like I'd failed at being a woman. Sounds dramatic, I know, but I think we sometimes take for granted that we can have children and then something throws a spanner in the works.
I met my husband during my first round of chemotherapy and during the years we were together he supported me and was by my side, however our marriage did not survive the roller coaster ride and all the heartache and emotions that go with it and in 2018 we parted ways.
I've come to realise that it is not just about fighting cancer, it's the other ways it also affects your life; how you see yourself, your mental health, scars, self esteem/confidence, it's a minefield which at times is very hard to navigate, however I am still standing!!
Maggie's had not been built when I was poorly thus any additional support was not available to me or my family. I believe had it been available it would have helped me and my family massively.
I feel honoured to have been picked to take part in Maggie's on the runway 2021 and I feel lucky to be able to get to know members of the Maggie's Team, Manchester and the other amazing runway models who all have their own stories.
Helen during treatment
Helen with niece Olivia