In November 2020 I went to see my GP to ask for a breast check. Although I couldn’t feel a specific lump, things felt different. Having a mum and sister who had suffered with breast cancer, it was something I was quite worried about. My GP said she couldn’t feel anything that she was concerned about, but referred me anyway because I was due to have a mammogram soon anyway as I was 54. The registrar at Leighton told me she didn’t think there was anything to worry about when she examined me, and off I toddled for my mammogram and ultrasound. I didn’t expect to have to have a biopsy done there and then, but I did and had a titanium marker put in. A week later, I was told not to worry, but results were inconclusive, and probably nothing to worry about, but they wanted to do a different kind of biopsy after Christmas. New year came and another biopsy done, and a week later we sat in a room with a consultant and a Macmillan nurse…..hmmmm… this isn’t good I thought!

Don’t worry, it’s not real cancer they told us, just something called Ductal Carcinoma in Situ. It’s not too serious and there’s no rush, the treatment I was offered initially was withdrawn a week later because of COVID. I didn’t feel happy about my options, so I got a second opinion. I’m so glad I did, because I got the surgery I had originally opted for, and in doing so, they found stage 2 invasive cancer. And so my journey continued to the Christie for radiotherapy after my Licap Reconstruction surgery. Whilst at The Christie I discovered Maggie’s, a safe haven to retreat to away from the hustle and bustle of the hospital. I’m raising funds and taking part in Maggie’s on the runway to help raise awareness for this amazing charity. My mum, who is now 91 has been knitting firemen, bikini clad Eves, and even a Rick! Look out for them everywhere

To anyone else who feels something is wrong - stick to your guns and get it checked out…..