What cancer were you diagnosed with?

breast cancer

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What age were you diagnosed?

30

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What has helped you to thrive?

Without sounding to cliché, my family have played a big part. 3 years ago my son was diagnosed with meningitis..it was the worst time I have ever experienced. My way of thinking about my diagnosis is that its me and and I'm not in the situation I was 3 years ago. Thankfully, he pulled through with very little damage as we caught that early, just like I did with Breast cancer. I have and will continue my positive mindset by keeping active and continuing my hobbies, which are calligraphy, reading and making anything I can from scraps around the house (much to my husbands delight 😅) 

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Alice's Story

I am 30 years old and have 4 cracking children whom I share with my husband. 

It was a new normal morning, in these crazy times when I checked my boobs..something I do regularly but probably not regular enough. I found a lump on my left breast, which felt more prominent when my arm was raised. I asked my husband to check. I phoned the doctor that morning, best to be safe than sorry I thought. I was seen the same day. I was a little bit nervous going to the doctor with Coronavirus rife but had every faith in the surgery and the NHS to take precise precautions. I was referred to RUH breast clinic. My gut was saying something my head was not.

That week, I had a scan and biopsy and was asked if I would like the results to face to face or over the telephone. I requested to receive them over the phone as my husband was due to go back to work the day before the scheduled appointment for results. That Wednesday, my husband went to work and I was back to a normal hectic day with 4 kids. I got a call from a lovely surgeon and instantly knew..cancer. Although she didn't confirm over the phone, she asked for me to come in the following day. That night was the worst I've had. I knew it was cancer, but how bad, did it spread, what's next and every worst-case scenario I could think of was spinning around my mind.

I sat down, on my own, as due to this pesky Coronavirus no-one was allowed in with me. They informed me I had Grade 3, triple-negative breast cancer. Everything was very practical and they reiterated I was good at catching it early which made everything that bit more straight forward. My husband was allowed in at the end and we all discussed questions/worries and next steps. All I could think about was how hungry I was and we needed to order our fancy dress costume for our upcoming zoom quiz! Guess that was a sign of relief and I felt very positive about it all.

Telling friends and family was a struggle, especially my 4 children. I decided to tell them after surgery, so I could comfort them in the fact the cancer had gone and it was just the 'funny medicine' to go. I got them involved in every positive way possible. They cut my hair and we donated it all to Little Princess Trust. 

I've just had my first lot of chemo, I had a few days were I felt unwell and spent my time resting in bed. I now feel great and remaining as positive as possible ready for my next cycle and the coming months.