Breast Cancer Awareness
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Five years ago I was dimly aware of Breast Cancer Awareness month as being the month when everybody and everything was pink.
I’d run Race for Life a few times to raise funds for Cancer Research. I knew my Nan on my Dad’s side of the family had had a mastectomy. And that was the limit of my knowledge.
Until that day in late Spring 2018 when I went for a routine mammogram and then got THE letter.
My life turned upside down
My life turned upside down.
I felt scared and vulnerable.
I was used to feeling strong, invincible, energetic and active.
Breast cancer treatment wiped out those positive feelings.
BUT … it’s not all bad.
While breast cancer is the most diagnosed type of cancer in the world, there is lots of support and a wide range of treatments.
I get reminded every day that I’ve experienced breast cancer
I get reminded every day that I’ve experienced breast cancer.
First because I see the scars where the cancer was removed.
Second that pesky Tamoxifen tablet that I take every morning.
There’s no getting away from it.
How I have changed since breast cancer
I have changed since breast cancer.
Breast cancer – or rather the recovery from the treatment – taught me to slow down and do nothing more often. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing but I’m not itching to be active all the time every day. I have evenings where I sit and watch TV.
Recently I have noticed an almost constant overwhelming tiredness. I’ve read that can be a side effect of the daily Tamoxifen.
I’m back to running and cycling but I definitely don’t feel anywhere near as fit and strong as pre-cancer. Though I remind myself regularly that I had a couple of years post surgery and post radiotherapy where my running was sporadic at best while I trained for a marathon hike.
What you can do today
What you can do today is to educate yourself more about breast cancer.
Read or listen to some of the stories being shared in Breast Cancer Awareness month:
If you are sent a mammogram appointment, please GO. Don’t miss it. Early detection is what saved me.
A breast lump is the most common symptom of breast cancer. Most breast lumps are not cancer but do get it checked by your doctor. If you have symptoms or you notice anything unusual or different when doing a self-exam, get in touch with your GP.
Help us to do more to support others living with cancer or invest in more cancer research – when somebody asks for sponsorship for a race or a challenge, if you can please do sponsor them. And if you aren’t in a position to sponsor, show your support by cheering and encouraging them.
I hope my thoughts help those living with cancer or supporting someone affected by cancer.
Hi Confident Mother
Thank you for sharing your breast cancer journey.
Like you, I was diagnosed in March of 2021 and it turned my world upside down too.
After my op and radiotherapy, the recovery process has been up and down and I totally understand about taking my Tamoxifen tablet everyday. No getting away from that little reminder.
Having breast cancer changed me mentally and physically and I will never be the same again. I changed my diet, eat more green stuff, I exercise more and do a lot of self care and meditation.
My work/life balance has changed drastically now and that is a good thing. Pity it took cancer to open my eyes, but hey ho! Such is life.
I wish you well on your journey.
Thank you so much for sharing your story too. I have most definitely made positive changes in the way I live life since my diagnosis. I wish you well on your journey too.