Angela (right) and her friend Hazel at The MoonWalk Scotland 2019
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer out of the blue last year, following a routine mammogram. I’m taking on the Full Moon (26.2 miles) at this year’s MoonWalk Scotland to give something back after all the amazing support and treatment I’ve received since my diagnosis.
My mammogram in March 2024 was the third I’d had since turning fifty. The previous ones had all been very routine and I didn’t think this one would be any different. I’d had no symptoms beforehand – no lumps, to rash and no puckering of the skin, all of which are classic symptoms of possible breast cancer.
Not long after my mammogram I received a letter saying that the scan had been “inconclusive” and asking me to attend another clinic for a follow up. I am a bit busty and thought there was some sort of technical issue with getting the right type of images. I didn’t take my husband along to that second appointment, as I wasn’t concerned that something could be wrong.
Everything snowballed from there. The nurse explained that there was an area in my left breast which needed to be investigated further. I had an ultrasound scan and two biopsies straight away and returned to see the consultant a couple of weeks later for my results.
He told me that I’d been diagnosed with an early-stage form of breast cancer called Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), which was a huge shock. This meant that some cells in the lining of the ducts of the breast tissue had started to turn into cancer cells, but they hadn’t yet spread elsewhere However, if they hadn’t been discovered when they were – by the mammogram – this would have been a real possibility. DCIS cells look like grains of rice on scans – they’re quite small, which is why I wasn’t able to feel anything untoward myself.
I had surgery in June 2024 to remove the cancer. The operation was called a bilateral mammoplasty, which meant that the affected tissue was removed from my left breast and once they’d done that, they made the right breast the same size. Although the surgery went well, I had a number of problems afterwards with an infected wound. When that finally healed, I had five sessions of radiotherapy to help prevent the cancer coming back.
Whilst waiting on a date for my surgery I was put on Letrozole, a hormone therapy, to help slow the down the growth of the cells. I have continued with the therapy to cut the chances of the DCIS returning. Unfortunately, one of the side effects is menopausal symptoms.
Throughout everything, my friends and family (husband Derek, 22-year-old son Jake and Jake’s partner Neve) have been absolutely amazing. My husband is self-employed and my friends were incredibly supportive while I was recovering from surgery, so that he could keep on working. A group of friends provided what felt like my own private “meals on wheels” service and gave me with lifts everywhere too! I was so grateful.
On left: Angela with her husband Derek and son Jake taken at a wedding just three days before her surgery. On right: Angela and her son Jake celebrating his 21st birthday, before she knew anything was wrong
I first completed the Full Moon at The MoonWalk Scotland back in 2019. I really enjoyed the night and loved the wonderful atmosphere – there were even people out on the route supporting us at 2 o’clock in the morning. It was my first ever marathon and I must admit that although it was tough, I had a huge sense of achievement when I finished. One of the ladies I walked with in 2019 is taking part with me again this year and a number of other friends are joining us too.
After having been off work for a large part of last year, I now feel as though I’m back to business as usual and enjoying my normal life. Having said that, I need to build up my stamina, having been immobile and having to rest totally while my infection healed. Taking part in The MoonWalk Scotland in September and all the training I’ll do beforehand will give me a fantastic focus, as I try to regain my fitness.
I can’t wait to raise more money for MoonWalk organisers, breast cancer charity Walk the Walk – I was thrilled to find out that they’ve already contributed millions of pounds in grants to the Breast Unit at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh. During my diagnosis and treatment, I’ve well and truly used all the services at the Western General which Walk the Walk has helped to fund – the mammography unit, operating theatre and breast cancer ward. I feel so grateful and want to take part in The MoonWalk again to give something back.
I’m also incredibly thankful for the mammogram which discovered my cancer when it did. Thank goodness for the national screening programmes – if breast cancer is caught early enough, a lot can be done to prevent the disease spreading. I’d urge everyone who is invited to take up the offer of getting a mammogram. It could save your life”.
Thank you for sharing your story Angela and we look forward to seeing you and your amazing team at The MoonWalk Scotland 2025! Sign up as a Walker or Volunteer now!