I discovered a lump in my breast in February 2018. I used to do a lot of running which in turn meant taking a lot of showers! It was whilst washing myself that I felt a lump.
Jo’s Story:
“I made an appointment with my doctor who sent me to the breast care clinic to get it checked out. I decided to take my mum with me as I told my husband that I was sure there was nothing to worry about even though there was a nagging doubt in my mind.
I had a mammogram done which didn’t show anything up despite the fact that it could be felt. It was decided that an Ultrasound would be next and the lump was spotted straight away. I was then taken to “The Room Of Doom” as we decided to christen it! I had a biopsy and they told me there and then “we’re fairly certain it is breast cancer.” I must admit mum and I were quite surprised that they didn’t wait until the results of the biopsy were back.
A week later we were back for the results and I was told that yes, it was definitely triple- negative breast cancer.
My children were only 5 and 3 at the time so the information they gave me included a booklet for children on how to explain what’s going to happen.
My nan passed away from breast cancer so the clinic offered to do a BRCA genes test before I had any surgery. It took 3 weeks for the test results to come back and I’m glad to say it was negative.
I was booked in for a Lumpectomy in between a half marathon that I had already booked up for and my two boys’ birthdays in the April.
The following month I started having chemotherapy, which I did struggle with as it made me very poorly. I hadn’t bothered with a cold cap to try and save my hair (I never loved it anyway) so I just decided to have a little fun with it first! I dyed it pink and purple and my 3yr-old said “mummy, you look like a rock star.” My children seemed to accept the change quite easily once my hair had gone – it was mainly adults that would stare at me. In the end I had 14 rounds of chemo, finishing in the November, as they tried 2 different drugs at the same time.
I found a Facebook group for people diagnosed with my type of breast cancer and I have to say it was great.
I was fortunate to become great friends with someone from the group who became my chemo buddy, as we had our sessions at the same hospital. December 2018 and January 2019 were taken up with radiotherapy. During December, I decided to wear a different Christmas jumper to every session. I found radiotherapy a breeze compared to Chemo although of course I realise it’s different for everyone. I was thrilled to bits when my friends threw me a huge party to celebrate the end of my treatment at the end of January.
I really can’t thank everyone enough for all the support they gave me during such a difficult time. From my mum and dad to the playdates my friends arranged for the children and all the pick-ups from school… I will always be so very grateful. Maidstone Hospital have just the best doctors and nurses too.
These days I feel like I’ve been handed my life back. I did a half marathon last year plus a special triathlon for people diagnosed with breast cancer in September last year.
I have always enjoyed keeping fit which is why I decided to sign up for The MoonWalk London – I’d always wanted to do it and was upset not to be able to due to COVID. I’m excited that I will be able to do it once restrictions are lifted! I managed to fit in quite a few walks during lockdown and since then have increased my distances again. During my walks I’m enjoying being able to see the difference in the countryside as the seasons change.