Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer
Research. Support. Education.
Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer
14th December 2022
My journey with cancer started back in 2013 when I had a mastectomy following a breast cancer diagnosis. Five years later I got the all clear and I actually celebrated being cancer free.
Fast forward to August 2021 when I received a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis, I was in shock and I didn’t understand what this meant. The confusion and concern was enhanced when I discovered what it did mean - straight to Stage 4 and treatment only, no hope of being given the all clear this time.
To say it hit me like a train is an understatement but fortunately my daughter knew about a charity her friend was involved in and that is how I learned about Make 2nds Count.
Joining this wonderful group (that in reality no one wants to qualify to be a member of) has been a huge turning point for me. Within a week of me joining I attended my first ‘tea and chat’, this is where I learned that I was in fact stage 4 with a secondary diagnosis, this had not yet been made clear to me by my Oncologist.
The support of the women in this group has been invaluable and provided me with so much focus. Together we have a sense of drive and determination, and we have all been champions of the ‘fighting to be heard’ campaign which is amazing and such an important message.
I was fortunate to get a place on the ‘Rainhill Retreat’ and none of us wanted to leave, just 36 ladies who could sit together and know that we all shared the same feelings. The time away was so relaxing, the whole retreat was filled with laughter and it gave us friends for life. Twelve of us have since had a catch up trip to York, which would not have happened if we hadn’t met on the retreat.
The ‘tea and chat’ group provides a safe space filled with people who simply ‘get where we are’ and understand the difference in a secondary diagnosis. We are all able to share the stories and experiences of how that diagnosis makes us feel.
It is so important to me to have access to a charity that focuses solely on secondary breast cancer, providing access to those affected and their families to information, support and trials aimed specifically at our diagnosis.
Make 2nds Count offers access to a community where I have a real sense of belonging.
Make Christmas Count is a great fundraising initiative, offering all those affected a feeling of hope. Selling the baubles to family and friends has allowed them to contribute to a charity that is so important to me and gives them the opportunity to help and know they are making a difference.
What a wonderful time of the year to celebrate hope as well as Make 2nds Count, a beautiful bauble hanging on the tree reminds us that we are all in this together
Anne x
Thank you so much, Anne, for sharing your story.
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