Janet's story

"When I was first diagnosed, I never believed I would find peace again, especially during the first 18 months. But over time, I have learned to live differently and treasure the small moments."

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2019. Around nine months earlier, I had gone to my GP with concerns about thickening in my breast, but unfortunately my worries were dismissed. When I returned to the doctor later and was referred to the breast clinic, they immediately suspected breast cancer.

At first, they believed it was primary breast cancer, which is potentially curable. I underwent a mastectomy and lymph node removal surgery, but following a CT scan I was told that the cancer had spread to my liver. I was then diagnosed with secondary breast cancer, which is incurable.

I felt absolutely devastated. I had always lived a very healthy lifestyle, so the diagnosis came as a huge shock. It honestly felt like my life was over. I was told I had between two and three years to live, which was incredibly difficult to process.

I knew nothing at all about secondary breast cancer before my diagnosis. Like many people, I was unaware that breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become incurable.

It completely devastated both me and my family. In the early days I was extremely unwell and had countless hospital appointments. My husband had to give up work to care for me, and my two grown-up children were heartbroken after being told that I was dying and may not have long left.

Before my diagnosis, I had built up a very successful Pilates business that I absolutely loved and had worked incredibly hard for. Sadly, I had to give almost all of it up because of my illness, apart from one class with close friends that I continued teaching when I was well enough.

My main support came from a local charity called CancerCare, as well as from my family and friends. Their love, kindness and encouragement helped me through some of the darkest times. I found Make 2nds Count through social media and joined the Facebook support group. It immediately helped me feel more informed, understood and supported. Connecting with other people going through the same experience made such a difference.

I also attended a Make 2nds Count retreat, where I met an amazing group of women who I am still in contact with today. I later attended the Make 2nds Count Summit in Liverpool, which was both informative and incredibly supportive.

One of the most meaningful things for me has been teaching Pilates to the secondary breast cancer community through Make 2nds Count. Being able to support people living with secondary breast cancer through movement and exercise makes me feel very privileged. Helping others and making a difference gives me a real sense of purpose.

My treatment stopped working in September 2025, and it felt terrifying all over again. I went through many tests and then had to wait four months not knowing whether I was living or dying. In January 2026, I finally found out that my current treatment is working.

Living with secondary breast cancer means living from scan to scan every three months. I often find it difficult to make future plans until I know my latest results. The side effects of treatment can also be extremely hard, both physically and emotionally, and they bring a lot of anxiety and worry.

Sadly, friends I have met through the secondary breast cancer community regularly die from this disease, which is incredibly painful and frightening because I know that one day it will be me. Because of that, I try very hard to live in the moment and appreciate each day as it comes.

Some days are easier than others, depending on how I’m feeling physically and emotionally and how severe my treatment side effects are.

I practice mindfulness, meditation and Pilates, which has become my happy place. Pilates has helped me recover from multiple operations and has supported me both mentally and physically throughout my journey.

I also practise gratitude and find enormous joy in my family and friends. Their love and support mean everything to me, and I feel very lucky to be surrounded by so much care.

When I was first diagnosed, I never believed I would find peace again, especially during the first 18 months. But over time, I have learned to live differently and treasure the small moments.

I also have a puppy called Bear, who brings so much happiness and comfort into my life every single day.