Tour De 4 - Karen's story

Karen is taking on the Tour de 4 this Sunday, raising money for Make 2nds Count. She tells us why she is doing this challenge.

 

Can you tell me a little about yourself?

Hi, I’m Karen and live just outside Peterborough with my husband Steven, teenage daughter Eden, miniature schnauzer Rocky and Smudge the cat. I love spending time outdoors, doing various sports and reading. My secondary breast cancer diagnosis last year, when I was age 49, may have stopped me doing lots of things and reduced my energy, however, I currently practice yoga and love cycling, swimming, walking and pilates and have also started paddle boarding this year. I just pace myself and rest a lot more these days! I now know that my health can change so quickly so I aim to find good in every day. 

(My cancer is ER+, HER2- and I have extensive bone mets. I am currently on my first line of treatment. )

Can you tell me how you first heard of Make 2nds Count?

When I was first diagnosed and had the transition to the “new normal” of living with stage 4 breast cancer, I thought, where are my tribe? Where are all the other people with this diagnosis? I discovered the Make 2nds Count charity and quickly met my closest tea and chat group in Boston, joined the Facebook group and thankfully discovered lots of people who are there to support each other and offer friendship on this journey. 

Can you tell me about your fundraising challenge?

On 7 September, I’ll be cycling the Tour de 4 in Glasgow - hopefully no rain or wind that day as I’m a fair weather cyclist!

This inaugural event has been set up by Sir Chris Hoy following his diagnosis with stage 4 cancer, to demonstrate that a stage 4 diagnosis, while devastating, doesn't define the limits of what's possible.

Can you tell how you are all feeling about the challenge?

Quite excited! I have cycled in events before (well twice) but not since my own stage 4 diagnosis and not for charity. So this really is a very personal challenge and I know it will be emotional. It will be amazing to be part of the movement and raise funds for Make 2nds Count.

Can you tell me more about why you chose to fundraise for us?

Make 2nds Count are an amazing charity that has helped me so much and many others, and help me feel supported in my own diagnosis. I have met so many positive people through the charity, learnt so much about metastatic cancer and the Trial matching service I know will be invaluable in the future. 

Why do you think it is important to have a charity dedicated to secondary breast cancer only?

Secondary breast cancer is very under represented by cancer charities and the media and the general understanding of the disease is scarce. By having a dedicated charity, people with the disease can connect, be supported in what’s important to them and understand their treatment options. With a stage 4 diagnosis, there is a loss of control of so much for the patient, and through information, knowledge and understanding of options, you can start to regain control of part of your life. 

It is also important to raise the profile of the disease to improve public understanding and dispel some of the myths, such as “it’s the same treatment as primary cancer” - no it’s not - it’s continuous lifelong treatments, and you may not lose all your hair, but there are many other side effects you deal with daily, mentally and physically. 

I am expecting that the Tour de 4 profile and event will also start to dispel some of the public perceptions. 

My go fund me page is here: Fundraiser by Karen Lockwood : Cycling the Tour de 4 to help Fight Cancer