Kate's story

We're sharing stories from some of our wonderful members of the secondary breast cancer community. Kate shares her story and how she is passionate about fundraising.

Hi, I’m Kate, a 39 year old mother of three, navigating life with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Before my diagnosis, I was just like any other busy mum, juggling work, family life, and trying to find balance. I was a public servant, and life felt full and vibrant. I never imagined cancer would be part of my story, but in 2017, that all changed.

In 2017, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, a terrifying moment that shifted everything. After undergoing a mastectomy and radiotherapy, I thought I had conquered it. But then, in February 2023 whilst 22 weeks pregnant with my third child, I got the news I feared the most: my cancer had returned bilaterally. I had a mastectomy and further surgery to the original side and commenced chemotherapy. At 33 weeks pregnant my world fell apart when I found out my cancer had metastasised. It was no longer just in my breast—it had spread to the C5 in my neck, breaking it. More surgery followed and my treatment changed. That diagnosis hit hard and I was so scared. 

At 35 weeks I delivered my daughter via c section and she was miraculously perfectly healthy, my little warrior. 

The challenges since then have been endless. From adjusting to new treatment regimens and dealing with side effects to confronting the emotional weight of living with a terminal diagnosis, it’s been a rollercoaster. But it’s also taught me so much about resilience, the power of community, and the importance of raising awareness about MBC.

If you’ve just been diagnosed, I want you to know this: it’s okay to feel scared, but don’t let that fear take over you. Learn about your diagnosis, ask questions, and seek out support groups. Surround yourself with people who understand what you’re going through, whether that’s friends, family, or fellow survivors. 

Take things one day at a time, one step at a time, deal only with the things at hand and don’t look too far ahead. Remember that knowledge is your greatest tool. Empower yourself with information, because it helps you regain some control.

Since my diagnosis, I’ve become more passionate about spreading the word on MBC. I am doing this through my social media pages:

https://www.facebook.com/HardmansThe?mibextid=LQQJ4d

https://www.instagram.com/_thehardmans/profilecard/?igsh=eG53ZTJhN2dma2d4

We have an upcoming charity event raising money for Make 2nds Count. On 28 December at 2pm (TBC) we are holding a charity rugby match at Aylesbury rugby club. There will be raffles, auctions, music, lots of fun and festivities and we are hoping it will be a really good event to raise a lot of money.

Link to the event is here:

https://www.facebook.com/share/19HxWx2uWP/?mibextid=9l3rBW

Link to the Prize draw is here:

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-hardmans-charity-rugby-match

 

Fundraising is a way to give back and support organisations that research better treatments and support those living with MBC. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that in some small way, I’m contributing to a future where metastatic breast cancer gets the attention it needs, and maybe one day, a cure.

Metastatic breast cancer has undoubtedly changed the course of my life, but it has also given me a unique perspective on resilience and hope. Every day is a new challenge, but it’s also a new opportunity to find strength within myself and in the support of those around me. 

Thank you Kate for sharing your story and for helping to raise money for Make 2nds Count so that we can help others with secondary breast cancer.