Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer
Research. Support. Education.
Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer
I was diagnosed with breast cancer just three days before my 28th birthday. It felt like my
whole world shattered. Then, just three weeks later, I received the news of my secondary
diagnosis. I remember thinking it was a death sentence, and for that first week, I was numb.
It was as if life had stopped, and nothing seemed possible anymore.
My Diagnosis & Treatment Journey
What led to my diagnosis was a large lump underneath my breast. Despite its size, it wasn’t
visible from the outside, didn’t cause any pain, and hadn’t changed the shape of my breast. I went to my GP, who referred me to the breast unit at my local hospital a week later. They
performed a biopsy, which confirmed breast cancer.
Because of the size of the lump, they sent me for further body MRIs, which revealed metastases in my liver and lung. My cancer is HER2+ and ER+. Before starting treatment, I underwent fertility preservation, and then I began chemotherapy with Paclitaxel and Phesgo. I had 12 cycles of chemotherapy, and my follow-up scan showed a reduction in my breast and liver. Because of this response, I was put forward for surgery, where I had a lumpectomy, followed by radiotherapy to the breast area. Since then, I have continued with Phesgo and started on Tamoxifen.
Finding Hope
At first, I thought there would never be a day when cancer wouldn’t consume my thoughts.
But day by day, I noticed that things were getting easier. Now, I often get through an entire day without cancer even crossing my mind. I’ve been on treatment for 18 months, and I’m still stable.
Everything changed when I found the Make 2nds Count Facebook groups. Reading about women who were living well, years after their own diagnoses, gave me a glimmer of hope. For the first time, I saw that life could go on, and I started to wonder if maybe mine could too.
Since my diagnosis, I’ve done so many things I never thought possible. I’ve travelled to places like Turkey, Fuerteventura, South Africa, Zanzibar, Switzerland, Disneyland, and Ireland. Next month, I’m embarking on a USA road trip. I got engaged, had the wedding of my dreams, and have taken countless trips in our camper. These moments are proof that life can still be beautiful, even amidst the challenges.
A New Perspective
Someone once asked me how my diagnosis had changed my life. What struck me was that
everything I shared in response was positive. My relationships have grown closer, I’ve learned to set boundaries, and I’ve started saying yes to new opportunities. I never take a second for granted. Through all this, I’ve adopted a motto that helps me stay grounded: “I get to.” Instead of dreading things like waking up for work or going to an appointment, I remind myself that I get to do them. It’s a small shift, but it makes all the difference. This mindset change has helped me approach life in a more positive way and reminds me that I’m still living — truly living — no matter the challenges.
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