Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer
Research. Support. Education.
Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer
Date of diagnosis?
January 2022
Current treatment line?
Abemaciclib and letrozole
How does secondary breast cancer affect your life?
I have to be careful what l eat to avoid diarrhoea which can catch me out at any time. Food tastes different and my hair has thinned. I have always tried to keep fit and find physical exercise harder. I have to pace myself to avoid getting too fatigued.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?
Coping with the diagnosis was like a bereavement. I found the stress and anxiety exhausting. For me it was about acceptance and making a conscious decision not to let it ruin every aspect of my life. I am still here and feeling well, enjoy the here and now. Keep busy and do all the things you want to. Nurture the friendships that lift your mood and give you joy, ditch the mood hovers!
How many changes to treatment have you had?
Treatment has not changed
How are you coping?
I have surprised myself, l think l am coping well at this point.
Do the side effects affect your life daily? If yes, please explain
Diarrhoea means l have to be aware of where toilets are, this has caused some anxiety and l am adjusting what l eat. Accidents do happen so l have learned to be very open and upfront about my condition. I can't help it.
Have you found a routine that works for your everyday life? If yes, please explain
I try and do what l always have done. I retired from teaching. If l get tired l jyst have a rest, or have a quiet day. I use my art as a distraction and have found this is a great therapy for me.
Do you feel anything is missed when it comes to living with secondary breast cancer? Medically or Socially
Not really, l am a little anxious about traveling and worry about getting infections as it takes much longer to recover.
Have you treated yourself to anything since your diagnosis? If yes, please explain
Yes, l bought an electric bike so l can cycle without getting tired. I joined a printing studio and went on an etching course.
Has it changed your perspective on life? If yes, please explain
Yes, l value what l have and oddly enough l no longer worry about dying though this may change. I do what l want and make an effort to connect with friends and family.
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