Helen at radiotherapy

Helen’s Breast Cancer Story

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“That’s your treatment done”, best words I ever heard. I did a little dance to myself in the changing room!

In July 2022 I went for a regular mammogram… to my shock I was called back for further investigations and, the dreaded words  “confirming cancer” a couple of weeks later made the world stop for me. 

Then the roller coaster of tests tests and more tests,  and I felt in limbo until surgery then treatments started. I really was so very scared and I wish I could go back in time and tell myself, “all will be well”.

First came the surgery in August 2022, a lumpectomy carried out by Professor Zoe Winters. Her whole team made me feel relaxed and comfortable. I had a set back a couple of weeks later as I needed a second surgery but, again I was reassured this was very usual and, this time the margins were clear.

Next up, chemotherapy…. the team at the Royal Marsden were fantastic and when the day dawned of my first chemo session, although still terrified, it all went according to plan. The dreaded second chemo session meant my hair started to come out. Crying, I had to shave it all off, that was horrible. So, the only thing I could do, was treat myself to lovely pre-tied floral turbans and some exciting pink wigs! The options were endless. I became Etsy online stores best customer!
 
Pictures from normal hair to shaved hair, to wigs
Chemo was the hardest part for me. I imagined feeling nauseous all the time but I was fortunate to have such good anti-sickness drugs. I actually enjoyed going to the chemo lounge for my treatments, the patients were all so inspiring, chatty and from every walk of life, the nurses were also wonderful.

For me it was day 3 that hit the hardest after chemo. I couldn’t get out of bed I felt so weak and I had a rash and leg pain that were dealt with by the oncologists and nurses very promptly.  In total, I had 8 rounds of chemo and was so happy on the last one!

To my relief chemo was over. But then I had 15 radiotherapy sessions – every day! That really exhausted me.

On the last day of radiotherapy, the radiologist said, “That’s your treatment done”, best words I ever heard. I did a little dance to myself in the changing room! 

It takes a while to feel anything like yourself again! This was May 2023 and it took me until August 2023 to feel well enough to go back to my part time admin job. I felt so much better going back to work.

Helen after losing weight and final treatmentI had a girls holiday to spain in May 2024 and upon my return I went to see Professor Zoe for a follow-up. During the consultation Prof Zoe discussed my weight and referred me to a specialist dietician explaining that I had to lose the pounds because this may reduce my risks of the cancer returning.

I started my weight loss journey and am proud to say 16 months later, I am 4 stone (25.4 kilos) lighter!

I had reconstruction surgery in March this year (2025) and very pleased with the results.

My thin hair stayed thin and the medication I take to keep cancer at bay has possibly kept it thin? But, I have treated myself to lovely long tresses by a specialist clinic in Peterborough and am enjoying my hair and life again!

I am fortunate that with the excellent care I received, I have every chance that I will have the future I deserve. 

Ladies who are starting on their cancer journey, I just want to say, you will love your life again and please do not be afraid. I feel better than before I was diagnosed!
 
Helen x

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