Almost a year ago, I discovered suspicious symptoms that eventually led to my diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer.

After discovering a lump in my right breast and swelling in my right armpit, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer.

After my diagnosis, I tried to make changes to my lifestyle, which included drinking less and eating healthier. However, I found myself being able to exercise less often due to the strain of the treatments and the disease.

Initially, my treatment plan involved surgery, including mastectomy and lymphadenectomy, alongside chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy, based on my doctor's recommendations. However, eventually we decided to focus only on chemotherapy.

Though I experienced side effects like diarrhea, hair loss, and nausea, I managed them through trying to eat better and taking some medications to mitigate the symptoms.

Generally, as my treatment progressed, I did feel more optimistic and confident as time went on. I tried to make permanent changes to my lifestyle, including reducing alcohol intake and improving my diet. Overall, I aim to maintain a healthier lifestyle for myself and my family.

In the next two years, I plan to focus on self-care, including moving house, getting a new car, and planning holidays. I'm also eager to return to wild and cold water swimming, which I think will help my recovery post-surgery. Spending more time with my grandchildren is also a priority, including taking them on trips to the theatre and ballet, and having them stay over more often.

My biggest fear throughout my journey to recovery has been missing out on time with my grandchildren. Also, after going through divorce, I haven’t had the chance to put myself back out there just yet. However, I remain hopeful that my treatment will be successful, and that I can get on with my life soon.

Overall, I feel hopeful that my treatment will help me put my life back on track soon. I’m more thankful for the time I get to spend with my loved ones, and I look forward to enjoying more moments with them.

My personal message to those also facing the disease would be: “Allow yourself to be at the mercy of your medical team and your loved ones. Accept help and advice. Let people look after you. It’s ok to cry and be fearful. Be honest about how you feel mentally and physically as people can not always tell just by looking at you.”