In November 2016 when my little girls were 5 months, 3 and 5 years old, my world fell apart. I was diagnosed with having HER 2 positive, secondary breast cancer.

One day I rolled my shoulders back after my friend and I were laughing at my bad posture. This saved my life! 
Lying within my armpit was a lump. Like a little bouncy ball. A kid’s bouncy ball you get in party bags. From rolling my shoulders back and sitting up straight, it popped out. My breast-feeding boobs knew that this was not milk and was indeed an uninvited visitor.
The doctor and even the breast care consultant were hopeful that this was not anything sinister as it was so mobile and tangible. 
It was secondary breast cancer in my lymph nodes which meant it was trying to get around my body! The weird thing was that there was no primary. There wasn't any other lump anywhere else on either boob. I didn’t feel unwell in the slightest, it came as a massive shock!

The drugs were harsh, especially the ‘Dettol drug’ EC, that they gave me in the first 4 months, but thankfully I didn’t suffer too badly from the side effects. After the first 4 treatments, which were 3 weeks apart, I then went onto having weekly chemotherapy for 3 months. Whilst having my treatment I wore the brutal cold cap, which goes to minus 10 degrees and works by freezing your head reducing the blood flow to the hair follicles, diverting the medicine away. I had to put my hands and feet in cold packs to reduce the risk of getting neuropathy.

I remained positive throughout and although I had young children to look after, which any mum knows is exhausting, they also kept me going. They knew that mummy was ill and remarkably I didn’t lose my hair, so they couldn’t see anything that was outwardly wrong. I was sometimes tired, but my husband, family and friends would keep the girls busy whilst I rested for an hour here and there. Our lives went on as normal as they could and on New Year’s Eve that year we threw a New Year’s Eve party at our house with 6 families and all of their children, it was crazy but wonderful. At the party one of my friends said to me “Are you sure you are going through this as you really can’t tell”. It made me feel great!

If it has taught me anything it is to appreciate EVERYTHING in life. Even getting stuck in your shoe lace or apron tie! Feel the rain on your face, throw a snowball at your kids, make a slide out of the sofa cushions, soak up the sun (when we see it!). Don’t get annoyed if you have to let another car through when it’s your road. Wave, Smile, Sing, Enjoy, Giggle, Wiggle, Laugh and LOVE!! Enjoy Life. We only get one and it is not a rehearsal!! 

We are here for a good time, not a long time! 

I want to urge all of you to check your boobs and armpits. And everywhere else too! No lump is too small. You can never be too careful. And if there is anything sinister you must act quickly as this really can impact what happens.

I was made aware of Mummy’s star throughout my treatment however I didn’t use their services as my husband, Mum, Dad, sister and many friends were absolutely brilliant with helping look after the girls.

Mummy’s Star is the only Charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy or shortly after a birth. They support more than 500 women nationally.

Your donation means that women diagnosed with any cancer during pregnancy or within a year of a birth are able to reach Mummy's Star and the specialised support they offer. 

They help families to meet others in a similar position, offer small grants to relieve some financial burden, give support to partners and the wider family, promote awareness and support research. Thank you!

They are also local, based in Glossop. 

Anything you can give would be gratefully appreciated. 

Thank you for visiting my page. 

All the love in the world. 

Carla xx