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In dec 2020 I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma HER2 positive, this is a fast growing invasive cancer that was found as an incidental finding whist being treated in hospital with covid pneumonia. I was lucky to get covid as I never had a clue that I had a lump despite the fact that it was 40mm !!!

As you can imagine I was totally devastated and very scared but with the support of Rob ( now my husband ) Amy my daughter,  my brothers and other close family and friends I managed to complete my treatment in April 2022 

I had 7 rounds of chemo which caused far too many horrible and debilitating side effects to mention. Loosing my hair put me at an all time low and the weight gain was very depressing as I no longer recognised myself when I looked in a mirror

Following chemo I then had surgery which showed that the cancer hadn’t spread and that my lymph nodes were clear … the most amazing news ever and I remember Rob & I just sat and cried with relief when the Dr gave us the good news 

I then had radiotherapy followed by 18 X 3 weekly injections known as targeted therapy to help prevent a recurrence which I finished in April. Due to covid I had to attend 90% of my appointments and treatments on my own which made things seem even worse as I was always so scared.

Once the treatment was finished I was obviously happy and relieved but despite being surrounded by loved ones I felt a bit lost and very scared of my future, I also was learning to live with the long lasting effects of treatment- severe joint pain and the loss of sensation in my fingers and toes to name but a few !! 

I’d heard about team phoenix from a work colleague but never in a million years thought I would become part of this amazing group.. I knew I had to do something to move on with my life and joining team phoenix was the best decision I had  made for a very long time ( apart from marrying Rob ) 

 Team Phoenix is a local charity which was established in 2016. The charity helps women who have been affected by breast cancer regain their physical and mental well-being. At the core of the charity is a dedicated group of sports coaches, doctors and volunteers who train and assist breast cancer survivors to complete a sprint distance triathlon.

Our team of 10 ladies will compete in the Hever Castle triathlon on Saturday 24th September, which consists of a 400km lake swim, 20km bike ride followed by a 4Km Run .. this might not sound much to some of you but we are all a bit physically broken after our treatment so believe me it’s a massive challenge for us but we are all 100% committed to crossing the finishing line together no matter how long it takes us !! 

The money raised will ensure that each year other women can experience the amazing  life changing support that I had been so lucky to have and can say that they completed whats starts out as the impossible challenge of a triathlon 

Thank you all for taking the time to read my story and if you are able to then please donate whatever you can Xxx