Thank you for supporting my fundraising, you’re helping the millions of people affected by cancer, which sadly seems to be forever increasing. Those like me who never thought I’d hear those words! 

This is not something I’ve shared with many since my experience last year and I’m so sorry for those of you who are dear to me and hearing it for the first time. But I feel this is a great opportunity for me to tell my story, show my support, raise some money and give myself a goal. 

My journey, here goes …

It all started with a conversation with a client, a conversation that changed the course of my life. She shared with me her recent breast cancer diagnosis and, in that moment, made me promise to check myself thoroughly. Little did I know, that promise would soon become the guiding force through an unexpected journey, one that potentially saved my life. 

I found a small lump, nothing that seemed alarming, but I honoured my promise and went to the hospital for a mammogram and ultrasound. A biopsy followed, and during this waiting period for my results I genuinely didn’t believe anything would be wrong. However, the results were in and the consultant confirmed I did have breast cancer!! This revelation that ‘I’ had breast cancer hit me like a ton of bricks. It was surreal—I felt perfectly fine, no changes whatsoever. The lump was just 7mm, but it held the power to reshape my entire world.

The subsequent referral for an MRI turned the waiting period into the worst two weeks of my life. The relief came however when they confirmed the cancer was localised to the breast.

I was lost for words and so scared of what might happen, I'm not sure even at this stage that it had all sunk in! Life took a detour into unknown territory, and my personal and professional worlds collided. As a personal trainer, the time off from training was inevitable and I still couldn’t  believe that although I spend my life and career being as fit and healthy as possible, I still received this diagnosis. The operation to remove the lump and several lymph nodes came swiftly, leaving me little time to process it all.

July marked the discovery of the lump, and by August 30th, I was on the operating table. The transition from lifting weights to being unable to lift my own arms was a stark reminder of life's fragility. But, in my true style, practical mode kicked in and I started shoulder exercises the day after the operation. Daily walks became a ritual, getting up and out of the house, even for half an hour per day made all the difference, particularly for my mental health when exercise was such a huge part of my normal life.  Due to my career I was lucky enough to have the knowledge and experience to ensure a careful yet determined recovery.

Six weeks off flew by, a period filled with both mental and physical hurdles. It was a time to learn who really stands by you when things get tough and I was overwhelmed by the love, support and care that I received. Returning to work in mid-October meant rebuilding—physically and emotionally but it was great to be back to some sort of normality. 

Amidst the whirlwind of my breast cancer journey, a crucial decision loomed—whether to undergo preventive radiotherapy. The possibility of side effects weighed heavy on my mind, but the lurking fear of the cancer potentially returning at any point, compelled me to make a courageous choice, which wasn’t taken lightly.

The two-week period marked a time of heightened vulnerability, a time of both physical and emotional endurance, a daily commitment to facing the unknown. Each session was a step towards safeguarding my future, as some side effects started to take hold, the sore, tender skin and the fatigue mainly,  I remained positive and worked my client diary around my pending appointment each day. 

In the midst of this additional chapter in my journey, the support system that had carried me through the earlier stages remained steadfast. The love and encouragement from friends, family, and medical professionals became the bedrock upon which I built my resilience. And so, with every radiotherapy session, I not only faced the physical challenges but also the emotional turmoil of it all.  The radiotherapy became a journey within a journey, but a pivotal step towards reclaiming control over my life, a tangible effort to secure a future free from the shadows of cancer.

My breast cancer journey became a poignant reminder that life is too short to be taken for granted and I have a newfound appreciation for each moment. Now, with the all-clear, I step into the rest of my life, armed with a profound understanding of its preciousness.

Please make me the same promise, that you will check yourself thoroughly, no matter your age or gender. If there is anything you’re worried about, do not hesitate, just get it checked out!. Whether it’s big or small, catch it early and you’re in with a much bigger chance of recovery. 

Thank you so much for reading and showing your support :)  

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