I hope I’m only going to be in this situation once in my life so I have set a pretty big target to help keep me motivated on the days when I am struggling!

Being healthy and active has always been an important part of my life having played sport from a young age. I don’t want that to stop now and have seen lots of research about the numerous benefits, physically and mentally, of doing exercise during treatment and beyond in terms of recovery. This can help to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy and is particularly important for me as one of the drugs I am receiving (Herceptin AKA Trastuzumab) can weaken my heart so I need to try and keep it strong and healthy. I have also read lots about the cumulative effects of chemotherapy as the drugs gradually accumulate in your body so am in no doubt that there will be days when I don’t feel well and need to listen to my body. But at the same time, just going outside for a walk, even just for 30 minutes a day will make a difference.

Breast Cancer Now is a UK charity providing world-class research and life-changing care for people affected by breast cancer. It is steered by world-class research and powered by life-changing care. They’re there for anyone affected by breast cancer, the whole way through, providing support for today and hope for the future. They focus on four key areas of research: risk and prevention, early detection and diagnosis, treatment and secondary breast cancer.  

Breast Cancer Now believe that they can change the future of breast cancer and make sure that, by 2050, everyone diagnosed with the disease lives – and is supported to live well. But we need to act now.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer. About 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. There's a good chance of recovery if it's detected at an early stage. For this reason, it's vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP. In rare cases, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer.

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