In May 2024 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. What followed was a whirlwind of appointments with my medical team. That culminated in a single mastectomy in June. The operation was a success. Whilst I was convalescing and awaiting news on the next stage of my treatment, I decided to cut twelve inches of my hair off and donate it to a kids’ cancer charity to make wigs for children affected by cancer. I wanted to try and make a hard situation positive and help others.

Shortly after, I started a course of preventative chemotherapy which lasted 4 months. Preventative chemotherapy is for patients that don’t have cancer any more but it’s like a safety net to help make sure no cancerous cells are left in the blood. It was hard to get through but I did it! Now I’m on hormone therapy to help try and ensure it doesn’t come back.

It was really hard. To be honest, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to face. Being told you have breast cancer at the age of 40, with a 5- and 7-year-old, is a tough pill to swallow. Cancer doesn’t care if you’re celebrating your 10th wedding anniversary or your husband’s 40th birthday. It just comes for you regardless. I found strength in myself that I never wanted to have to find, but I did it.

With the help of my wonderful husband, family, friends and my phenomenal medical team including my surgeon, oncologist and team of nurses, I took each day of my treatment as a step closer to getting better.

Now, thanks to that treatment, my prognosis for a long life is positive.

I know not everyone gets to say that and I’m grateful I can. With that, I want to give back in every way possible and I want to make sure that people (yes, men can get breast cancer too) check their chests. CoppaFeel is a charity that encourages and educates you to check your chest for signs of cancer. With 1 in 8 women being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, early detection is vital.

This June, precisely a year after I had my operation, I will join the CoppaFeel team on a 100km trek over in the Isle of Skye to help raise vital funds for the charity.

I would be so grateful if you could kindly dig deep and donate. Thank you so much for your support.

Isabella

www.coppafeel.org.