My SBC Journey: Jo

3rd January 2021 SBC & Me

When were you diagnosed with SBC?

So I was first diagnosed with breast cancer April 2008, diagnosed with secondary September 2018 after feeling a bit breathless n tired when I exercised ( I’m a fitness instructor so thought it was strange getting out of breath after a few burpees )

How were you diagnosed with SBC?

I was diagnosed after going to my GP 3 times with a niggling pain in my ribs, I had an X-ray in Feb, all clear. I got referred to a physio who said it didn’t sit right with him. I contacted my oncologist after I noticed my right side ribs didn’t move when I took a breath in. Had a ct scan on a Friday, went to GP again on Monday as I was breathing quite hard after just picking up kids in the crèche I worked in. He noticed my ribs on the right side and said he would chase up my ct scan. Weirdly I got home and my home phone rang, it never rings so I had a gut feeling it was someone important. It was my breast muse ( who discharged me 5 years prior) to tell me to go in to see her ASAP.  My mum was with me at the time, I just fell to the floor and screamed.

My hubby took me to see her and I was told I had a pleural effusion to the right side of my lung. Two things cause it, heart problems or cancer.

What has been your treatment Journey?

So far had an op to drain the four litres of fluid and my lung talced? Can’t remember the real technology term haha

Currently on ibrance and letrozole and Zoladex

Also had a lumpectomy, my full mastectomy recon as cancer had a reoccurrence in there too ( go figure )

What would have helped make your journey so far easier?

All in all my journey has been fine, lots of support lots of beautiful friends, but don’t get me wrong I’ve had counselling and I still have bad dark days

What advice would you give someone who has just received their diagnosis?

My advice would be to stay strong, keep staying fit ( if permitted ) up the vitamins, say Thankyou every morning and be grateful. But remember it’s not ok to be ok and that’s fine. Talk loads and I believe in crystals reiki mantras etc, mental health is a must x

What is your favourite holiday destination?

Ooooh now then, I’ve been lucky to travel ( damn you covid as I’ve missed it this year and still have a bucket list )

I love Australia I loved Mexico I loved turkey, I even love going to Scotland Edinburgh is beautiful

Do you have any great TV/film recommendations?

Best films:

Green Mile

Dirty dancing

Grease

Ps I love you

And any funny with Jennifer Aniston

My daughters and husband keep me fighting and I’m blessed with a beautiful community who look in on me xx

Xxxxx much love to you all, Jo