Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer
Research. Support. Education.
Giving hope to those affected
by secondary breast cancer
Date of Diagnosis:
13.12.21
Current Treatment Line
Abemaciclib, letrozole, denosumab, zoladex
How does secondary breast cancer affect your life?
It has changed it completely. I have taken ill health retirement, I live every day to the full and won't do things I don't want to do just to please others. My priorities are completely changed. I do get tired and ache so I rest when I need to.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?
Remember and focus on the word "treatable".
Think of your diagnosis as a chronic condition.
Join groups and take part in as many retreats as possible.
Has your treatment line changed since you completed SBC & Me last year?
No.
How many changes to treatment have you had?
None.
How are you coping?
Very well generally.
I do have down days but as I don't want to waste a single minute I try to deal with it and move on.
I do find it difficult to not be able to do any strenuous activity due to extensive bone mets on my spine, especially as I look so well! I worry people think I am being lazy.
Do the side effects affect your life daily? If yes, please explain
Fatigue, stomach cramps and aches are all part of life now.
I have taken ill-health retirement so I can plan days around how I feel and not have to let people down.
Have you found a routine that works for your everyday life? If yes, please explain
Yes. A morning walk around the park with my old dog, breakfast that isn't rushed to give myself time to "come round".
Meet friends regularly to feel connected and supported.
Do gentle yoga as much as possible to help with aches and pains.
Do you feel anything is missed when it comes to living with secondary breast cancer? Medically or Socially
Yes. Brain scans should be routine.
I try not to overdo alcohol now as I'm afraid it will make me ill or fall over. Some people don't understand as I look very well.
Have you treated yourself to anything since your diagnosis? If yes, please explain
A puppy and a campervan - my two life long dreams!
Has it changed your perspective on life? If yes, please explain
100%
I appreciate every single day and don't want to waste a minute. I no longer "sweat the small stuff". I've always believed everything happens for a reason and believe this was to make me stop worrying about everybody else, stop working myself into the ground and only do things I love doing.
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