"The hardest part of living with cancer, even though I am now fine, is the fear. The fear of finding another lump, the fear of symptoms emerging for another cancer."
Katie was 20 weeks pregnant with her second child and everything was going as well as she could expect and hope. She experienced no cancer symptoms until she discovered a lump in her breast...
This is her story...
One Friday evening, we had put our little boy Harri to bed and my husband and myself were having a quiet evening watching TV. I was nibbling on some snacks and brushed a crumb off my chest - this was when I felt a lump. I remember, my husband was in the kitchen at the time so I went out and showed him. We felt around, and on the other breast, but it just didn’t feel right. We decided to book a doctor’s appointment, but had to wait until the Monday morning to go to the GP.
During the appointment, the GP carried out a thorough examination. Due to my pregnancy, she thought it was just fatty lumps but, as precaution, she referred me to my local breast clinic. A few days later, I received a call to go to the clinic for a scan (I was too young for a mammogram). I attended the clinic on my own (due to Covid), which was terrifying enough. A consultant gave me a full check, and he believed it was a cyst, so sent me for a scan. During the scan, I had a biopsy and it was then confirmed that there were concerns.
Five days later I received the dreaded result. Deep down, I already knew. Thankfully my husband was with me, but when they said the “c” word, our world crumbled.
My biggest worry was my little boy and unborn baby. How can I have cancer when pregnant? There is no family history at all, so this was just the biggest shock.
My Consultant and designated Nurse were (and have remained) incredible. Surgery was discussed, and my Consultant liaised very closely with my Obstetrician to ensure that if any surgery was carried out, my baby was fully protected. I had a lumpectomy 4 weeks after my initial diagnosis, at 24 weeks pregnant. My son Harri had just turned 4 years old.
A biopsy of my tumour was sent for genetic testing for reoccurrence rates, but being pregnant caused slight complications due to my hormone levels. It was decided that my baby would be born at 37 weeks and I would then start a period of chemotherapy, followed by radiotherapy.
When my baby was born she was just beautiful! We started life as a family of four and enjoyed being in our own little bubble for two weeks before chemo began.
Going through the cancer centre door that first time, I just cried! My husband walked in with me and our baby girl, but they couldn’t stay.
The nurses were amazing and really put me at ease. I would have good days and bad. I required 18 weeks of chemotherapy. Half way through, a week after Christmas, I wanted to give it all up. I had had a bad week and really truly felt like I’d been hit by a bus - but then, after looking at my two little ones, the fight went on! Following chemo, I had 2 weeks of radiotherapy including booster sessions. I am now on Tamoxifen for 10 years.
The feeling of being diagnosed with cancer is overwhelming. My biggest concern was my two children growing up without their mum. The hardest part of living with cancer, even though I am now fine, is the fear. The fear of finding another lump, the fear of symptoms emerging for another cancer. I have had two mammograms since my treatment, which have both been clear.
Honestly, it feels like, once treatment has finished the support available is very minimal. You are just expected to get on with life… but it’s not as easy as that. Support from friends and family has been incredible, but you just feel you need more support from professionals.
I am doing well now. It’s been over two years since my physical treatment finished. I have my good days and I have my bad. My husband has been my rock; he has seen me at my lowest, at my worst, but has lifted me and he is just the most amazing man! I am very lucky to be with my children, watching them growing up. My Star Baby will be 3 in October and Harri - who was so incredibly brave throughout mummy having medicine and losing her hair - has just turned 7. They are my reason to fight and to live the happiest of lives. I know I will need to have the cancer conversation with the children one day. I have never used the word around them up to now, but it can wait! They are kids and I want them to enjoy being kids.
Katie x
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