Breast Cancer Awareness and how you can help!
This blog post is dedicated to our very own Cheryl, Manager of Haringtons Reading, who last year received the devastating news that she’d been diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Read more about Cheryl's story below and her bid to raise awareness and shed light on what can be a tough subject for many women across the world.
Cheryl’s story
''Back in October 2021, I was called back from a routine mammogram and, whilst I was scared initially, the letter I received said that in most cases it wasn’t breast cancer. Before this, I’d always checked my breasts thoroughly and they’d never shown any obvious signs such as lumps and have no history of breast cancer in my family, so I went to my appointment feeling confident that I was absolutely fine. Unfortunately following the appointment a cancer diagnosis was confirmed the following week, so it was inevitable I’d need to go back in for an MRI scan to understand the size of the tumour.
When I reached the hospital, they told me they’d found a second tumour, however was quickly reassured it was benign. A few tests later I learned this wasn’t the case at all. The confusing information was exhausting to say the least and by this point I was in fear all kinds of outcomes - one being having to have a mastectomy. Every doctor and nurse I’d encountered throughout the process up until now understood how devastating breast cancer can be to self-image and self-confidence and were very keen to help give me the best cosmetic outcome, and with this the doctors decided having a Mastopexy was going to enable this. It was a lengthy operation, but they were able to remove all of the cancer which was the best news I’d been given in what felt like a very long time. I’ll need further reconstructive surgery and will be on hormone therapy for the next 10 years.
I have a little way to go yet and my mental and physical recovery will take some time, but I really want to express that if I’d not been to my mammogram appointment my story may have been very different. The mammogram (and of course the doctors and nurses of the NHS) saved my life, I have no doubt about that.
I’m lucky that my cancer was caught early and I’m forever grateful. As much as the emotional and physical changes have taken a toll on my body, I’m hoping these changes will enable me to help others in the future''.
Since Cheryl learned about her diagnosis, her clients and friends have been incredibly supportive and pro-active in raising important funds for Breast Cancer research. One friend and client of 16 years, Vicky has been there for Cheryl every step of the way and on Sunday 2nd October this year will be running 26.2 miles in the TCS London Marathon, to raise essential funds for Breast Cancer Now after her mum was also diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the end of last year.
Vicky isn't only determined to raise money for this world-class charity, she also wants to highlight the importance of ensuring women go and get checked. Here she shares her mum’s experience:
'My mum went to the GP after noticing a difference in her breast. The GP referred her to a consultant, who after investigation, sadly found cancer in the breast she hadn’t noticed changes in. Because my Mum made the best decision to go and get checked, her cancer was picked up early. Scarily the cancer couldn’t be seen or felt and was only picked up by the Mammogram.'
Being able to run for Breast Cancer Now means a huge amount to Vicky because of these two amazing women in her life, she hopes to raise enough funds to help Breast Cancer Now to continue to provide world-class research and life-changing care for people affected by Breast Cancer. If you’d like to donate to Vicky’s cause, please click the button below. Every donation counts!
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.