Anna's story

I was deep in that strange, foggy new baby phase- permanently knackered, feeding around the clock, my body resembling a deflated balloon and family life in full chaos mode. I thought that was peak exhaustion. Turns out, it wasn’t.

Nothing prepares you for being told you have cancer. I remember thinking, this can’t be happening now. I’m too young. I have no family history. I’m fit and healthy. I was supposed to be enjoying my 40s, not sitting in waiting rooms, having scans or talking about removing the boob that was still feeding my baby. 

Since being diagnosed with ER+ PR- HER2- stage 2, grade 2 cancer, I’ve had a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction to implant, had 16 rounds of chemo, endured 58 hours in the cold cap, had 15 rounds of radiotherapy, been thrown into medically induced menopause and am now having ongoing hormone and targeted therapy for the next 5-10 years. All whilst juggling 3 young children! 

I haven’t returned to work- my 20 year career in the media world has taken a back seat while I’ve focused on juggling my health and the kids during treatment. Becoming a full-time stay at home mum was not on the agenda and it’s been tough especially as someone who has always striven for that elusive balance between career and motherhood.

Life doesn’t always follow the grand plan we imagined- sometimes it throws a massive c-bomb shaped hole but with it comes the opportunity to reset, refocus, and redefine what ‘having it all’ really means. I’d placed so much importance on ticking all the classic life boxes that I’d forgotten about how bumps in the road are actually sometimes the most important crossroads we reach. When life gives you lemons, make loads of lemonade and stick an umbrella in it. 

And finally, if something doesn’t quite feel right, push to be seen, push to be checked, and never apologise for it. You’re not wasting anyone’s time!! Awareness isn’t about fear, it’s about empowerment 🩷🩷