Joannes's story

The next morning, I called my doctors practice who advised that UHDB would be in contact within 14 Days, which they did (the next day) and my appointment was booked for the 25th of November, the day after my 48th Birthday.

Due to covid I had to attend the Breast Clinic on my own, which was daunting, My Partner had to remain in the car. I first of all received a mammogram and then an ultrasound followed.  During the ultrasound the sonographer advised me that there was a dark area that she was concerned about therefore, they would also be doing a core biopsy that day.

I remember sitting in the waiting room shaking with fear as I just knew what was coming next, all I wanted was my man by my side, and before I knew it, reception has called him in from the car to come and sit with me and ready to speak to the Consultant. We then met with Mr Rogers he advised that I could possibly have Breast Cancer and to be prepared for that news next week.

On the 02 December, I met again with Mr Rogers who in fact confirmed that I had Breast Cancer and that my surgery was booked in for the 08th December 2020 with Dr Gareffa at Derby Hospital. I was diagnosed with Grade 3, mixed invasive ductal micropapillary, ER/PR positive & HER2 Negative, with an oncotype recurrence score 20.

On the 08 December 2020, I was admitted to Burton Hospital for local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy. I then received 6 cycles of ECT – T Chemotherapy & Docetaxel which I completed in July 2021, after that I received a week of Radiotherapy and then I would be put on Endocrine therapy (Letrozole) as I had previously had a Hysterectomy. I then received Zoledronic acid infusions (Bisphosphonates) every 6 months for 3 Years which started in November 2021.

I lost my hair through chemotherapy, which was something I really struggled with, my hair was part of my identity, I was that woman that really didn’t want to get my hair wet in the pool, or if it was raining, I would go into panic mode.

Whilst in Lockdown I started my Instagram page joanne_breastcancerjourney, this was a great distraction for myself and also helped others use as a guideline/timeline. Instagram also helped me show friends and family my journey and we managed to raise £1938.25 for the Burton Cancer patient’s fund.

Life now, has changed dramatically, life is different. I don’t worry about the things I can’t control or change. I keep a small circle of friends, and I spend time with those who are precious to me. I walk in the rain and not worry that my hair gets wet! (I have hair). but number one, I live and love life so much more than before and appreciate life so much. I have a real love for walking my dog over the nature reserve, a dog that I adore  and a new love of walking and being surrounded by nature, I am still struggling to walk far some days, however I have good and bad days and that’s allowed.

I am now looking forward to the future, I am excited to be  watching my Son & Three daughters  & my Granddaughter grow,  I will carry on building a home with my man, and ticking off those boxes on my wish list, I will also continue to moan about my aches and pains that the treatment causes but its doing a job, we have to remember that.