Pretti's story
Naively, I wasn't checking my breasts and only found the lump as a friend found a lump (luckily hers was a cyst) but unfortunately, mine wasn't. I was diagnosed with Stage 2A Breast Cancer, ER+ PR+ Her-2 in September 2023. I had a lumpectomy in November where they removed a 30mm tumour, and my lymph nodes were clear. Due to the size of my tumour, further tests were done as the risk of reoccurrence was 57%, I was advised to have chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.
I never thought something like this would happen to me, receiving a cancer diagnosis makes you re-evaluate everything.
Chemo started in January 2024 - I had 3 rounds of EC followed by 3 rounds of Docetaxel and then 15 treatments of daily radiotherapy. My final treatment was on 21st June and in October 2024, I had my ovaries removed which meant I didn’t have to take ovary suppression drugs and am now on daily anastrozole tablets.
At the time of my diagnosis, I was a working mum of 3 children. My boys were 17 & 15 and were embarking on their final year of A-levels and GCSEs and my daughter was 11 and had started secondary school. When the breast surgeon told me I had Breast Cancer, I said "I can't, my kids need me this year!" My thoughts were "What if I die?". Our lives changed the moment we told the children, nothing was the same but at the same time, we had to carry on as the boys had such a big year. We knuckled down as a family and took a day at a time.
We have become so close as a family, we always were but our bond is stronger because of Cancer. Their empathy, love & kindness is incredible.
To support them, I focussed on keeping myself healthy and mentally well by walking daily, doing yoga, strength training and eating well.
I am now moving on with my life but I still have ups and downs. I lost all my hair which is now growing back and put on weight has been tough, the hardest. Sounds vain but it's my identity that changed, I feel like I look different. I have continued to work out, eat well, remain positive and be kind to myself. I found inner strength I never knew I had, I am not always strong but I have learnt that’s ok.
Cancer may have turned my world upside down, but it also taught me not to give up or take life for granted, to have hope, to seize the day and to embrace every opportunity.
I have just returned from a 10 day trip to India and so much more to look forward to this year. I have made plans and am taking part in experiences I never thought possible. I carry this thought with me, ‘Something good has to come from going through something so painful’. My treatment may be over, something within me has changed forever.Find out more about my story on my Instagram account.
Early intervention matters - prioritise your health.
Accelerate action