Surrounded by a sea of people, I felt overwhelmed with love, unable to believe so many had gathered together just for me. It was November 2015 and I had been joined in my favourite restaurant by 250 loved ones, all because they wanted to raise a glass and celebrate me and my life. But this wasn’t a milestone birthday party. It was my funeral, and I was the guest of honour, having planned it all myself.
It was two years earlier, in 2013, when I’d first found a lump in my left breast. As a cancer charity volunteer, I knew how important it was to examine your breasts regularly and act early if you found any irregularities, so I made an appointment to see my GP that week.
He examined me and I was referred to Royal Stoke University Hospital for a biopsy. A few days later, my husband Dean, then 48, came with me to get the results. As we walked into the consultant’s office hand in hand, I caught the grave expression on the doctor’s face. Moments later he was gently explaining I had stage three, triple negative breast cancer.
If I had any chance of beating the disease it was vital I began treatment immediately, starting with a lumpectomy in November 2016. The surgeon removed the tumour effectively, but as it was a high-grade cancer I started a course of chemotherapy. The side effects were brutal – chemotherapy made me sick and my hair fell out, too. ‘You’re still beautiful,’ Dean told me, knowing how much it had knocked my confidence.
Afterwards, I began a course of radiotherapy and within nine months I felt well enough to return part-time to my job in advertising.
Denne historien er fra January 22, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra January 22, 2024-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?
