Zest

My first encounter with cancer was in 2008 when I discovered a lump in my breast. My GP referred me to the hospital for checks as my mother had also been diagnosed 2 months earlier – fast-forward to lots of tests and eventually a lumpectomy. Unfortunately, further tests showed the cancer had spread to lymph nodes, and was still present in breast tissue, so further surgery to remove all lymph nodes and more breast tissue followed.

Recovery, was long, difficult and painful and movement was very restricted. I had a long course of radiotherapy and put on a cocktail of drugs which caused menopause symptoms, weight gain and bloating, so exercising was the last thing on my mind, the only thing I could manage comfortably was walking.

Eventually I got back into a bit of a fitness regime whilst learning to live with my ‘new body’ and I lost a bit of weight and started to feel okay about myself again.

““Exercise helped and I soon started walking, circuit training, swimming and dancing again.

Then in 2016, during a routine breast check at home, I found 2 more lumps – I was convinced this was scar tissue from previous surgeries so I wasn’t worried. A biopsy showed cancer was present again however and a mastectomy was recommended. The surgeon wanted to do a reconstruction called a latissimus dorsi flap, which involves using the latissimus dorsi muscle (back muscle) to make a ‘new breast’. I wasn’t sure as I’d recently started a new job and didn’t want to have lots of time off work, but I was persuaded it was a good idea and recovery would be fine, so I agreed to it and looked forward to feeling more like a woman.

““With lots of support, I eventually got better and stronger and went back to work.

Unfortunately for me, the surgery didn’t go to plan and to cut a long story short, my wounds developed a severe infection called necrosis, which resulted in 5 further surgeries, a blood transfusion, a skin graft, drains and a vacuum.... and lots more drugs. With lots of support, I eventually got better and stronger and went back to work. This time, the mental recovery took a little longer though, but exercise helped and I soon started walking, circuit training, swimming and dancing again. I can’t hold my left arm up fully, I have very little strength in this arm and I swim so slowly now, but I love swimming so I still carry on. After many years of being very unhappy with the scars left from this experience, I eventually had a double mastectomy in February 2025, which I am still recovering from.

I had another scrape with cancer in 2022 when, after discovering a mole on my leg had changed, I went for a check up and was told this was a malignant melanoma, so I had 2 surgeries, one to remove the mole and one to remove lymph nodes. This left me with lymphoedema, a lifelong condition which is managed with compression tights and gentle exercise (as I now have arthritis as well!)

So, all in all, it’s been a bit of a journey for me, but I’m here and I’m getting stronger every day. I’ve lost loved ones to cancer, most recently, my mum, so I know how devastating cancer is and how it can affect whole families.

““For me, talking, listening and sharing has helped my journey.

I am registered as a volunteer with Hallamshire Hospital to help newly diagnosed patients. For me, talking, listening and sharing has helped my journey. I don’t know very much about fitness and I’m a bit scared of the gym after gaining lots of weight due to the medication and treatments I’ve had to take, but I try my best to stay fit and healthy as I know this is a key part of managing cancer symptoms and recovery.

I would love to be able to support others on their journeys, even if it’s just as a listening ear, or someone to go swimming with, as I’ve learned over the years that this is absolutely invaluable. Just knowing you’re not the only one is a game changer to help recovery.

Our Cancer Support Service at Zest provides a supportive space for anyone affected by cancer. Our free 6-week 'Active Steps' exercise recovery programme offers guided exercise to help rebuild strength, confidence, and wellbeing after treatment, while our Peer Support Group gives you the chance to share experiences, listen, and connect with others who understand your journey. Together, these services support both body and mind, helping you take positive steps forward in recovery.

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