Deirdre’s Story
A devoted wife and mother, Deirdre was passionate about fitness prior to her cancer journey, Although her focus has shifted since her diagnosis, the importance of physical activity remains clear to her, highlighting the vital role that fitness plays in her life. Through her story, Deirdre hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges by sharing her experiences and the unwavering strength she has found along the way.
“I was in total shock. With no history of any type of cancer in the family and having my parents still in good health and all my grandparents dying naturally from old age I thought I was immune to cancer.”
How did you discover something unusual?
I had resigned from a full time job to spend more time with my family and improve my fitness. I was having PT sessions but after the sessions I noticed I had an itchy nipple. I kept checking it and one day I was fed up so booked to see the doctor. After booking the appointment I checked my boobs once again but this time I found a lump in my right breast.
We’re you checking yourself regularly before being diagnosed?
Yes I was. Due to my age and friends who had suffered from the illness. However because I have no history of it in the family I never took that much heed to the importance of regular checks.
Can you tell us more about what was found?
I went to the doctors appointment which I had already made. I told the doctor I had just found a wee lump. She felt it and said I will refer you to the breast clinic just in case. I left the surgery but turned on my heels and knocked on her door and asked could I see somebody earlier than the current 4 to 6 weeks wait. She said yes you can if you pay and she gave the surgeons name and telephone number. I just felt sick, so I called and got an appointment a few days later. I went back to work and my boss said that was quick you cannot be sick. Little did she or I know at the time how things would turn out.
Did you have any other symptoms?
No. I just had an itchy right nipple but when I would check it I could not see anything different to my left nipple. I also though started to have real pain like I had mastitis in my right boob.
How soon after finding something did you get diagnosed?
About a month after I noticed the itching after the PT sessions. I decided to go privately so I was seen within a week, and I was diagnosed within 2 weeks.
Can you describe your treatment plan?
Initially, my treatment plan involved surgery followed by radiotherapy. However, after receiving a high oncotype score, it became clear that the cancer had a strong likelihood of returning, prompting my doctor to recommend chemotherapy as well.
I began with a lumpectomy as a day patient, allowing for two weeks of recovery before starting my first of six chemotherapy cycles on December 12, 2023. Each subsequent cycle was increasingly challenging, and I found the experience quite tough. In May 2024, I transitioned to radiotherapy, which felt much more manageable compared to chemotherapy. In addition to these treatments, I receive six-monthly infusions of Zoledronic acid, which can be debilitating, and I also take a daily hormone tablet.
Were there any standout challenges that you faced?
The lack of awareness about the many different types of breast cancer, each with its own treatment plan. This was something I hadn’t fully understood myself. Additionally, my family, my workplace, and even my husband had their own misconceptions about what a cancer diagnosis truly means. We all had to learn together how complex and challenging the journey can be.
What type and stage of breast cancer did you have?
Stage 1 turned into stage 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, hormone receptive and HER low. However when I had the surgery the tumor had doubled in size and so it was moved to stage 2. I still felt very lucky as it had not been found in the lymph nodes.
What advice would you give to someone starting out?
Whilst this sounds selfish, take time out and focus on yourself and your recovery, but be aware of the profound impact it can have on your loved ones. Other family members do need support, and they need to be encouraged to talk about it, which I wasn’t good at at first.
Trust the medics!