Hi everyone,
Sorry, I haven't posted on here for a while.
I finished active treatment for breast cancer on 7/8/17 and am now on Tamoxifen for 5/10 years.
Sadly cancer treatment has left me infertile and with menopausal symptoms (I had chemotherapy and radiotherapy). I have a 10 year old son but he's sadly now not going to get a brother or sister. We brought our lovely English Springer Spaniel puppy instead (Hugo) who is now 12 weeks :-).
There are lots of positives to come out of cancer treatment - I have made some amazing new friends and discovered the amazing Maggie's centre which has been my haven for the last few months. Also, I couldn't have managed without the support from MacMillan and Breast Cancer Care.
I had a place for the London Marathon 2017 but had to defer this to 2018 due to my diagnosis. I am so looking forward to training for it and running next year. I have managed to run through treatment and completed the Robin Hood Marathon on 24/9. Although I was a lot slower, I really enjoyed it and am doing my next half on 29/10. Parkrun has also really helped me to keep active as well - I'd highly recommend it.
I am currently attending the 'where now' course at Maggie's which is amazing and we are covering topics such as 'back to work', mental wellbeing, nutrition and are discussing our fears as a group. There have been many tears!
The after treatment bit is tough and I am feeling a bit lonely at the moment as suddenly friends stop asking 'how are you, are you ok' and this is when I feel that I need the most support. Also, the hospital visits become a lot less and I'm left with the thought of 'will it come back', 'what can I do to stop it coming back'. I am scared when the Maggie's course ends and I'm not going to have so much support. I am he main breadwinner and work full time.
I'm meeting with my breast care nurse to discuss reconstruction next week as I had a left side mastectomy - I want to try and deal with everything this year if possible. If I go ahead with the operation, I'd like it to be after the London Marathon.
Just to finish, I want to give hope to those of you going through treatment as it does get easier.
My hair is growing back well, I have my eyelashes and eyebrows back. I am feeling more like myself everyday. Also, I really appreciate my running and my friends and family have been amazing.
I know there is a long way to go but I'm getting there
Sarah x
