Hannah

In October 2019, aged 31 I was diagnosed with stage 2 triple negative breast cancer after finding a lump in the shower.
For 8 months, November to June 2020, I completed my active treatment - 15 sessions of chemotherapy, a mastectomy and 15 sessions of radiotherapy. Because of my age I was offered genetics testing and during treatment I discovered I also carry the BRCA1 gene mutation which came as a shock as I do not have strong family history. Due to this gene I was eligible to have a double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, something I felt strongly about in order to reduce my future risk as much as possible. However because of Covid-19 my surgery was altered and wasn’t all classed as “essential”. I was only allowed to have my left breast removed (the cancerous side) and therefore had this done in April in the middle of lockdown. In May I was given the news that I’d had a complete pathological response to chemo.

My preventative surgery and reconstruction should hopefully happen next year and I will potentially have my ovaries out in a few years because of being BRCA. I have fantastic support from my husband, family and friends and my 2 young boys are a great distraction, (sometimes) the best medicine, if not slightly exhausting!