Nicola What cancer were you diagnosed with? Secondary Breast Cancer What age were you diagnosed? 33 What has helped you to thrive? Following treatment for my original breast cancer diagnosis, I was fortunate to be able to have 2 beautiful children. Throughout my secondary diagnosis, they have given me reason not only to fight but to thrive but never taking a moment for granted, we lead an active life and focus on creating fantastic memories that will last a lifetime. I have also been fortunate to have an incredible amount of support from family, friends, and charities whose generosity has made all of the wonderful moments over the last couple of years possible; here's hoping there will be many more fun and exciting times ahead. Nicola's Story My Journey with breast cancer originally began back in 2011, I was 26 and halfway through my degree when I noticed a dimpling in my left breast. My GP referred me to my local breast clinic and from there on its been a bit of a whirlwind. I underwent, a left mastectomy and lymph node clearance, followed by chemo and radiotherapy. I also started a hormone therapy called tamoxifen. After receiving the all-clear and having a risk-reducing right mastectomy with bilateral diep flap reconstruction, I was fortunate to be able to interrupt my tamoxifen on two separate occasions to have 2 children, who are now 2 and 4. Unfortunately, a few months after the birth of my second child I was diagnosed with secondaries in my bones and liver, and am now on long term treatment for incurable disease. I take palbociclib and letrozole tablets, alongside a monthly zoladex injection and Denosumab injection. I find it extremely tiring on treatment with 2 little people to take care of and experience a number of aches and pains but generally feel I get off pretty lightly at the moment, in terms of physical effects. I have at times struggled with anxiety and my weakened immune system means I have had to drastically adjust my role at work to be able to continue working part-time. My cancer diagnosis really has changed everything, but for me it's not the end, I feel very fortunate for every moment I get to share with my family. Manage Cookie Preferences