Juliet

What cancer were you diagnosed with?

What age were you diagnosed?

25

What has helped you to thrive?

One thing that helped me thrive was my family and all the support I got from the NHS. My oncologist and nurses were very friendly, kind, and understanding. I got the best care (Whittington hospital).

Juliet's Story

I was 25 years old when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This was the most difficult time in my life. I thought my life had come to an end. Just like that your life changes and you are forced in making decisions immediately.

After such news, I had to take some time off work because my concentration levels had dropped. I had hospital appointments back to back.. imagining visiting 3 to 4 different hospitals every week, having different tests and scans so that the oncologist can decide the best treatment for me.

Once all this was done, the oncologist decided I should have chemo for 6months (20 cycles), surgery, and then radiotherapy.

Starting this chemo treatment wasn't easy. The side effects and taking tablets was a problem but I had to be strong and push through. I managed to push through and had my double mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and all went well.

When I was on a count down to finish my treatment I got some bad news. I had to have more chemo because the PET scan showed some cancer cells behind my chest wall. I had more chemotherapy this time round it was oral. The biggest nightmare that was not easy was taking 7 tablets in the morning and evening. 

Finally, I managed to finish and started radiotherapy. I had 20 sessions but this wasn't as bad as chemo. I struggled with fatigue.