Don't Wait Until You Forty!

As much as LinkedIn is a professional platform, in this post we would love to break away from the norm and share an incredible personal story to raise awareness about Breast Cancer and to show someone out there recently diagnosed with breast cancer that they not alone.

 Every October, people all over the world show their support for everyone affected by breast cancer. This #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth and beyond, as THINK we would like to support the fighters, admire the survivours and honour the taken. And we hope this interview we did with one of our incredible and really brave THINKer’; Leigh Waddleton , moves you and also educates you about breast cancer.

1. When were you diagnosed and at what age?

It was January 2020. I was 43 years-old. I remember it like it was yesterday. I was diagnosed with Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) which accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers. The term triple-negative breast cancer refers to the fact that the cancer cells don’t have oestrogen or progesterone receptors (ER or PR) and also don’t make any or too much of the protein called HER2.

2. What stage were you diagnosed with?

Stage 1, Grade 2. Which means that the cancer is small and only in the breast tissue or it might be found in lymph nodes close to the breast. Intermediate grade (grade 2) the cells look quite different to normal breast cells. They are moderately differentiated. This means the features and outlook (prognosis) are somewhere between well and poorly differentiated.

3. How was the cancer initially detected? (i.e., through a BSE, a CBE or an annual

mammogram).

Breast Biopsy, that was what determined I had Breast Cancer. If breast symptoms or the results of an imaging test (such as a mammogram) suggest you might have breast cancer, you may need a breast biopsy. During a biopsy, a doctor removes small pieces of breast tissue from the suspicious area so they can be looked at in the lab to see if they contain cancer cells. Needing a breast biopsy doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Most biopsy results are not cancer, but a biopsy is the only way to find out for sure.

4. How did you feel when you first received the news?

As I said, I still remember it like it was yesterday. My entire world felt like it was ending in that moment. I was at work when received a phone call from my doctor who told me the news over the phone, he didn’t even have the decency or empathy to call me to his office to tell me the news, he told me over the phone. It was really unprofessional of him.

I literally thought I was going to die in that very moment...Tears started running down my face, I have never experienced such heartache in my life. I was really anxious for the present and the future. I never thought I could get breast cancer one day, not at all, that is the last thing to cross my mind. I never thought of it so I was shocked and really sad.

5. Is there a family history of breast cancer?

I had no family history of breast cancer, but my father had Melanoma and other skin cancer but no one had Breast Cancer, hence why it came to me as a huge shock when I was diagnosed with it.

6. Did you have a support network? If not, how did you overcome it or find it?

I was really blessed that I had a very supportive network; from my colleague and best friend who had leukaemia as well as my Dad; they were both extremely supportive as they knew what I was about to go through, they were my pillar of strength. My family were also my pillar of strength as well and really supportive throughout my journey; they really gave me hope and I was determined to beat this. I am really grateful to have them in my life.  I am truly thankful and grateful for Jason, who was there for me every step of the way, taking me to all my chemo sessions, scans, doctor appointments and just making sure I was comfortable, to him I will be forever grateful. They all contributed immensely to my fight.

7. Tell me about your treatment process.

I started the treatment on the 31st of Jan 2020. I had the chemotherapy (Chemo) drug “The Red Devil”, doxorubicin (Adriamycin). Us Pink Ladies call it the Red Angel as it saves our lives. It is an intravenous cancer medicine with a clear, bright red colour, which is how it got its nickname.  Every two weeks I had chemo. In April I had to have a left mastectomy as the red devil chemo was too harsh on my body. I had the following side effects; lost my long beautiful blond hair, severe nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, extreme tiredness. It was really difficult, really difficult. I had 14 Chemotherapy Sessions and July 20th was when I had my last session and I got to ring the bell.

8. Were there any programs or services offered to you that would help with the treatment process?

I was part of a Breast Cancer Group in Hillcrest called the Pink Ladies. The group started with 3 ladies but now has over 30 ladies. We became family and the support I received from the ladies was incredible and needed. Yes, the support I received from my family was incredible, but it was very incredible being part of the group and speaking to people going through the same journey.

9. Did you face any obstacles during your treatment process? If so, how did you overcome these obstacles?

Covid was one of the biggest obstacles, because of the regulations, I couldn’t go to the Chemo sessions with any family or friends. Also, the side effects from the ‘Red Devil” were really severe.

I had to go through the process and the treatment. Also, video calls with my sister who is based overseas helped me, and also my beautiful daughter; she gave me so much strength to push through the pain. Weirdly, I also found comfort in Andy Grammer’s Song, Don’t Give Up on Me. These lyrics gave me so much strength:

 'Cause I'm not givin' up

I'm not givin' up, givin' up, no, not yet

Even when I'm down to my last breath

Even when they say there's nothin' left I will fight

I will fight for you

I always do until my heart

Is black and blue

10. What message would you like to provide women in the community?

Listen to your body ladies, do regular self-checks. Don’t wait until you 40 - that would be a great title for my book!