Hi, I’m Helene and I’m Miss January!

My first diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma in my right breast in September 2020. I hadn’t felt anything untoward. A doctor at my annual medical felt a lump and recommended a mammogram.

Treatment: Lumpectomy and radiotherapy.

Second diagnosis of stage 2 breast cancer followed a 6-month check-up of the lumpectomy in May 2021. 3 tumours were discovered in my left breast.

Treatment: Double mastectomy, lymph node removal, breast reconstruction with implants, regular seroma aspiration, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, tamoxifen.

I learned to let go completely and trust the incredible medical professionals who are literally saving lives daily. The hardest part during treatment was that we were in lockdown, and I was not allowed to be accompanied. After treatment, it was the onslaught of menopause at a time when my body was recovering from being poisoned, and now, trying to quieten the constant fear that cancer may return.

My mantra is Life is for Living. Set boundaries, say no when I want, say yes when it works for me, spend time with the people I love, and prioritise having fun in everything I do.

Helene
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Hi I’m Amanda and I’m Miss February!

Diagnosis: May 2020 — Invasive ductal carcinoma.

Treatment: Lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node excision; radiotherapy and hormone therapy (Anastrozole and Tamoxifen).

I discovered a painful lump just months after a period of high stress and grief, which was quickly diagnosed as malignant. I received wonderful NHS care and prompt surgery, followed by physiotherapy, talking therapy to help manage anxiety and chronic fatigue, and later further physiotherapy, acupuncture, and hospital treatment for ongoing muscle spasm and pain. I was recently diagnosed with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), which can develop after physical and emotional trauma so is likely to have been triggered by the cancer.

What I found hardest about my diagnosis was that it came only months after my mother’s death and during the first UK lockdown. I was acutely aware of the mortality rates for cancer and dreaded telling my family, especially my children. The surgery itself was straightforward, but the medication caused constant side effects, leading me to stop treatment after three years — with my oncologist’s agreement. The most frustrating part now is living with the longer-term effects of cancer through ME/CFS.

Having said that, cancer has changed the way I think; I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and to prioritise what truly matters — walking in the countryside, spending time with loved ones, appreciating that I am blessed with my life, and resting when I need to. I no longer strived for a spotless home or career achievements because cancer made me realise just how fragile life is; how fortunate I was to receive such incredibly compassionate care and support and how privileged I am to still be here today.

Amanda
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Hi I’m Lisa and I’m Miss March!

In March 2021, after my first mammogram, I was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer. I was told that I would need to have several months of chemotherapy followed by a mastectomy and the diagnosis felt utterly devastating to me. I was terrified and in a dark place for a few weeks until I got on the treatment treadmill and started focussing on my recovery. Bizarrely, I felt fine and there was neither a lump nor any changes to my breasts. I really am a walking reminder that, as vital as it is to regularly check your boobs, it is just as important to attend your mammograms. If my cancer had been given the chance to grow big enough for me to feel a lump, I probably wouldn’t be here today.

The treatment was brutal but it’s amazing how brave you can be when being brave is your only option. I had three months of weekly chemo and targeted therapy which was tough. It plunged me into instant chemical menopause and has left me with permanent nerve damage in my feet but I feel overwhelmingly grateful to have had access to those life-saving drugs. I had mastectomy surgery with an immediate DIEP flap reconstruction (who knew they could make a boob out of a muffin top!) followed by another seven months of chemo + further surgery and have spent the subsequent years enjoying all the wondrous gifts that hormone blockers bring! I was incredibly lucky to have been treated at The Royal Marsden by a dream team of wonderful doctors and nurses led by Fiona MacNeill, Stuart James and Prof Ian Smith and I owe them my life.

The hardest part about being diagnosed with cancer was undoubtedly breaking the news to my parents and to my three boys who were then aged 21, 18 and 12. There is a strange guilt that comes with a cancer diagnosis – you know that telling your loved ones is going to inflict pain on them and even though its not your fault, you do feel responsible for that. I know it was particularly hard for my mum who would have swapped places with me in a heartbeat if she could have. Conversely I was at least glad it was me going through it and not one of my children. Having treatment during Covid wasn’t easy either as I couldn’t have anyone in the hospital with me and that can feel incredibly isolating. I benefitted greatly from having a number of counselling sessions which helped me to process the trauma of the whole experience and to come to terms with the drastic changes to my body.

Cancer has definitely impacted my life in positive ways though. I no longer complain about ageing because it’s a privilege denied to many. Birthdays and other milestones are even more important to me than ever and life is to be celebrated! I try not to look too far into the future, but to live in the moment and enjoy the here and now. I now focus on my fundraising projects and I volunteer with Breast Cancer Now as a mentor for other women going through treatment for breast cancer. It’s incredibly rewarding to be able to help them to navigate such a difficult time in their lives. I cherish family and friends more dearly than ever and I am so grateful to be here.

Lisa
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Hi, I’m Louise and I’m Miss April!

Diagnosis: April 2016 – Grade 2 invasive ductal carcinoma with high grade DCIS ER+
Treatment: Single mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction. Phase two reconstruction surgery. Tamoxifen.
Surveillance: March 2023 – Lesions on lungs identified after routine mammogram and scan. 18 months of monitoring via CT and PET scans to track any changes. November 2024 – all clear given.

My cancer tumours were found by chance during a recall routine mammogram at 49. It was a complete shock as I had no discernible lumps or other symptoms in my breasts. Mum had just had open heart surgery, and it was a traumatic time.

After initially being seen at King’s, care was transferred to The Royal Marsden Hospital and I was treated quickly by the wonderful team of breast surgeon, Nicola Roche, and plastic surgeon, Paul Harris, who performed my mastectomy and natural reconstruction under a 9-hour operation. Apart from a scary few days when I developed some breast necrosis, the procedure went smoothly, and I was looked after beautifully by the team.

The hardest part of the whole experience was telling my three boys that I had cancer. They knew my breast radiologist father had died of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in his 50s – they never met him sadly – and I understood they would feel scared. It was distressing being asked if I might die. But this is the reality of breast cancer and how it tears into our family lives.

Getting fit and healthy has helped my recovery immensely, mentally and physically. I started training and completed charity cycle challenges in Brazil, India, Egypt, Vietnam and Cambodia, raising £1000s for important causes. Sustaining a bad leg fracture in early 2023 and soon after facing 18 months of uncertainty when small lesions were found on my lungs after a routine scan was another low point, but I now feel more determined than ever to look ahead and enjoy this precious life in the moment. My family and friends have kept me on a path of love and gratitude.

Louise
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Hi there, I’m Sara and I’m Miss May!

Diagnosis: February 2021- Invasive triple positive Ductal Carcinoma

Treatment: Lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy. 12 weeks Chemotherapy, 2 weeks radiotherapy, 1 year Immunotherapy, Zolodex. Ongoing Tamoxifen.

I noticed a small painless hard lump one morning quite by accident, I had checked my breasts relatively regularly prior to this but hadn’t noticed it before. A few days later I had a biopsy, mammogram and ultrasound, followed by surgery 2 weeks later. I had excellent care at the Royal Marsden in Sutton.
It’s such a shock being diagnosed with cancer, quite a roller coaster of emotions. I was so grateful for all the support particularly from my husband, friends and wider family. The hardest thing was telling my children and my parents and waiting for the results and scans initially to see whether the cancer was isolated to one area or had already spread….thankfully it hadn’t.

My friend Lisa, who is the mastermind behind this calendar and tireless fundraiser for Breast cancer was diagnosed literally weeks after me and the support that we have given each other and others in a similar position has been invaluable, I’m very grateful for that. I found the chemotherapy the hardest part as my body wasn’t a fan (whose is!) and I had a lot of unpleasant and debilitating side effects. Happily now it seems like a distant memory.

I live a much calmer life now, try to avoid stress, spend as much time in nature and with the right people, listen to my body and rest when I need to instead of ploughing on! I feel lucky and enjoy everyday. When people around me complain about getting old I say look at it this way, we are the lucky ones, we are getting older!

Sara
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Hi I’m Nicole and I’m Miss June!

It was Good Friday when I woke to find a lump in my right breast. On the 6 April 2010, I received the devastating news that I had breast cancer. Our daughter, Jessica, was only two years old at the time. The diagnosis was multifocal invasive lobular carcinoma in my right breast, with ER=8 and PR=8. 

The treatment plan included a bilateral mastectomy with immediate reconstruction, followed by six cycles of chemotherapy (FEC). I also underwent radiotherapy, along with a further treatment plan of tamoxifen for five years.

During these five years, I took control and embraced life, choosing not to dwell on the small things and savouring every moment. 

I was advised to continue with tamoxifen for another five years. I managed to extend it for one more year, but the symptoms became so severe that my consultant reluctantly agreed to a break. Very much in tune with my body and regularly checking for changes, in July 2017, I discovered a small lump in my armpit, which turned out to be cancer that had spread to my lymph nodes. This led to a treatment plan that included right axillary node clearance and the removal of the armpit deposit, followed by 12 cycles of paclitaxel chemotherapy. Sadly, I had to stop treatment after nine cycles due to chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, which left me unable to walk unaided and reliant on a wheelchair for a few months. 

Throughout this journey, I have been incredibly grateful for the stellar support of my husband, my daughter, family, friends and work colleagues who have rallied around me. A particularly touching moment was when Jessica helped my hairdresser and friend, Evie shave my hair off during my second diagnosis, showing such resilience and love. 

During this challenging time, I also experienced the loss of my mum who suffered from Alzheimer’s for ten years. The relief that she never knew about my cancer brought me some comfort. I went on to receive radiotherapy, zoladex, and subsequently letrozole. After a while, the zoladex was discontinued, and I had my ovaries removed. I have since undergone further reconstructive surgery and preventative tissue removal. My hospital team has confirmed that I am currently cancer-free, and I like to think of this as my personal triumph-and reason to celebrate life even more! I continue to live with the side effects of treatment, and I do everything I can within my power to manage them effectively.

I believe in living life to its fullest potential. I strive to help and support others wherever I can. I do my best to maintain a healthy diet, and exercise is incredibly important to me. I have found that Hotpod yoga significantly enhances my overall health and well-being. Most importantly I feel incredibly fortunate and deeply loved.

Nicole x

Hi there, I’m Chrissy and I’m Miss July!

Diagnosis: March 2015

Stage 1 – DCIS – Ductal Carcinoma In Situ

ER Receptive – Estrogen Positive

Treatment: A lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node removal.

Results showed a second lumpectomy surgery was needed.

Radiotherapy treatment and then Tamoxifen for 5 years.

I underwent all treatment at The Royal Marsden.

The hardest part was all of the ‘waiting’…for results of tests, results of the surgeries, to learn how much radiotherapy was needed, if chemotherapy was needed. I felt like there was a lot of nervous ‘waiting’.

There is always an ‘upside’ and throughout my experience I realised how precious life is, what epic friends and family I have and how to not sweat the small stuff.

The letter inviting me to have my first mammogram, that brilliant, free, NHS call out, turned out to be life altering. My type of breast cancer – clusters of microscopic calcified cells, would never have presented as a lump so would have gone completely undetected if I hadn’t been invited for my first mammogram. ALWAYS go for your mammograms!

Chrissy
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Hi, I’m Debs and I’m Miss August!

I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, and after a period of treatment and recovery, I learned in May 2025 that the cancer had returned and spread to my lungs, pleural cavity and (rather unexpectedly!) my glute muscles.

It’s now considered stage 4 and I’m currently back on chemo and focusing on treatment that prioritises quality of life and symptom management.

The hardest part has been accepting that this isn’t something I can simply “beat” but something I have to learn to live with.
Coming to terms with this reality and the ongoing treatment has been extremely difficult. There are days when it has been scary, sad and exhausting, along with watching the impact it has on my loved ones too.

Despite everything, cancer has given me a deeper appreciation for the present moment and that we should make the most out of life. I celebrate the small joys and spend quality time with my close family and friends whilst I continue to be strong and positive! 💪💪💪

Debs
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Hi I’m Carole and I’m Miss September!

The period of time between finding out I had a lump and official diagnosis, around 2 weeks was probably the worst for me. Knowing I had a life threatening condition but having no knowledge of the parameters was torturous. It was impossible not to think the worst and the thought of leaving my loved ones was unbearable. Once I had confirmation of the specifics and a treatment plan I dropped my shoulders and gritted my teeth. I was going to get through this.

Chemotherapy, hormone injections, a lumpectomy, a double mastectomy and ongoing medical hormone therapy have definitely taken their toll, but saved my life. There is nothing positive about chemotherapy except its function. It’s gruelling and brutal but I was grateful and desperate for every dose.

I wear my surgical scars with pride and as a testament to others that it doesn’t matter what we look like. I feel healthy, strong and positive. I look forward to a future full of love and happiness with my family and friends.

Carole
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Hi I’m Louise and I’m Miss October!

Diagnosis: February 2023 — Invasive ductal carcinoma

Treatment: Lumpectomy and Axillary lymph clearance; Radiotherapy and Hormone Therapy (Tamoxifen)

In February 2023, I found a small lump while showering — no bigger than a pea. Trusting my instincts, I went straight to my GP and was referred to the breast clinic at Tunbridge Wells Hospital. There, further tests revealed two more lumps. It was a frightening discovery, but from that moment, I was surrounded by the kindness and professionalism of the team at Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. Their care, speed, and compassion carried me through every step of my diagnosis and treatment.

The hardest part of my journey was telling my daughter, who was 13 at the time. She seemed to take everything in her stride, showing such courage and maturity, but we later realised she had been struggling quietly. With the help of counselling and open conversations, we found our way through everything together. Now, on the other side of treatment, we both feel so much stronger and life feels like it has gently settled back into place.

These days, I try to savour the simple things more, like spending time with loved ones, saying yes to opportunities and not putting life on hold. Connecting with fellow breast cancer survivors has been such a gift, a reminder that no one walks this path alone. There are so many of us out there, and together, we share hope, strength, and a deep appreciation for every single moment.

Louise
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Hi I’m Gemma and I’m Miss November!

Cancer is something that happens to someone else, isn’t it?? Being diagnosed at age 36, and realising I was not invincible, was a deep shock to the bedrock of my otherwise stable life. I had so much guilt. Guilt about what it did to my family and the pressures it put on them, guilt that somehow I had brought this upon myself, despite living a pretty healthy life. Guilt that I somehow swerved having to have chemo and radio when so many other cancer patients couldn’t, and guilt that I felt shameful about the difficult relationship I had with my body in the aftermath of what was really disfiguring surgery. I hated what I saw in the mirror and yet I felt guilty that I didn’t feel grateful for being ‘fixed’.

I had a year’s worth of surgeries to put me back together after complications and it was six months before I could properly stand upright. Having been someone who was very fit, this was a tough time.

After some time in the doldrums post-treatment I came to the realisation that the clichéd quotes you see on the internet like ‘Tomorrow is promised to no-one’, ‘Eat the cake’, and ‘What will you do with your one wild and precious life?’ (Mary Oliver) are absolutely bang on. It made me re-evaluate what was important to me, made me sit up and take note of what I wanted in life and gave me impetus to go out and get it. I rediscovered a love of adventure and exploration, something I had lost along the way and now I try to regularly challenge myself for all the physical and mental benefits that brings.

Slowly I rebuilt my relationship with myself and now use my photography skills to help other women in a similar situation. I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and photograph many remarkable women as a result, helping them to restore their self esteem and get them on the road to emotional recovery which is something that often gets overlooked. For all the negatives, this is a positive I will always feel immensely grateful for.

Gemma
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Hi, I’m Caroline and I’m Miss December!

While breastfeeding I found a small unusual new lump. My GP thought it was nothing to worry about but she sent me to Kings for an ultrasound anyway. None of us expected to hear a diagnosis of breast cancer, especially as I was so young. I have always been deeply grateful to my GP Dr Rosemary Leonard for her decision to investigate further. And I often tell Millie she saved my life. Had I not been breastfeeding her I may never have noticed that lump!

The hardest thing about my
diagnosis in January 2003 was the fear of leaving my babies. I was 37, with a two-year-old and a nine-month-old and I was still breastfeeding. When the doctor said “breast cancer,” I remember asking,
“Am I going to die?” It was the only thing on my mind. I just kept thinking about my girls. What if I wasn’t there to see them grow up?
I was paralysed with shock, like an out of body experience. That fear – of being taken from them – was the hardest part.

Cancer changed me. It literally woke me up! I live with joy, energy, and a “say yes and figure it out later” attitude. I’ve thrown myself into life and embraced all its beauty. I really value family, friends, laughter, and the little moments that make life so special. I’ve chased adventures I’d never have dared before – like sailing halfway around the world. I’m grateful for it all, and I wouldn’t change a thing.

Caroline
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