Working in my fast-paced job in social services, I thought nothing of smoking 30 cigarettes a day. It was 2013, and my demanding role in child protection was taking its toll, making me stressed and anxious. My personal life offered no respite, either. When my relationship broke down in the same year, I became even more dependent on smoking.
I’d smoked since I was 23, telling myself it would help me lose weight after a break-up, but when I lost my mum to a stroke soon after, my bad habit had worsened.
Now, while a part of me felt relieved to get out of my relationship, I mourned it too. I’d only ever thought of myself as a social drinker before, but then, with no partner at home, the only thing I had to look forward to after a stressful day was a glass of red wine. I told myself it was to help me relax and denied any suspicion that my drinking was fast becoming another problem.
When my dad passed away in October 2013, I wondered how much more grief I could take. To cope, I just blocked everything out.
Turning point
But then, five months later, my world came crashing down once again. In March 2014, about to start a new managerial job, I found a lump and discovered I had stage-three breast cancer. Standing in front of the consultant, I broke down, unable to process why it had happened to me. He said it was just the luck of the draw, but I knew there had to be more to it.
At home, I started researching the causes of cancer, desperate to regain control over my body. Even though there was no way I could prove exactly how I’d got cancer, I was sure years of intense stress and bad habits had contributed to my illness.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 22, 2022-Ausgabe von WOMAN - UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 22, 2022-Ausgabe von WOMAN - UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Terminal cancer, BUT HAPPIER THAN EVER
Despite her diagnosis, Jacqui Drake is determined to live the best life she can while also helping others
Simple LOAF CAKES
Three fuss-free sweet treats all made in a 900g tin
SCENIC sailing
Ariver cruise along the Danube Delta is a wonderful way to relax and watch the world float by
THE TRUTH about dating as a single mum
Rosie Green was shocked by what many men were thinking
Younger eyes in 10 MINUTES
Worried your vision is ageing you? These lifestyle tweaks can help
Lawsuits, splits and FAMILY BATTLES!
It's been an eventful time for the royals since the King was crowned last May. We take a look at his first year at the helm of The Firm
When will KNIFE CRIME STOP?
With the world horrified after the recent stabbings in Sydney, we ask...
Ozempic: SHARON vs KELLY
As Sharon Osbourne warns others against using the controversial drug for weight loss, her daughter Kelly Osbourne is all for it
Eric makes me AKID AGAIN
Simon Cowell on why this year’s Britain’s Got Talent is different, training up his son Eric to become a judge and reuniting with Cheryl
Look at me NOW!
Sue Sykes found that losing over 9st had several surprising benefits