When you think you have all the time in the world, it's easy to put things off until another day. As a busy mum of two, I never used to get round to ticking off my life's to-do list, such as arranging meet-ups with old friends, booking trips to dream destinations or renovating our family home in Lowestoft, Suffolk.
But in April 2018, when I was 36, everything changed when I found a lump in my right breast, and hospital scans brought the horrendous news that I had stage 3 oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. I knew then that I couldn't keep taking life for granted.
After coming to terms with my diagnosis, I made the heartbreaking decision to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery in July. I felt that my femininity had been stolen. But I knew it was worth it to safeguard my future with my husband Jamie and our sons Isaac, then 11, and Jude, eight.
After recovering from surgery, I was told that my chance of cancer returning was so low, I didn't need chemotherapy. But, during a hospital appointment in September 2018, I pointed out two small spots on my breast to my consultant, who sent me for an ultrasound scan, which brought yet more devastation.
My cancer had metastasised and spread to my liver via my blood stream.
Jamie held me tight and we sat in silence, stunned, in the oncologist's office as I was diagnosed with incurable stage 4 secondary cancer.
My prognosis was bleak, with the specialist warning that I had two years left, at most. I went into an emotional shutdown, numbly telling myself that I would never reach my 40th birthday or see my two beautiful boys grow up.
Back at home, breaking the news to the children was awful, but in the days that followed, my devastation turned to anger and I found my fighting spirit. Refusing to accept my prognosis, I requested a transfer to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Esta historia es de la edición January 01, 2024 de WOMAN - UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición January 01, 2024 de WOMAN - UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
View from THE BACK
Isabel Webster says what you're thinking
A younger you in 5 MINUTES
Find inner peace and fight wrinkles with simple mindfulness
The ROYAL INSIDER
THE ROYAL SUMMER SEASON HAS STARTED IN EARNEST
SECRETS and lies
Hilary had fibbed about her real age to a man online -and now he wanted to meet her
PEARL of the Adriatic
Head to Dubrovnik and soak up all the Croatian coastal city has to offer
Remembering DAD
Chloe Aldred was losing her father long before he died...
Why your GP cares so much about cholesterol
Around 40% of Brits have too much of it in their blood, which can have devastating consequences on health if left untreated...
20-minute MEALS
Light summer bites, perfect for lunch or dinner
Celebs BARE ALL
Summer is the perfect time to let your skin breathe, so why not follow in these stars’ footsteps and go au naturel?
'He wants to COME BACK'
Prince Harry is willing to return to a temporary royal role while the King and Princess of Wales recover from cancer. But could he ever be welcome, asks royal expert Emily Andrews