Hi Everyone,
Elaine here! Throughout the month of October which is Breast Cancer Awareness month I will be cutting out the booze and going sober for 31 days!
I am taking on the challenge because I was diagnosed with Stage 3c Breast Cancer in January 2021, after a routine mammogram. I had no symptoms of ill health, but the scan showed multifocal invasive ductal carcinoma with 6 tumours. Unfortunately, I also had 27 out of 50 positive nodes with extra capsular spread which means the cancer is very aggressive. I underwent partial mastectomy, total node clearance, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I have ongoing treatment involving daily hormone treatment, ovarian suppression and an infusion in the bone every six months. I will never be cancer free and would like to raise awareness of Breast Cancer. It is more difficult for me emotionally because I have a 15-year-old daughter and husband who have been badly affected by my diagnosis.
I would like to raise funds for the charity 'Something To Look Forward To' because the charity has given me and my family precisely that during a very difficult time. Cancer takes away control over life and the ability to plan things. For me, just having something to look forward to keeps me going with treatment and creates a bit more normality. Cancer also seriously affects finances by taking away the ability to earn and the desire to spend money on treats or breaks when bills are ever present. I have been heartened by the amazing generosity of donors in so freely gifting breaks and experiences, it makes me feel valued.
