Breast cancer changed my life – but it didn’t define it

Carole Bailey shares her inspirational story

I went for a routine mammogram and everything was clear. So when I found a lump and felt pain in my armpit, cancer was the last thing I expected.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 16 June, my first thought was this is just going to be an inconvenience! I certainly do not have time for all that as i run a busy household on my own. I knew it was going to be a challenge, despite me always being happy and having 100% positive attitude.

I remember sitting in the consultant’s office, looking at the scan on the screen, I remember asking, “Are you sure that’s me?”

The diagnosis was invasive mixed ductal and lobular carcinoma that had already spread to my lymph nodes. There was no history of breast cancer in my family, and because my cancer was hormone-positive, I was told to remove my HRT patch immediately.

In August, I underwent a mastectomy and had 24 lymph nodes removed. Seventeen of them contained cancer. I was home within hours of surgery, but my recovery took an unexpected turn when I developed sepsis and cellulitis. Instead of healing at home with my family, I found myself back in hospital, frightened and desperately missing those who depended on me.

I’m a devoted mum, nan and daughter, but I’m also a carer for my 29-year-old son, who struggles with ketamine addiction, who thankfully is in recovery in rehab now. In other words I simply didn’t have time to have cancer as i was so busy looking after my family 24/7. I had to keep smiling throughout as I didn’t want my family to worry

Being away from home during such a difficult time was emotionally exhausting as i missed my family and friends so much..

The complications delayed my chemotherapy, but in October I finally began treatment. First came the “Red Devil” (EC chemotherapy) every two weeks, followed by Paclitaxel. Hours spent sitting in the chemotherapy chair became an unexpected opportunity to reflect on life. Strange as it sounds, there was something peaceful about those moments. I learned to appreciate the smallest things, and I will always be grateful to the incredible oncology team whose compassion carried me through.

Treatment finally ended in March after radiotherapy, but the journey was far from over.

Cancer doesn’t simply affect your body; it changes how you see yourself. Alongside the surgery came the loss of my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes. My nails turned black and orange before lifting away. Steroids and reduced activity led to a two-stone weight gain. I was left dealing with numbness across my chest and arm, and even today there are everyday tasks I still struggle to do. I now face ten years of preventative medication, regular bone infusions and ongoing side effects.

It would have been easy to give up. Instead, I decided it was time to take back some control.

I joined my local Slimming World group in Portchester, where I was warmly welcomed by Carole and a room full of encouraging, supportive people. Every week I stayed for group, enjoying the laughter, friendship and motivation.

I joined as a paying member before discovering that my GP could refer me for 12 weeks free through a weight management scheme called Gloji. After explaining my circumstances, I received a voucher that allowed me to continue my journey.

When I started, I weighed 12 stone 9½ pounds at just 5ft 2in. Eleven weeks later, through determination and commitment, I had lost the two stone I had gained during treatment & have just half a stone left to reach my goal.

Losing weight hasn’t changed the fact that I’ve had a mastectomy or that my eyelashes still haven’t fully returned. But it has restored something even more important: my confidence. Slimming World has transformed my relationship with food and reminded me that looking after ourselves is about far more than a number on the scales.

If you’re struggling with your weight, particularly after cancer treatment, don’t be afraid to ask your GP about the referral scheme or visit www.gloji.co.uk. Support is available, and sometimes all it takes is that first step and I know your be welcome to come along to our group in Portchester.

Cancer has taught me many things. It has shown me how strong people can be, how important kindness is, and how precious everyday moments really are. Most importantly, it has taught me never to stop fighting.

Life is what you make it. Mine may have changed forever, but it is still worth embracing with hope, gratitude and determination.