Why I am not going to be around for a few weeks and why you should always get yourself checked

People that know me know that I have always been open about my health. My friends and colleagues know that I have a genetic mutation (BRCA) which puts me at greater risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Over the years I have had preventative surgeries to reduce my risk, one of these was a double mastectomy and reconstruction. The operation was 6 years ago but a few months ago I noticed some swelling. I thought it might just go away or that it was because I had put on weight but a month on and a bit of weight loss later, it was still there so in March I went to see my GP.

Within a fortnight I was having a biopsy of the fluid in the swelling at the breast clinic and about a week after that I was told that cells in the fluid were abnormal. Ironically the implants that were used in the mastectomy and reconstruction that I had to reduce my risk of cancer, have given me an early and rare form of cancer, implant induced cancer (Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma or BIA-ALCL). Caught early, as it has been, it is luckily a very treatable type of cancer.

I’m fine and will be fine after I have an operation this week — I am having another double mastectomy to take away my reconstruction and the implants that have caused the cancer. Whilst post operative results will be needed to confirm, the scans and tests that I have had so far show that it hasn’t spread anywhere else. This means after my operation and some time off work, I should make a full recovery and won’t need any further treatment.

Why am I telling you all this? Well, firstly it is important that if you notice a change in your body you get it checked out and do this sooner rather than later. Doing so has probably saved my life. Secondly, whilst I don’t know how I will feel post operation, a mastectomy is not something that people should be ashamed of or feel they cannot be open about should they wish to be. I want people to feel it is ok to talk about having a mastectomy and be able to feel able to reach out for support if there is something going on for them and their body.

I feel pretty lucky that I can get rid of this cancer through an operation. Many others, including my own mum, were or are not able to. I also feel pretty lucky that I have incredible support from family, friends and colleagues who I know will be there for me, whatever I need. If however people feel like they want to do something practical, there is a fantastic charity called Knitted Knockers who offer a wonderful service and could really benefit from either practical or financial support.

Links to useful information

Symptoms of cancer https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cancer/symptoms/

BIA-ACL https://www.gov.uk/guidance/breast-implants-and-anaplastic-large-cell-lymphoma-alcl

Knitted Knockers UK https://www.knittedknockersuk.com/

Macmillan Cancer Information and Support https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support