3 years ago, I’d just had surgery to amputate both my breasts

3 years ago - just after a double mastectomy to flat closure

3 years ago this month, I had surgery to amputate both my breasts. At that point, I didn’t know that I would need chemo or radiotherapy. I thought it would all be over in a few weeks and I’d get on with my life and forget about it.

2 years ago, after chemo and radiotherapy, I chose to have my ovaries removed

2 years ago. I had finished 6 months of chemotherapy and 5 weeks of radiotherapy. I was scrubbed up and waiting for surgery to remove my ovaries. My choice. I was so tired. You can see it in my eyes.

1 year ago - finally on the road to recovery. But it was a slow process!

1 year ago. In Fuerteventura, at the start of my journey back to fitness. My feet were agony. I couldn’t run. Everything hurt. Joints, back. The pain in my feet was sometimes like someone driving a knife into my bones. My body was still frail and I was tired. So I did what I do and tried to power through. It didn’t work!

Today - I finally feel strong and fit again after breast cancer

Today. I’m a different girl. I’m so much stronger. So much fitter. It feels good. I couldn’t imagine this feeling for the last 3 years. I couldn’t imagine trusting my body again. Where I feel good. Where I look in the mirror and like what I see. I will never be as fast or as fit as I used to be, but I’m really genuinely, finally, ok with that.

Peace and strength. It’s been a long time coming.

If you’re in the thick of it, hold on to the knowledge that there is hope!