"I found a lump in my breast while I was doing a self-check in the shower. At the time work was hectic, but I knew I had to have it looked at"
43-year-old AnneMarie Reid from Drogheda Co. Louth shares her story:
“In 2015, my mum was in her 60’s and was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. She found the lump in her breast early though, and got it treated as soon as she could. She went through chemotherapy – AC and Taxol, a lumpectomy and radiation. Thankfully, she recovered and is now doing well.
“After this I was relatively proactive about checking my own breasts. In August 2022, I found a lump in my breast while I was doing a self-check in the shower. At the time work was hectic, but I knew I had to have it looked at, lucky I had an appointment at the GP that week for something separate and I mentioned the lump to her and was immediately referred on for a triple assessment.
“At the triple assessment, they prepared me for the worst. They said they couldn’t confirm until they had the biopsy results, but they were pretty sure they were dealing with something sinister.
"Not long after, it was confirmed that I had triple negative breast cancer, the same diagnosis as my mum."
“Not long after, it was confirmed that I had triple negative breast cancer, the same diagnosis as my mum. For this reason, I dreaded the idea of telling her the news. I thought it must be genetic, but tests later showed no genetic connection. I was relieved of course, but surprised.
“My initial treatment plan was 5 months of chemotherapy, radiation and lumpectomy, but a week later more tests results came back to show that the cancer was multifocal and had spread to the lymph nodes. It was then recommended that I proceed with a mastectomy, I would also need Zoladex injections, which would bring me into early menopause.
“I started to realise that my experience was going to be slightly different to my mum’s. That’s something I didn’t understand before, not every breast cancer is treated the same way, not everyone has the same breast cancer experience. I decided I was going to take each day or week as it came.
"Its so important to get your information from trusted sources like the Irish Cancer Society website or their booklets."
“In early 2023, my scans had shown that the cancer had responded really well to the chemotherapy. Next up I had my surgery, my doctor recommended a DIEP flap reconstruction due to my age.
“I went into the Irish Cancer Society Daffodil Centre in the hospital to get some advice, I found it really helpful. I remember reading the Irish Cancer Society booklet cover to cover on the subject, I really wanted to understand all my options fully. Its so important to get your information from trusted sources like the Irish Cancer Society website or their booklets.
“In April, I had my DIEP flap reconstruction. It was a big surgery, lasting 7-hours, afterwards I needed a few months to recover, but I was really happy with my decision.
“Afterwards, I tried my best to get up and walk as much as possible. I was very aware of lymphoedema and the best ways to prevent this from occurring. Keeping moving and weekly yoga classes in my local cancer support centre ended up really helping me get through my recovery
“In September, I finished my course of radiation. It was a strange feeling when it was all over. When you are in the middle of it all, you aren’t thinking about what happens when you finish your treatment. I attend a thrive and survive course which I found really helpful trying to get back to normality.
“I am now back to work part-time. It’s been challenging due to the fatigue from Tamoxifen; I would really recommend to others to slow down and give yourself a chance. A gradual easing back to work is definitely the best option.
AnneMarie also says “It’s really important to advocate for yourself. Do your own research, via verified and trusted sources. Doctors and nurses are so busy, but it’s still okay to stop and ask them to explain something again if you don’t understand.”
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're calling on the Irish public to host a Big Pink Breakfast or make a donation to support vital services and supports for breast cancer patients and their families. For more information, visit: Big Pink Breakfast | Irish Cancer Society
For any cancer-related queries, please get in touch with our Cancer Nurses through the Irish Cancer Society Support Line at freephone 1800 200 700 or by email at supportline@irishcancer.ie.
