'I hope I can help people in the same situation as I am in' - Breast cancer survivor Fionnula
'I hope I can help people in the same situation as I am in' - Breast cancer survivor Fionnula
'I hope I can help people in the same situation as I am in'
When Fionnula O’Toole from Rathdrum, Co Wicklow noticed a lump in her breast while sitting on the sofa one Sunday evening, she knew it was something that had to be seen to without delay.
“One Sunday evening I was sitting on the sofa and I felt something hard in my breast. It was still there later in the evening so I decided to go to the doctor,” recalls mum-of-two Fionnula.
“I was referred onto St Vincent’s and had the mammogram, biopsy and bloods within the one day. That was 19 March this year, so I wasn’t able to have anyone with me because of the lockdown.
“I then went to see my consultant who confirmed to me that it was a lump, not a cyst or abscess, but by then I kind of knew myself.
“We went up the following week and it was confirmed as a diagnosis of breast cancer, and within five weeks I had it operated on to have the lump and lymph nodes out."
From there Fionnula began a course of six chemotherapy sessions which will finish in October, to be followed by radiotherapy in November.
She counts herself lucky to be able to rely on the help and support of others along the way in her journey during what was a doubly-difficult time due to the pandemic.
“I have spoken to people who have been through breast cancer and it’s great to hear their stories. I hope I can help people in the same situation as I am in.
"Everyone’s experience is so different, no two treatments are the same and it’s great to hear other people’s experiences.”
"People share with you the little things that you don’t pick up in hospital appointments - even small things like your wee turning a different colour, which no-one mentioned to me about! You can panic about these things unless you have someone to tell you what to watch out for,” says Fionnula.
“I’m looking forward to getting involved in next year’s Daffodil Day once I’m finished my treatment. I’m also getting help with Volunteer Driving through the Rathdrum Cancer Support Group, and I might even consider doing the driving myself for others in future.”
Learn more about breast health and about how you can support breast cancer patients this October.
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