Deirdre is a breast cancer survivor
Meet Deirdre Sullivan, 47, from Walkinstown. Deirdre is a breast cancer survivor.
October 5th is a day that Deirdre will never forget. It’s the day she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “It’s a day that changed my life completely,” she says.
Deirdre had lost a bit of weight and noticed a lump in her breast. She wasn’t concerned but went to her GP and was referred to the breast clinic in St James’ Hospital.
“I had the triple assessment and was diagnosed that day, which was so quick and shocking as I really thought it was just a routine lump.”
The self-employed mum was supported by her family and friends as she underwent a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a hysterectomy. From helping her to shave her head, to holding a wig themed party before her chemo, they were with her every step of the way.
“Losing my hair was without doubt the worst part for me. When my hair went I felt I looked sick, I looked like I had cancer, and I felt like I lost my identity. But it came back, and I took a leap and have changed to a blond now which I love!”
“For anyone going through breast cancer treatment, yes it is horrible, yes you feel and look awful a lot of the time, BUT it is manageable. Just take each day at a time. “
Deirdre is going to host a Cups against coffee morning this year, two years to the day that she got her diagnosis. By doing so she will be helping the 2,900 women who will get a cancer diagnosis in Ireland this year. Learn more about Cups against cancer, the Irish Cancer Society's breast cancer fundraising campaign.
Meet more breast cancer survivors:
Read about the work being done by Irish Cancer Society breast cancer researchers.
More information about breast cancer:
- Learn about breast cancer risk factors and how to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.
- What is advanced breast cancer?
- Signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Chat with other people affected by breast cancer in our online community.
