Caroline Cleary from Kildare is a strong advocate for attending Breast Check appointments.
“I previously worked for Marks and Spencer and when you turn 40, they provide you with a mammogram every two years. In July 2018 I had a mammogram through this system. I had turned 50 in 2019, so I decided to also register with Breast Check.”
“Then in July 2019, I got my first appointment from Breast Check. I said to myself ‘I have only had a mammogram a year ago, I probably don’t need to have one again this year’. I was contemplating calling and rescheduling the mammogram for the following year, 2020.
“However, something told me, I should just go. I also spoke with my husband and he encouraged me to attend the appointment also.”
“I went to one of Breast Check’s mobile units. Afterwards I actually went on holiday! When I came home, I hadn’t heard anything, so I phoned them. The nurse said they had to send off for my other previous mammogram results. A week later I got a letter saying I had been referred for a triple assessment.”
During the assessment, a 2cm tumour behind Caroline’s nipple was found.
"If you ever have any doubts about going for your Breast Check appointment, or any health checks at all, please, just go and get checked."
“I honestly didn’t think I could have had cancer. I had been so good with self-checks and also going to get my mammograms. I also had no symptoms, I didn’t feel sick or tired.”
Two weeks later Caroline was called back for her results.
“My consultant said ‘I am very sorry, but it is cancer. Stage 1 ER positive breast cancer.’
“I went into problem-solving mode. My husband was with me, and he fainted hearing the news.”
“I have two daughters and at the time, one was expecting a baby. My grandson arrived two weeks after the diagnosis and in many ways it was the best timing. It gave me something positive to focus on.”
“I was booked in for a lumpectomy, they also checked my lymph nodes and unfortunately it had spread. I had the Oncotype test carried out, to give my consultants more information on best treatment and the likelihood of reoccurrence.
“The waiting period was difficult, it felt like nothing was happening quickly enough for me. I wanted to know the next steps.”
“I ended up not needing to have chemotherapy, so I felt relieved in this regard, and lucky. I did have twenty sessions of radiotherapy. I was put on Anastrazole and Letrozole but I had bad reactions to both, they really didn’t suit me.
My side effects were aches and pains, I couldn’t really walk, and couldn’t move my fingers. I have now been on Tamoxifen for two years. Tamoxifen is also hard, the flushes and the sweats, but I can manage them. The side effects aren’t as bad for me.”
Caroline says she feels thankful to have attended her appointment in 2019 “I am so grateful that I am here today and able to share my story. I would say to others, if you ever have any doubts about going for your Breast Check appointment, or any health checks at all, please, just go and get checked.
“I can’t say my breast cancer diagnosis was a positive experience, but because I found it early, everything went smoothly. I don’t know if I could say the same if I hadn’t attended my appointment that day. I am now doing well, retired and making sure to live life to the full.”
Caroline is supporting the Irish Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and encouraging the public to host a Big Pink Breakfast to help fund of vital cancer support services and life-changing research projects. 💗To get involved, visit: www.cancer.ie/pinkbreakfast
