In 2014, 39-year-old Jacqui Tangney from Killarney was taking a shower and decided to do a breast exam. This was not something Jacqui normally did, but during this check, she happened to notice a small lump on her left breast.

She booked herself into her GP to get checked out “On the day of my appointment I wasn't worried, I was quite calm. I certainly didn’t think it was cancer. My GP felt it wasn’t anything to worry about, but referred me for a triple assessment to be safe.” 

“In the hospital I had an ultrasound and mammogram, I then returned the next day for a biopsy.”

“I waited for my results and eventually got the call to come back in to see them. I was brought into a room by a nurse, who was followed by a consultant, I just knew then something was wrong and the news wasn’t good. 

“I was in total shock, they said I could have a mastectomy on its own or with immediate reconstruction. I went with immediate reconstruction.”

“As a result of this decision, I had to wait 2 months as I had to have both the breast care surgeon and plastic surgeon available at the same time. Unfortunately, during this waiting period, my cancer became invasive and spread within the breast.”

“I eventually had my mastectomy with immediate LD flap reconstruction. After the surgery, samples were sent away for testing to see if further treatment was required. Results came back slowly and the doctors were positive, but they were still waiting on two results.

“Finally I was back in for my post-op appointment in the hospital and to receive the final test results. I was feeling positive. The consultant told me that some of my results were not clear and I would require further treatment. I remember that day so clearly. I walked from one end of the hospital to the oncology department on the other end, crying, I just couldn't stop. 

“My dad drove me up to the appointment but had left to visit my brother. I wasn’t expecting that news at all. I was on my own, all I could think about were my two young daughters. All the thoughts raced through my mind. I was upset about losing my hair, becoming sick, and all the difficulties ahead of me.

“I cried on my way home in the car. My poor dad comforted me the whole way back. Telling the rest of my family was really tough.”

“Within the next two months I had a portacath inserted and I began chemo followed by Herceptin injections into my thigh every 3 weeks for a year.” 

“One of the nurses told me to ‘get up, dress up and show up’ each day during my treatment, I found that to be great advice for me. I could have easily stayed at home all day in my pyjamas, but I don’t think it would have helped me. I was able to get through my treatment, but for the following seven years, I have had issues with my reconstruction. Mainly repeated infections, my body kept rejecting my implant. I ended up having my implant removed, followed by fat transfers, a breast reduction and nerve division.

“The Irish Cancer Society were amazing during this time and offered me so much support & advice, particularly the Support Line nurses. I found reading other patient’s stories really helpful, they made me feel much less alone.”

“The Irish Cancer Society nurses also told me about community cancer support services nearby such as the Recovery Haven Cancer Support Group in Tralee, which receives funding from the Irish Cancer Society. Post all the treatment and surgery, I found solace here throughout my recovery. Getting back to work and not having the frequent check-ups, I found challenging. I availed of counselling, reflexology and mindfulness, which all really helped.”

“Recovering from cancer takes time but once you have family, friends and a good medical team around to support you, it makes things that bit easier. I met so many strong and inspiring people throughout the past nine years, who inspired and helped me become a stronger person. 

Although it was a frightening and extremely hard journey, not only for me but for my daughters & family, I wouldn't change a thing. I have learnt that each day is a blessing.”