38-year-old Kim Clack-Whelan from Ballybrack Dublin remembers the moment she knew something was wrong in her body “At the end of October 2021, my two-year-old daughter was jumping up and down on the bed beside me. She landed on me and hit my left breast with her elbow. The feeling was absolutely excruciating, it was so intense and I couldn’t breathe, and I began to cry with the pain.

“A few days later I was in the shower doing my regular breast checks and I noticed a lump on the outer part of my left breast.  The next day I booked in to see my GP and get it checked out.

“I was referred on for a triple assessment - a mammogram, ultrasound and a biopsy. They kept bringing me in for additional mammograms after the first one, so I knew something wasn’t right.

“I was then brought into the consultant’s room and told I had a long road ahead of me. They were almost positive I had cancer but they would have to wait for the biopsy results to fully confirm everything.

“Two weeks later I was called back and diagnosed with HER2+ breast cancer, which had spread to my lymph nodes. 

“Hearing the words was surreal. Even though I pretty much knew what was coming, to hear it said out loud, it took me back. I was only 36 at the time, so felt I was too young for cancer.

“Covid had kicked off, so I wasn’t able to bring anyone in with me. So being on my own and hearing that news, it was a lot.

“My treatment plan initially included 6 sessions of chemo, immunotherapy, 20 sessions of radiation, node removal and a lumpectomy.”

“After the surgery, they weren’t happy with the results. I was scheduled then for a full node removal and another lumpectomy.

 “After this, I was actually approached about taking part in a cancer trial. I was lucky I met the criteria to take part, the trial involved 14 more rounds of chemo, which I began in September 2022.

The Irish Cancer Society has invested millions of euro into clinical trials since 2012. Clinical trials offer hope for a better future for patients by bringing amazing progress in medical treatments. We're proud to further our commitment to Cancer Trials Ireland by providing €3 million of further funding over the next three years. This funding will help bring and start such trials right here in Ireland! Of course, none of this would be possible without the wonderful support of the Irish public. Together we can help ensure that people affected by cancer in Ireland have access to world class clinical trials and expertise. 

“My care during the trial was fantastic, my nurse was so responsive and was always at the end of the phone. It was great to have that level of care, totally focused on you.

“I finished up with the trial in August 2023 and by September, I was given the all clear. Since then I have been doing well, trying to rebuild my strength. I definitely struggle with fatigue. I have also have issues with lymphedema, which has been challenging to manage. Before I was diagnosed I worked as a hairdresser, so I am trying to get this under control so I can go back to work.

On advice she would give to others going through something similar, Kim says “During my diagnosis and treatment, I shared my experience on my social media channels. This really helped me, it also was a way keep friends and family updated on what was going on. It’s important not to bottle up your feelings.

“I would also say that when people want to help, let them. Accept their offers. Especially if you are trying to take care of kids while going through cancer, don’t try do it all. Accept the lifts or the dinners dropped to your door.”