In February 2019, Limerick local Evelyn McNamara was away on mid-term break with her husband and kids in Clonakilty. 

“We were in the swimming pool and when I came out I was changing and I noticed a lump on my breast, the size of a pea. It was near the right side of my breast bone. Once we were back at the holiday home, I called my husband in and showed him. We agreed that once we were back home, we would go and get it checked out.

“My GP thought it could be a cyst but decided to send me for further tests in the breast clinic to be safe. I had a biopsy, scan and a mammogram. The doctor told me the final results would be back in two weeks but that they had some concerns. The breast nurse advised me to bring someone with me when I came back in.”

“The next two weeks were long, waiting for the results felt like torture. Those weeks felt like years.
 

“When the day came, my husband came with me for my results. I was diagnosed with HER+ breast cancer. It was stage one, so thankfully it was caught early. 

“Once I was diagnosed, everything moved very quickly. I worked as a carer, I loved my job. When I told my boss about my cancer, I asked to work right up until my surgery.”

“In April I had my lumpectomy and two lymph nodes removed. The tumour had been 2-3 CM in scan, by the time the surgery had come around however, the doctor told me it had grown to 5cm. That shook me. In the space of a couple of weeks, it had grown so much.”

“Cancer was found in the lymph nodes so I was booked in for more surgery to have all my lymph nodes removed. Thankfully I healed well from the surgeries, with no complications. It was only after I had all my surgery and I had my appointment in oncology that it really hit me, I had cancer.”

“The plan was to have 4 AC chemotherapy sessions and 12 Taxol chemotherapy sessions. I remember the nurse calling me to say my first chemo appointment was the 1st of September. I said I wasn’t able to make it, my kids were starting school and my husband was starting a new job. The nurse told me I had to prioritise myself, to put myself first in this situation. That’s when I was told about the Irish Cancer Society Volunteer Driver service, which was an incredible support getting to and from treatment.”

“I found the AC chemotherapy really horrible. I never actually got sick but I felt so unwell. I had never felt so ill. I couldn’t face any food. I found it a bit easier on the Taxol chemotherapy. I could still do the groceries or go for a walk.”

“My mother has Parkinson’s and my dad was her carer. But then my dad’s health started to deteriorate, just as I was finishing up chemo. It was a really stressful time.  Unfortunately not long after this, my dad passed away. In many ways, the chemo and my cancer wasn’t the big priority at that time. I was trying to think about my dad and my mum. I parked my cancer to focus on them.”

“I look back now and I think ‘what was I made of?’ You never realise how strong you can be, and what you can get through. “

“After the chemo was completed, I started my radiation, I had 28 rounds. I was then put on Tamoxifen, I had a bad reaction initially. My ankle swelled up, so I had to pause it for a few months before going back on it. I went into menopause and have side effects like aches and pains, but they are manageable.”

“I have also been dealing with lymphedema in the right arm and I go in and out to the Lymphedema Clinic in Limerick. Initially I didn’t even know about lymphedema, what it meant or how it affected your body. Now I have been given sleeves, an exercise plan and been instructed on how to manage it. It’s wonderful.

“They keep an eye on it, I could ring the nurses whenever, it’s really reassuring. I have lymphedema for life, but at least I now know how to manage it.”

“I have to say thanks to all the nurses, doctors and staff in UHL. Also a massive thank you to all my family and friends, who were always there for me. It's so important to have support around you as it can be a tough road to travel.”

“Nowadays I am doing well, I love getting out for my walking and aqua aerobics. I now take each day as it comes. My motto is life is for living. I now appreciate the little things.”