Almona's story

Creative activities take place of holidays as I far prefer those experiences. Despite a busy work schedule and personal life, I have a good network of friends both locally and further afield.  

In 2019, 3 years prior to my diagnosis, I saw my GP twice as I was losing an unnatural amount of hair and was unable to get through the day without feeling utterly exhausted. I was advised it was to do with ageing, to slow down and not to worry. This despite blood being present in my urine. The following year in 2020 my son left home, and I have not managed the transition well. Preparing food from scratch went out the window so a balanced diet was not on the cards. I kept myself busy, but my mental health deteriorated. 

I was recalled in 2022 after routine breast screening. I thought it was just standard procedure as the paperwork indicated this might be the case. I never anticipated receiving the devastating news (that I had breast cancer) so I went to the appointment on my own. I was taken aback by the senior nurse who informed me of my diagnosis – it was done in a callous manner and her whole demeanour was as such… I thought we had a kinder system in place to break such news. Whilst the nurse fetched details of an Oncologist I could see, I sent text messages to both my mother and partner. They were equally as shocked as I was. Upon receipt of the text, my partner, who is a Barrister, requested an adjournment during a major trial and the judge was sympathetic in granting one.  

I went to see the recommended Oncologist but did not feel comfortable with him. I sought a second opinion 55 miles away and have not looked back since! I have a dream team in my Consultant Breast Surgeon (Miss Nicola Roche), Plastic Surgeon (Mr Stuart James), Physiotherapist (Miss Louise Malone), and Cancer Specialist Nurse (Lisa San-Martin).

My mother also came to the fore around this time. I stayed with her for 2 months to recuperate after my mastectomy and reconstruction in January 2023. She still accompanies me to most of my medical appointments. Mum even partook in the latest ‘Maggie’s Night Hike’ to raise funds for their work. She managed 4 miles and is determined to complete the full 10-mile course next year!  

Sadly, my son has been hit hard by the news. He is an only child and prior to the diagnosis he saw me as a tenacious, determined and healthy mother. I think he is slowly but surely coming to terms with the fact that I remain tenacious and determined but not quite as healthy as before. My partner has managed well with all that has happened. However, he repeatedly says that he won’t manage life without me. Though I reassure him that I have every intention of outliving him!  

After my procedures, I felt lost and confused for some time. It was only after I attended an online 6 week ‘Emerging from the Haze’ course conducted by the Royal Marsden that I was introduced to cancer charities that offer essential advice, information and support. Since signing up to these services over the past 6 months, I am in a far better place. I incorporate mindfulness and exercise in my daily routine and enjoy a fresh, balanced diet. I have even signed up to local yoga classes.  

Coincidentally, my partner’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels are being monitored as a cautionary measure, so we are building a much healthier lifestyle together – a win-win! In fact, I feel far happier than I have been in many years as I focus on my needs and wants. I am in the process of having my nipple tattooed so all my major treatments will be complete in 2023.  

I shall continue to take Tamoxifen for an initial period of 2 to 5 years depending on how things go. I fully appreciate that maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key to recovery and to help avoid cancer re-occurrence. I am getting great support from Maggie’s West London Branch, which is presently my go-to.   

Through ‘Breast Cancer Now’ ‘Someone Like Me’ service, I have been allocated a brilliant mentor. I look forward to our fortnightly, 30-minute phone conversations which brings joy, a sense of relief and camaraderie.  

I found out about ‘Penny Brohn UK’ several months ago and attended a welcome session, which I found extremely useful and inviting. The services they offer are a lifeline to people living with cancer. I plan to attend one of the charity’s retreats in 2024 to learn more about lifestyle changes and self-care tools that can further improve health and wellbeing with cancer. Being in the company of people living with cancer is reassuring and the chance to hear expert advice from a team of specialists gives tremendous peace of mind.