Breast cancer is a disease that doesn’t discriminate. Many people think that it only affects women, but that is not true, it affects men too. That it only presents as lumps, when we find breast cancers that are only seen on mammograms or ultrasound scans. That breast cancer only affects older people, when it can affect younger people as well and this can have an effect on the area of fertility. This is illustrated by today’s guest, Helen Deverell.
Helen was diagnosed with breast cancer at 29 years old. She had just got married, was enjoying a successful career and was planning to start her family. Suddenly, all of her plans ground to a halt. Her life changed after she was told that she had breast cancer. But how is that possible? She is in her 20s? This can’t happen to people in their 20s? Or can it?
In this episode, Helen openly talks about her diagnosis, treatment and all the challenges she faced. Because of chemotherapy, she was told that she would need to wait 5 years before knowing if she could have any children. Helen discovered that this uncertainty of not being able to have children was more difficult to cope with than the breast cancer diagnosis itself.
Helen also talks about the struggles she faced and still does, in trying to live with a breast cancer diagnosis. She shares the various strategies that she has used in daily life, that has helped her move on with her life.
Resources mentioned:
- The documentary called Dying to Live by Kris Hallenga who co-founded the charity CoppaFeel.
- The charity Breast Cancer Now.
Breast cancer and fertility resources:
There are some useful websites where you can find information about fertility issues including here at breastcancer.org, cancer research uk and breast cancer now.
Take-home messages:
- Breast cancer can affect younger people
- It is important to make sure you have time to think about your treatment options
- Breast cancer and fertility is an area that needs to be discussed more openly
- Write down all the questions you may have, and bring it to your clinic appointment
- If you don’t understand something that is being explained to you by your doctors, then don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask
- acknowledge that the feeling of anxiety and fear will pass
- If you are able, try to talk about your diagnosis with other people, it does help
- It is important to do a self-breast examination
Connect with Helen @helendeverell.
Do you want to learn how to do a BREAST EXAMINATION? Listen to this episode where I guide you step by step on how to examine your breasts the correct way.
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DISCLAIMER: The content of this podcast and website is not a substitute for seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional. Please do not delay in seeing a doctor for a breast problem, because of what you have read on this website or heard on this podcast.
