October 4th this year saw my 1 year anniversary for my double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. I can’t quite believe it myself – the year has gone ridiculously fast! Referring to my reconstructed breasts my husband cheekily asked “Should we celebrate the twins first birthday?” with his typical humour, which of course raised a giggle.
Jokes aside, it’s been an absolutely fantastic year! I recently finished my TDM-1 targeted treatment which helps to attack and destroy any residual tumour cells that may wish to cause harm. There were minimal side effects to the treatment as these are targeted smaller doses of chemotherapy, however, nothing that I couldn’t cope with from following a great exercise, nutrition and supplement plan.
I’m also currently taking Tamoxifen which I’ll be on for at least the next 5 years. Tamoxifen is an oestrogen receptor modulator used to prevent breast cancer in women and in men. That’s right – men also get breast cancer although only around 370 cases are reported in the UK each year compared to 55,000 women. The disease however is just as severe in men and the need to self examine and be aware of sign and symptoms is equally as important for men as it is for women.
I have also recently had some fantastic news from my cardiologist. As you may recall, the initial chemotherapy lowered my heart left ejection fraction. Well, my cardiologist has confirmed that my left ejection fraction is now almost back to normal values – this is awesome.
I’ve also been given great news from my oncologist gynaecologist (yep – hard to say quickly!), who has advised me that all is perfectly normal.
My hair has grown back to a lovely thick afro with chestnut brown highlights (all natural, not from a bottle) and I’m lifting heavier in the Gym and improving my energy levels daily – So far so awesomely good!
I have also very recently been appointed as an ambassador for the Black Women Rising cancer support project which aims to raise awareness, offer help, information and practical advice to women of colour who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Sadly, in the UK, Black women from Caribbean and African backgrounds are up to 2 times more likely to receive a late stage diagnosis for some cancers than white British women – hence the need for such a charity.
In the background, my husband and I are also working tirelessly on a new project, a huge programme entitled “Women’s Wellness With Cancer”. The online programme aims to share evidence based practices that can help maintain energy and vitality whilst boosting immune function during cancer treatments.
So much going on…I feel we need 48 hour days!
Stay connected for more insights on health and wellness, and feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with us at M.A.S.K. Together, we can inspire and support each other on our journeys to better health.
Speak soon,
Vanessa x
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