An Interview with Kerry for World Cancer Day

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you first learned about your diagnosis?

"My name is Kerry and I'm a big lover of cats. I actually have four of my own and sometimes foster cats who are in emergency situations.

I found a lump in my breast two days before Christmas in 2023. I was fast-tracked through to my GP and then fast-tracked through to the hospital, which was the Royal Bournemouth Hospital (part of University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust). After scans and tests, I received my breast cancer diagnosis on the 20^th February 2024. I was told that it was late stage one/early stage two cancer and it was grade three, which is an aggressive cancer, but it was isolated to just my breast and my lymph nodes."

Where did you receive most of your treatment?

"All of my treatment was at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, who were absolutely amazing. I have to say, I cannot fault the hospital at all."

What type of treatment have you undergone, and how well was your treatment plan explained to you?

"I had six rounds of chemotherapy and a phesgo injection. I then had surgery in September of 2024, which was a mastectomy and lymph nodes removed. After the surgery, I then had 15 rounds of radiotherapy.

My treatment plan was explained really well. I was given my first appointment, and when I got there, they explained everything to me. They literally go through everything with you, and then your next appointment is booked. Two days before every treatment I would go in for a blood test to make sure all my blood levels were safe so I could have the treatment. I never once had to chase an appointment; the appointments were just sent to me all the time."

Were there side effects that you weren’t prepared for?

"Probably the tiredness and the horrible taste in my mouth. Even though the side effects are explained to you clearly, you don’t fully grasp the gravity of them until you are actually living through it. 

The Oncologists were completely honest about the risks involved with chemotherapy – how it can impact your teeth, your hair, and cause your immune system to crash. For seven days after each session, I had to self-inject medication just to help rebuild my white blood cell count."

Looking back, were there any parts of your treatment or care that you feel could have been improved or made easier for you?

"That's a good question. All of my treatment and care was good. I had contact numbers for the breast cancer nurses. I could have phoned through to my oncologist if I needed to. They phoned me every five to six weeks to see how I was and the day before every treatment, my oncologist would phone me to see how I was feeling. They want to make sure you are well enough for your treatment and if you’re not feeling too well then, they adjust the dose. I also had an emergency number that I could call 24/7 if I ever felt seriously unwell."  

What part of your treatment was the most challenging—physically or emotionally?

"All of it really, if I'm honest. I think I just did what I was told and went through the motions. I know that sounds a bit strange, but I think I shut down the emotional side of it because I just wanted to get well again." 

What helped you to cope on difficult days?

"The support from my family." 

What would you say to someone who has just received a cancer diagnosis?

"If you have any questions, just write them down and when you see your oncologist for the first time, ask those questions. Don’t be afraid to say anything. It doesn’t matter how small it is, just write it down when you think of it and ask those questions.

The first thing I said was, “Am I going to lose my hair?” And obviously, that was a possibility. I asked to try the cold cap, and fortunately, that worked for me." 

What advice would you give to loved ones supporting someone through treatment?

"Just be there for each other and talk. It’s also important for your loved ones to have a break sometimes. I was very fortunate that my daughter would come down to stay with me when my partner was away at a car rally, which is what he enjoys and that used to give him a break. I also had my two brothers and my sister-in-law who came to see me and they all supported each other. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help because the support is there."

Kerry received the all clear in October 2024 and is now cancer free.