Edna's fundraiser for Mount Vernon Cancer Centre

My story

I am a fit, happy-go-lucky mother of three amazing children and I have a great job working in legal advice and advocacy to support my clients and employers.

I have never smoked, only drank moderately at social events and there's no history of breast cancer in my family. 

My story started with continual visits to my GP when I had tenderness in my left breast. 

The mammograms did not find anything wrong but the symptoms did not go away so I went to my GP again.

It was during one of my visits to the GP that I saw Dr Ansam and she referred me to the specialist team at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre for a more thorough assessment. 

At my first appointment at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, I met Mr Patel, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon. I was examined and at the end of the assessment, he informed me that there was nothing wrong with my left breast but that he felt something in my right breast which wasn't the one I was worried about.

Mr Patel explained that he wanted to investigate further; his positive attitude had an instant calming effect on me but I made it clear to him that I was here for my left breast and not the right breast. He agreed to include the left breast in the investigation just to reassure me. 

I was diagnosed with 1.4cm grade 2 invasive lobular carcinoma in my right breast.

I went through a new phase of life filled with tests, scans (CT, MRI, ultrasound), operations (lumpectomy and axillary clearance) and radiotherapy. It feels like yesterday all this happened, but it has been over 10 months.

There's not a day that goes by when I don't think about "The Big C" and what I experienced over the months of treatment.

Having had cancer is something I am learning to live with. I never thought I'd have found the strength to go through the treatment but I was able to thanks to the amazing team at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre.

The centre truly is a magical place!  They provided me with first class care and the best possible treatment in a professional and compassionate manner.

I'd like to give special thanks to 'Mr Titty Magician' (Dr Patel), Dr Charlotte Westbury, consultant clinical oncologist, my radiologists, nurses and the entire medical team who helped me every step of the way, alongside my family and close friends.

I am now taking part in the OPTIMA trial to help find new ways of treating breast cancer. Research is a key part of Mount Vernon Cancer Centre so we can continue to advance treatment for cancer.

Please help me support the centre that provided me with first-class treatment to enable them to carry on providing excellent treatment for all.

By making a donation you will be helping to fund the very best medical equipment, research, patient comfort items, complementary therapy sessions at the Lynda Jackson Centre as well as enhancements to the centre and gardens so every penny makes a difference.