Mum’s Breast Cancer Journey: Fiona’s Story
“I got to keep my Mum - Glynis, thanks to the NHS, her cancer treatment and the research that developed her treatment. She’s my best friend and means the world to me.”
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Those are the words of Fiona Thomas who manages the Cancer Research Wales shop in the Rhiwbina area of Cardiff. Here Fiona speaks about supporting her Mum – Glynis, through her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer.
Diagnosis
“In 2022, after a routine mammogram, Mum was called back for a biopsy. When it was time to meet with the consultant to get the results, we had a feeling that it was bad news. Mum asked me to go with her, which of course I did.
“Then came the news we had prepared ourselves to hear- the results of the biopsy were that my Mum did indeed have breast cancer.”
Surgery and feeling scared
“We were hopeful at this point, as we didn't quite yet know what we were dealing with.
“After more tests, it was decided that Mum would have a lumpectomy and have all of the lymph nodes in her armpit removed (Axillary lymph node clearance). The operation went well, Mum recovered quickly, we awaited the results.
“This was when things got very scary- I absolutely fell to pieces. I was there to support Mum, and it was me sat there an uncontrollable sobbing mess. Twenty out of the twenty-one lymph nodes the surgeon removed contained cancerous cells.
“I was so incredibly scared of losing my Mum, she's my best friend and means the absolute world to me.”
Chemotherapy and side effects
“This was where the battle really started, Mum had 6 rounds of chemotherapy- each affected her so badly. Mum required 24/7 care, so moved in with my husband, our two sons and I for a week after each chemotherapy infusion.
“We did everything for her, from making her constant cups of tea to cooking meals and washing her hair. It really did knock her off her feet.
“One of the hardest parts for Mum was losing her hair, it was also tough for me, seeing her so poorly.
“Mum then went on to have 28 daily radiotherapy sessions. She is now on daily oestrogen blockers for the next 10 years and has a Zometa infusion at Prince Charles Hospital every 6 months to help protect her bones, all with some unpleasant side effects.”
