My story is an unusual one. For me the discovery of breast cancer in my left breast was a complete fluke. I didn’t have any of the typical signs of breast cancer. I went to my GP (marched in by my husband Scott) in early 2019 as I had a dull pain in my right breast. My GP considered it hormonal because of my age and ensured me it was nothing to worry about. As I had come into her with a breast complaint she referred me on to have a mammogram anyway. It was just my GP being totally thorough.
So off I went to the mammogram thinking it was a just a routine procedure and I would soon satisfy my own, my husband’s, and my GP’s concerns. Eight weeks later, I received a call asking me to come back in to have another mammogram. I didn’t panic as the clinic had highlighted previously that I may be recalled for another mammogram as this helps them form a picture. So again I went off to the second mammogram thinking nothing was wrong and this was just routine. This time they only wanted to image the left breast, not the right one which is the reason why this journey had started. A little worry was beginning to creep in now. It ran from there really. Many more tests followed including more mammograms, biopsies, ultrasounds and breast MRI’s.
On the eve of my 41st birthday I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer. My heart sank and my head spun to the 3 kids at home. 3 happy kids, all still of primary school age and about to start a new school year without a notion of what was going on with their parents. My gut instinct told me not to tell the kids yet, they were only 5, 7 & 9 at the time. For this reason, I kept my news to a very small circle. The kids were told I was to have an operation on my arm cause it was sore from playing too much tennis. Whilst waiting for my treatment plan, I continued to play tennis as it was a distraction. I even played a Senior League match out in Sandycove two days before my operation. My partner was Ollie Sheahan that day and she aware of my news. She admitted to me afterwards that she was barely able to hold the racket as she was so nervous as she wanted the win so badly for me. Her words were not lost on me, I too wanted that win so badly!! And we got it!!!
Two days later, I was being checked into the Bons Secours hospital for a mastectomy. The operation floored me. I was a bit naïve going in. I thought being young and fit, I would bounce back in no time to where I was, but it was a tough recovery. For the first time in my life, I wasn’t able. Going from a capable, fit, young, sporty, juggling mum to having none of those attributes is HUGE and it really tested me. My head was low as I waited on the final test results. Although my consultant was confident the mastectomy would be the end of my recovery journey, it was hard not to let the mind wander. Those 2 weeks of being physically drained and my mental well-being spiralling downwards, were probably the hardest 2 weeks of my life. Some days I wanted the company of family and friends for the distraction (even went up to support my team at senior league 5 days after my op and yes, I snuck a sneaky one in at the bar) but other days I wanted to be alone where the tears flowed.
A couple of weeks after my operation, I was told the amazing news that I was cancer free and no more treatment was required, no chemo, no radiation therapy. I was however, put on hormone therapy for 5 years to help prevent reoccurrence and life slowly went back to normal. I remember someone telling me that I’ll find my ‘new normal’ but I didn’t want that, I wanted my old normal. I wanted everything to go back to what it was before. The Anna that never says no to anything because I suffer terribly from FOMO, the Anna that doesn’t worry about anything, the old Anna! It’s funny that something as scary as cancer can stop you in your tracks and make you take stock. It’s made me so much more grateful for everything I have in my life, my amazing husband (my patient nurse) my fantastic crazy kids, my parents, siblings & in-laws, and my radiator friends. I eventually told my kids when I felt the time was right.
I’m nearly 6 years on now and I can happily say the old Anna is back living her best life. I was lucky. I will never forget that.
This is a great initiative by Portmarnock Tennis Club and I’m happy to be a part of it and share my story. The more stories out there, the more awareness and that can only be a good thing.
Thanks to all involved and to all who shared their stories.
"The more stories out there, the more awareness and that can only be a good thing."
Thank you, Anna. By sharing your experience with such honesty, you remind us how unpredictable cancer can be and how vital awareness truly is. Your story offers reassurance, strength, and perspective to so many within our community and beyond.
We’re grateful for your openness and support, and we look forward to coming together on the day for this important cause.
Portmarnock Tennis Club Committee, Members and Friends
