Susan Lanigan lives in Cobh with her family. A few weeks before Christmas 2022, she discovered a lump on her breast, and in January 2023 she was diagnosed with breast cancer. This Daffodil Day, she tells her story to give hope and support to others facing a cancer diagnosis and encourage active travel during treatment.

“I found a lump in the shower a few weeks before Christmas. My GP referred me for a triple assessment in January. I think the more tests I had and the further down the corridor I went, the more I began to think it wouldn’t be good news.

“We’re worried it’s cancer,” the consultant told me gently, “but we’re not worried about curing you.”
Soon afterwards they confirmed my diagnosis – invasive ductal carcinoma - and my treatment began.

“I had surgery first, in February, then chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the end, treatment wasn’t too bad. Mostly a dismal parade of side-effects – but these were temporary. Generally, chemotherapy consisted of bumbling along at about 75% capacity, until a day or two before the next treatment when my energy levels would roar back to life. I managed to write nearly every day, go to the shops, go for a walk – and even do school pick-ups on my electric bike. In fact, I think I can safely say my e-bike carried me through my treatment.

“At first, I was driving to all my appointments but, then I got fed up with spending so much time in the car so when the weather was ok, I cycled to treatment. My advice for anyone going through a cancer diagnosis is to keep fit as much as you can, keep moving. I know not everyone can manage this. I was lucky to have good tolerance and a safe cycling route to the hospital."

“I stopped work during my active treatment and my employers have been so great and supportive. My treatment finished up in mid-September, I’m doing very well now, I’m back to work and have joined a gym for the first time in my life. I’m also on hormone blockers, I got the impression it was going to be awful, but it’s been alright so far. I know not everyone is the same and some don’t react well to the treatments as they can be very heavy duty."

“Before my diagnosis, I didn’t have my priorities right in my life, now I’m doing one thing at a time and life is less stressful.  

“As well as raising awareness and sharing my story to support others going through a diagnosis, I want to advocate for active travel for my own health and the planet. I was so surprised to see how many people with chronic illness were cycling to treatment. I’m a former Green Party representative and I strongly believe in funding for active travel for cancer patients.

“Throughout my diagnosis, the Irish Cancer Society have been an invaluable source of help and advice. I used the Support Line when I was freaking out about some scans, and they put my anxiety at ease. I encourage anyone going through a diagnosis to reach out for help, that’s what the Irish Cancer Society is there for.”