“Early detection is so important, I would never have dreamt that I would have cancer. There is no history in my family so it’s easy to dismiss a pain or an ache" - Ciara Ní Ghairbí

Two weeks after Christmas, Ciara’s treatment plan was confirmed- a mastectomy which would be followed by radiotherapy. Unfortunately, she was unable to access reconstruction post-surgery due to Covid-19 restrictions, but Ciara hopes to undergo breast reconstruction in the coming months.

“When I heard I would lose my breast that shook me to the core. I was devastated, sad and so upset at the loss of my breast which I had come to see as part of my identity, physique and womanhood. Yet, I was positive, hopeful and determined to overcome this and navigate the road less travelled as I knew it. One week later my breast was removed. Overall my treatment was fairly ok, but I did find the process tough and challenging.” she says. “Entering the hospital doors alone for surgery due to Covid-19 restrictions on a bleak January morning was a vulnerable place to be, yet the warmth of the medical staff made it all so much easier.”

Ciara praises the support she received from the Irish Cancer Society during her treatment. She availed of the Society’sTravel2Care fund, which subsidised her fuel costs travelling from Kerry to Cork each day for treatment. She also contacted the Irish Cancer Society Support Line, who referred her for counselling through her local cancer centre.

“The nurses on the Support Line were fantastic; they referred me for free counselling in my local Arc centre. I would really encourage considering counselling if you are affected by cancer. It’s so important to check in with yourself and acknowledge the emotions that you are feeling at the time. Losing my breast was and still continues to be a grieving process. It was real and cuttingly raw. I was also dealing with a huge amount of shock- my world changed overnight, I was facing into such unknowns and counselling gave me a safe, confidential space, helping me to cope with all of that.” I highly recommend availing of this support.

Ciara is delighted to be supporting the Irish Cancer Society’s ‘Care for your Pair’ campaign this Breast Cancer Awareness month; she encourages all women to know the signs of breast cancer, to check themselves regularly, and to chat to two friends about doing the same.

Ciara is an advocate for wider access to the screening programme as part of an approach that encourages women to visit their GP if they notice anything out of the ordinary.

“Screening at 50 is too late, I advocate for this to be changed- cancer knows no age boundaries. I encourage all women to seek medical support as soon as you feel something is, as in my case, slightly off. I also encourage all women not to be afraid to ask questions. Early detection can make all the difference. I have met amazing people on my journey thus far and am hugely grateful for all the available supports for cancer patients. I cannot speak highly enough of the professional care I have received in the Bons Secours Hospital Cork and Cork University Hospital”.

Though we live in a world that dreams of ending, that always seems about to give in, something that will not acknowledge conclusion insists that we forever begin.

(Begin- Brendan Kennelly)