In August 2019, 53-year-old Sheena McCabe from Swords was laying in bed when she felt a hard lump on the side of one of her breasts.
“It concerned me so on the Monday morning, I went straight to the GP. I was referred on for a triple assessment. I could tell from the reactions of everyone at appointment, that it wasn’t good news.
“A week later I was called back for my results. The nurses were waiting for me in the room, so this confirmed what I thought I knew. I was then given my breast cancer diagnosis.
“Despite my suspicions, I was totally shocked. I felt I was fit and healthy at the time. I don’t smoke or drink and had no family history of cancer, I didn’t think it would happen to me.”
“After my diagnosis, I went to the Daffodil Centre in the hospital and spoke with the Irish Cancer Society Nurse. The booklets she gave me were incredible and so helpful. I also tried to only look at resources like the Irish Cancer Society website. This was a trusted source, as I knew there was a lot of unreliable information also online. “Says the mum-of-three.
“The Daffodil Centre nurses also registered me for a Chemo education course, I brought my mum with me, and so we could both be familiar with the treatment and any side effects.”
Sheena was scheduled for a mastectomy in September, in October she began her chemotherapy treatment, which was followed by Herceptin infusions.
“I think I managed the chemotherapy relatively well but I developed a bad respiratory reaction to the Herceptin so I had to stop this treatment. I ended up having to stay in hospital for six days.”
"No one quite understands a cancer diagnosis like someone who has gone through it. So if you have people around you who have affected by cancer, reach out to them, and ask for support and advice."
In December 2022, Sheena underwent DIEP reconstructive surgery, followed by a number of smaller surgeries. She hopes to have her nipples tattooed soon.
“At the moment, thankfully I am doing well. I am lucky to have had great support from family and friends. I am on Tamoxifen and I have a few side effects, but they are manageable. I like to go out for walks, coach the local camogie team and I am also back at work as a nurse. Overall, things are going well.”
On advice she would give to others going through something similar, she says “No one quite understands a cancer diagnosis like someone who has gone through it. So if you have people around you who have affected by cancer, reach out to them, and ask for support and advice. They understand that once you finish treatment, the thoughts and the worries don’t just disappear as soon as it’s over. So it’s important to keep those people close."
Sheena is supporting the Irish Cancer Society's Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign and encouraging the public to host a Big Pink Breakfast to help fund of vital cancer support services and life-changing research projects. 💗To get involved, visit: www.cancer.ie/pinkbreakfast
