Nat is a loving mother of five, a dedicated primary school teacher, and once co-owned a business with her husband. For Nat, balancing the demands of family, work, and business, along with the constant stress and pressure that came with it, was just part of her everyday routine.
In her early 30s, knowing a classmate who had faced breast cancer, Nat began to check her own breasts regularly. At 37, while taking a shower, she discovered a lump the size of a frozen pea at the bottom of her chest.
“The lump wasn’t moving, and I thought, ‘This wasn’t here before. It doesn’t feel right.’ So that week, I reached out to my GP.”
Her GP referred her for an ultrasound, and the technician suggested a biopsy. A week later, Nat was diagnosed with early-stage 1 breast cancer. Her doctor explained that the cancer was hormonal (oestrogen positive and progesterone positive), which might have been triggered by stress.
Taking a Step Back from Stress
“The day we found out about the diagnosis, my husband immediately called the teacher I was working with and said, ‘She’s not coming back to work.’”
Coincidentally, just a week before her diagnosis, Nat and her husband sold their business. Without the added worry of work and business, Nat was able to focus fully on her treatment and self-care. She had a full left mastectomy two weeks after her diagnosis.
A Calm Roller Coaster Ride
With her medical team organised and every detail in place, Nat found comfort in the structure and support surrounding her.
“It felt like a roller coaster ride, but everything was set up so perfectly that I didn’t have to be frantic. I was calm because I knew I was in really good hands.”
Nat was grateful for the way her oncologist and surgeon communicated with her and her husband.
“My oncologist and surgeon were incredible at explaining things clearly. We always had many questions, and they answered them with such care and patience. They’re just regular people like me. They didn’t use confusing medical jargon, always explained things in simple terms. It really put me at ease to know I was in such great hands.”
Chemotherapy Was Tough, but Support Made It Easier
Nat spoke about the challenges of chemotherapy, from the highs of feeling okay one day to the lows of tough side effects the next.
“Chemotherapy was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve had five children without any pain relief. Chemo was way harder. One day your adrenaline is high, and you’re feeling really good, but the next day you might have ulcers in your mouth, and it’s hard to eat. You look in the mirror and you don’t recognise yourself anymore.”
Through it all, Nat felt deeply supported by her friends and family.
“I felt incredibly loved by my friends and family, which helped me through this difficult time. I was showered with gifts and cards from friends, and my parents expressed their love by helping with the boys, preparing meals, and taking care of chores. I’m truly fortunate to be surrounded by such love.”
She also found solace in her love for the sea and sunrises.
“Even though I couldn’t swim because of my surgery, watching the sunrise at the beach really helped. You’ve just got to hold on to the thought that this time will come to pass, this will soon be over, and you’ll be able to look like yourself again.”
Finding Hope Through a New Adventure
Cancer brought significant financial strain, especially with Nat stopping work during treatment. Her friends, feeling the weight of the situation, wanted to contribute financially to ease some of her burdens.
Nat’s husband, Vira, came up with a fundraiser idea, suggesting the fund go towards medical expenses and a holiday, giving Nat something to look forward to after chemotherapy.
“When Vira set up the GoFundMe page, I was so overwhelmed by their generosity.”
Nat was deeply appreciative, recognising her friends’ support extended beyond financial relief. This trip became a beacon of hope, uplifted Nat’s spirits, allowing her to look beyond the challenging cycles of chemotherapy, and start planning for the future. This hope permeated through her family and friends, bringing them closer together.
Soon after Nat completed her last chemotherapy, they went on a holiday to Europe, with their friends’ blessing.
“I was 13 weeks post-chemo, still without hair and carrying extra weight, but the trip was such a joy. It was a gift from Vira, our family, and friends, and it meant the world to me.”
The holiday was not just a break from the physical and emotional toll of cancer, but a powerful reminder of the enduring love and support surrounding her.
They also planned a family getaway two months later, extending this spirit of hope for their children.
“We all needed a break and something to look forward to, so we went on a trip to America. It was a special time for all of us.”
Life After Breast Cancer
For Nat, breast cancer was a chapter, it doesn’t define her whole story.
“Life is good now. I’m back to exercising and travelling, and I’m enjoying life. There’s always life after the diagnosis and breast cancer. Life doesn’t stop there.”
