TWO Frome women have shared their stories about having breast cancer to encourage other women to check their breasts regularly.
Sue Russell and Paula Silvester, who work together at the Asda store in Frome, say, “Please check yourselves regularly and see your GP as soon as possible if you notice any changes however small they are.”
The pair have shared the message and their stories in support of Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign, which supports two breast cancer charities – Breast Cancer Now and CoppaFeel!
Cash office colleague Paula, who has been clear from breast cancer for 11 years, noticed a change in her left breast while checking herself in the shower in June 2009. “I found some lumps that didn’t seem right so I went to the doctor,” explains Paula. “At first they thought it was hormone related and gave me some tablets but they didn’t clear so I was sent to me to the local breast clinic in Bath. They did a biopsy and it went from there really. I did my chemotherapy first to reduce the size of the growth – it was more like a mound really, about 4cm – and then I had a mastectomy.
“My mum had had breast cancer the year before and had just had her first year all-clear when I was diagnosed. It was at the back of my mind anyway with my mum going through it I suppose.
“It was traumatic when I found out – it’s like a black cloud. The first thing you think when someone tells you that you have cancer is that you are going to die.
“I had a young child, Alice, who was six at the time, and you think you are not going to see them grow up. I support Tickled Pink as much as I can and always try to help and I’m always on hand to give advice to colleagues. I always tell people that if you find something during your regular checks, please don’t just think it will go away.
“The longer you leave it the less chance you’ve got of being where I am now. Ninety-nine per cent of the time it will be nothing, but it’s always better to get it looked it. The wife of one of our cleaners was diagnosed a couple of years ago and I was able to sit down with him and talk him through what was going to happen. I like to tell people that having breast cancer is not a death sentence. I’ve been clear now for 11 years.”
Asda checkout colleague Sue, who has worked at the Frome store for 13 years, was diagnosed with breast cancer just after her 50th birthday. “They found a lump during a routine mammogram but I expected it to just be fatty tissue so was so shocked when they said it was cancer,” said Sue. “It really came out of the blue, but you know I just said to myself that you’ve got to get on with it.”
Within weeks Sue was taken into hospital for a lumpectomy and then radiation treatment. “I was off work six months then came back to work and had a stroke and was off for another six months,” said Sue. “Asda was very, very supportive, and colleagues too. We are a small store and like a big family. A lot of us have worked there for many years. My message to people would be always check yourself regularly and if you get a letter to go for a mammogram, you go! And if you find anything unfamiliar then contact your GP straight away. Don’t delay it. Just go.”
Asda Frome community champion Jackie Bryant, who co-ordinates fundraising events for Tickled Pink, said, “Our colleagues are always 100 per cent behind our Tickled Pink events. Some are fundraising and some raising awareness. A massive thank you to all the customers and colleagues who donate and get involved in this incredibly worthy cause.”
Pictured Paula, left, and Sue.
