Woman's 'world turned upside down' as she watched TV

A woman's "world turned upside down" as she watched TV.

Vicky Green was watching The Great British Bake Off when she made a devastating discovery. The 31-year-old from Chester was stunned when she felt a lump in her left breast as she put her hands under her armpits to warm herself up.

Vicky was referred for tests and in November last year she was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer and told she would require chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Days after her diagnosis Vicky was due to go on a month-long trip to South Africa with her partner army captain, Mick, 32.

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But the dream holiday had to be cancelled. The couple were going to spend Christmas with Mick’s family, and Mick had planned to ask Vicky to marry him while they were there.

But he didn’t let the cancer diagnosis scupper his plans and Mick proposed on a day out in Llandudno just before Vicky started treatment.

Vicky, a merchandiser for Regatta, said: “I remember thinking it probably wouldn’t be anything concerning at 30-years-old. But when the doctor examined me, she actually found a second lump, and then I started to worry that it could be something serious.

“We’d saved up all our annual leave to fly to South Africa for the whole month and to spend Christmas with Mick’s family. But that all had to be cancelled and December was full of nonstop tests and hospital appointments.

"But we did manage to have some lovely days out instead and one day in Llandudno Mick proposed at the top of the Great Orme, it was just us and the sun was shining, it was lovely. He had planned on asking me to marry him in South Africa, but Llandudno was just as amazing. I’m so excited to get married as soon as we can when all this is over, and my hair has grown back.”

Doctors warned Vicky that she may not be able to get pregnant after chemotherapy, so she decided to freeze her embryos before starting treatment. She is now coming to the end of 16 rounds of chemotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral.

Then she is due to have a mastectomy followed by radiotherapy in the summer. Now, Vicky is urging as many people as possible to sign up to Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life event to help save lives like hers.

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with headline sponsor Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, is an inspiring series of 3k, 5k, 10k, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Events coming up in the region include Birkenhead Park, Wirral and Delamere Forrest this Sunday May 19, Aintree Racecourse on June 16, Tatton Park on June 22 and 23, Haydock Racecourse on June 30, Chester Racecourse on July 7, and Sefton Park on July 20 and 21.

People of all ages and abilities are welcome to take part in Race for Life. Mums, dads, sons, daughters, grandparents and friends can choose from a 5k or 10k, or at some venues there’s a Pretty Muddy option - a 5k mud-splattered obstacle course.

Vicky added: “Research done by Cancer Research UK has literally saved my life, I did the Race for Life just over 10 years ago. Never in a million years did I think that it’d be something that would impact me. I can’t take part this year because I’m going though treatment, but I’d encourage anyone to get involved it’s so much fun and you’re fundraising to save lives like mine.

“There is a lot of cancer in the family on my dad’s side, including his two sisters who have also had breast cancer. I was given genetic testing after my diagnosis, but I don’t carry any of the genes that would make me classed as high risk.

"This is another reason I think research is so important as there still might be something that we carry that just hasn’t been found yet and new discoveries could help detect cancer in the future.”

Following her own experience, Vicky knows exactly how vital it is to raise funds for life-saving research. Money raised will help scientists find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancers - moving closer to a world where everyone can live longer, better lives.

Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in the North West, Jemma Humphreys said: “We are grateful to Vicky for her support and I know her story will make an impact on everyone who hears it. No matter how cancer affects us, life is worth racing for.

"Sadly nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime. Race for Life has the power not only to transform lives, but to save them. We’re proud that Race for Life has already helped double survival rates in the UK.

“We’d love for as many people as possible to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone, and we mean everyone. Walk, jog, run or take on the course however it suits best. It’s a chance to feel the power of moving together with fellow Race for Lifers and to treasure that moment of crossing the finish line.

“Whether people are living with cancer, or taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with the disease, or maybe they are in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”

To enter, visit raceforlife.org

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