Linda feels privileged to be a Breast Cancer Care volunteer‘No such thing as a stupid question’
That matter-of-fact optimism helped the mum-of-four come to terms with her diagnosis — and now makes her an invaluable Breast Cancer Care-trained Peer Support volunteer. In January 2000 Linda, from Clarkston near Glasgow, was diagnosed with cancer in her right breast following a routine mammogram when she was 50. Shock Linda says, “What a way to start the new Millennium! It was such a shock. “When I got in the car after being diagnosed all I remember is my legs shaking uncontrollably. I was fit and healthy, enjoyed a low-fat diet, didn’t smoke and had breast-fed all my children. “I ticked all the boxes of someone low risk. But when something like that happens you realise how vulnerable we all are,” says the retired primary teacher. Her mum Rena had been diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 60 but despite this Linda thinks her diagnosis was coincidence. “Between five and 10 per cent of breast cancer cases are hereditary and I firmly believe there wasn’t a link,” she says. Linda underwent a mastectomy and immediate latissimus dorsi reconstruction — where muscle and skin from the upper back is rotated around to create a new breast mound — with more than 10 lymph nodes removed. Lucky “By the time they operated the cancer had become invasive so I was lucky it had been detected quickly. Breast health awareness is vital and screenings shouldn’t be missed,” Linda warns. “Many people think all they have to look for is a lump — but I didn’t find one. “Know what’s right for you and report changes, whether it’s your nipple or a thickening or puckering of the skin. Remember to feel under your arm and your neck.” Fortunately Linda’s lymph nodes were clear, meaning the cancer hadn’t spread, and she was prescribed the drug Tamoxifen for three years. “The cancerous breast tissue had been removed so I didn’t need further treatment. “In my mind, and how I explained it to my children, my body was like a piece of fruit. Once the bad bit was removed the rest was fine,” smiles Linda, whose prognosis is good. Helpful Linda first contacted Breast Cancer Care a few weeks after reconstructive surgery. “My back was so uncomfortable and I was starting to worry I’d never be without pain when I spoke to a BCC Peer Support volunteer who’d had the same operation as me. “She was so helpful and reassuring and I decided, once I was better, I’d help others. “Breast cancer doesn’t wait for a convenient time in life and everyone faces their own difficulties. “Peer Support matches you with someone who knows what you’re going through. “Some women are so busy trying to be a mum, wife and daughter they often forget to think about themselves. Equally, someone caring for a breast cancer patient may need to talk about their fears. “When you’re diagnosed there are so many questions, some you may feel embarrassed asking the doctor, but there’s no such thing as a ‘stupid’ question. “If I had any concerns I’d phone my BCC nurse straight away, even just for peace of mind.” Proudly Linda, and five friends, took part in last year’s Pink Ribbonwalk at Scone Palace. “I think I stopped at every rest-stop — but I wasn’t last!” she says proudly.
“Remember, it’s not a race!” Having breast cancer, Linda says, was a turning point in her life. “I’m more confident — I’ve learned life is too short. “Now I can get up in front of a room of people and talk about my boobs!” she laughs. “As a volunteer I see first-hand the good BCC does and feel privileged to be a part of it.”
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By Sarah Johnson
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