Elin's Breast Cancer Story

Elin’s Breast Cancer Story

Say hello to lovely Elin, who received a Little Lifts Box before her breast cancer surgery (lumpectomy).

Elin’s breast cancer diganosis and treatment

Elin was diagnosed with breast cancer on the 27th of August 2025, after finding a lump. Her breast cancer was ER-positive and both PR and HER2 negative.

She had a lumpectomy, with the pre-surgery scans having indicated no spread. Two lymph nodes were removed during her lumpectomy, and one was found to have cancerous cells. Her lumpectomy took an hour longer than anticipated after her surgeon discovered that she had an extra muscle in her armpit. Elin then received 15 sessions of radiotherapy and has opted not to undergo chemotherapy but will receive hormone therapy for 5-10 years. She is currently taking Tamoxifen, which her oncologist will review for a stronger replacement.

After receiving her breast cancer gift Box Elin said:

“I got a surgery Little Lifts Box. It arrived a few days before my lumpectomy, but I saved it to open when I came round from the anaesthetic. Knowing I had it to look forward to really was a little lift; I was excited to see what was in it. The items sent were so thoughtful and perfect for what I needed and how I felt post-surgery. My Box was such a delightful pick-me-up after a gruelling lumpectomy that ended up taking three times longer than the surgeon had anticipated. The chocolates were divine! (Chocolate is always a winner for me.) I also really valued the gentle soap and hand cream, which were perfect for making me feel more human again whilst staying in the hospital. I was unaware of Little Lifts until my friend arranged my Box. It is such a wonderful organisation, and I was so grateful for my Box. I have been telling everyone I can about Little Lifts to help spread awareness.”

More about Elin:

Elin is a Director of Legal Services at an accounting firm; her company has been incredibly supportive. Outside of work, Elin enjoys travelling both alone and with friends, and she loves attending live sports events, including darts and football, as a Brighton and Hove Albion supporter. She is also a Burlesque performer and cannot wait to get back on stage to learn to love and celebrate her new post-treatment body as much as she loved her body prior.

Elin’s Top Tips for Breast Cancer:

Figure out early on who is going to be your key support and try to lean on a few people so that you can best utilise the skills and resources of each of them.
Take advantage of any offerings of additional support (for example, free complementary treatments such as acupuncture or reflexology), it all helps to keep the stress down.
Be open about your experience if you feel you can. People will care and will want the best for you, and making those in your wider circle aware can relieve a lot of internal pressure around keeping up appearances.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and experience with others, helping to spread support and kindness. Your kind words about your Little Lifts Gift Box mean so much to us!

We appreciate you helping us to spread the Little Lifts love to people affected by breast cancer. If you would like to share your story, please email us at social@littlelifts.org.uk.