Marian's Breast Cancer Story

Marian’s Breast Cancer Story

Say hello to lovely Marian, who received a Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Little Lifts Gift Box during her breast cancer treatment through our Little Kindness Fund.

What Marian said about her gift Boxes:

“I felt seen, understood, empowered. Thank you for doing what you do. I am utterly grateful.”

It is important for us at Little Lifts to share the experiences of women who have undergone breast cancer treatment. Here, Marian talks about the strength her children have offered her during this challenging time:

“Hi, my name is Marian and I’m a Theatre Nurse Manager. I’m a mum of two boys who are 6 and 2 years old. I also run events for mums within the Barnet borough with my very good friend, Mary, to help establish connections among mums within the community.

In October 2024, I had a right mastectomy and ALNC with LYMPHA procedure on the same side. In December 2024, I started with four sessions of Epirubicin-Cyclophosphamide and four sessions of Paclitaxel every two weeks – 8 sessions of chemotherapy in total. After finishing chemotherapy in March 2025, I had some time to recover. I then received 15 sessions of radiotherapy in May 2024, where I went to the hospital every day for 15 days.

Right now, I’m on hormonal therapy tablets and dealing with side effects daily, and still with a smile on my face. Regardless of what I’ve been through, I always try my best to look for the joy and gift in all this. When I do, it just changes my perspective and carries on with gratitude.”

How did it all begin?

“I stopped breastfeeding our second son in April 2024. A month later, I felt a lump which I didn’t think much of, considering that my body might be going through some changes related to stopping breastfeeding. In the past, I would feel a lump, but it would go away after my menstrual cycle. I waited to see it for another month, and it was there again. That’s when I called my GP to get an appointment, but I wasn’t convinced that it was anything to be worried about.

On 4 September 2024, I was at work during a very busy morning, and I received a phone call that changed my life. My doctor had explained to me over the phone that the biopsies and scans showed right breast cancer. Although we caught it in the early stage, I would still have to go through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy because I was diagnosed while I was young, fit and healthy. This was explained to me later on that it’s like taking out an insurance policy to increase chances of survival and reduce recurrence.

I remember feeling extreme emotions after receiving the news. It was a shock, yet I recall being calm and collected on the other end of the line. It was as if I were receiving a piece of news I already knew. My health care background perhaps took over, and my brain went into an automated mode of being objective. Perhaps, by doing so, I was being sensible and practical.
On the other hand, I was puzzled by how and why I got this cancer when most of the time, I’ve enjoyed looking after myself. I was keeping myself fit, eating healthily and doing my best to maintain balance. I didn’t have the risk factors, and we didn’t even have family history.

Eventually, I’ve learned to let go and let it all be. I’ve made a choice to enjoy the ride I’m about to experience and take the opportunity to learn more about myself. I’ve felt more relaxed when I’ve paused and allowed what my body requires at this moment of my life. I thought I would have to stop doing some of the things I enjoy, but that didn’t feel right to me. I’ve felt more grounded to keep the same things going that make me happy, as I won’t feel like cancer has robbed me of moments, opportunities and fun. When I had enough energy levels and my side effects were minimal, I would meet friends, exercise regularly and help organise events for mums.”

“I’ve learned a lot going through my cancer treatments. Cancer can take away and bring unimaginable changes to many aspects such as appetite, hair, health, sleep, energy, body image, career, relationships, friendships, ability to have more children, perception of time and life in general… But what it cannot and will not take away from me is my character and being a mother.

Right from my diagnosis, I’ve made a choice to carry on because I won’t let my little boys grow up without their mum. Regardless of my surgery, numerous chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, in and out of the hospital, I have still been the same mother to my two beautiful, sweet boys, only stronger. Even after chemotherapy and radiotherapy, I would come home and play with my children. This grounds me. I find myself in utter gratitude for what seems to be mundane previously, but has become an awakening.

Despite the lack of sleep and a feeling of discomfort here and there, I would still get up and carry on so I could keep on sharing our routine together. I would like them to still experience their mum and not let cancer take away the special moments we share. My sons may not be fully aware of this, but they have been my anchor, and they have been the best medicine I’ve ever received throughout this cancer journey.”

“There is so much more to share and I will always be honoured to do so whenever I’m given a chance to help raise awareness.

This is my current story and I’m looking forward to more adventures with this new unexpected path I’ve found myself in.

I hope I can help empower more women going through what I have. It may not feel like we’re doing well in whatever stage of treatment we’re in, but we are truly amazing with our strength and resilience to keep moving forward.”

Marian’s Top Tips for breast cancer:

Keep doing the things you love and make plans no matter how small to have something to look forward to.
Talk to your body and ask how you can take care of it more. This helped Marian build a better relationship with her body.

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 Boxes 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.