Teresa Costello is an active young woman, mother and breast cancer survivor and she is on a mission to share breast awareness with other women. Here is her story.
In August 2013 at the age of 36 I was diagnosed with breast cancer after accidentally finding a lump while in the shower. I had never checked my breasts as breast cancer was something I never thought would happen to me.
In fact I wouldn’t have known what to look for as lumps are not the only symptom of Breast Cancer. My GP referred me to the Breast Cancer Department in St. James Hospital and that day I underwent a mammogram, biopsy and ultrascan. Leaving the hospital I knew I had Breast Cancer as my consultant told me he was sure that my results would not be good. I had 3 tumours and indentation on my breast.
Teresa before Chemo
Within a week the bad news was confirmed to me. To be told at 36 you have breast cancer is a show stopper. I was in the gym every day, took great pride in my appearance, didn’t smoke, drank in moderation and none of my family had ever had cancer.
I broke the news to my family, which was for me the most difficult part in all of this. Sseeing them heartbroken and helpless as this was something only I could fight myself.
On September 13th 2013 the day after my son’s 5th birthday I had my first chemo session. Prior to starting I met with my oncologist, who gave me information on chemo, side effects and the 50/50 chance my treatment would throw me into an early menopause, which thankfully didn’t happen.
Teresa after first Chemo session
I retained very little information as I felt I was watching a movie and this was happening to someone else, I was just showing up, going through the process.
It’s the fear of the unknown that is the worst part. What is chemo? What does it look like, feel like, will I shrivel up and become ugly when I get it? No leaflet will take away that fear from you, you have to experience it. And after my first session (I had 8 over 16 weeks) I walked out looking exactly like the same girl that walked in.
I had my head shaved to remove the trauma of seeing clumps of hair fall out. I had tired days, I had fearful days, and I had brilliant days. I was supported by fantastic friends and family and seen such kindness in people. Chemo strips you back to basics, as a woman you feel you lose your identity - your hair, your eyebrows, your eyelashes, your nails. I couldn’t let cancer do this to me so I researched products that I could use to help combat all this. You aren’t really going to get beauty advice in hospital they are busy saving your life.
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But for me to fight I had to feel I was looking the best version of myself I could be. Every girl going through cancer has this right and shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting to.
My chemo was a success. It was followed quickly by my surgery which consisted of a mastectomy and immediate reconstruction using muscle from my back and removal of lymph nodes. I was 10 hours in theatre and I was in hospital for 10 days recovering.
What I found hardest about chemo and surgery was I had to take breaks from the gym. I did go when I could but I listened to my body and rested when I needed it. I felt that exercise made me mentally stronger for fighting this disease. It’s not for everyone but I do credit it for my quick recovery.
A few weeks later it was time for me to face the final step in my treatment plan which was 6 weeks of daily radiation. I was lucky that I didn’t really experience any side effects apart from some burning on my skin to the location being treated.
I received my diagnosis in August 2013 and by May 2014 I had completed my treatment. I was cancer free. I was placed on a hormone treatment which I must stay on for 5 years called Tamoxifen which I take daily in a tablet form. If your breast cancer is hormone based, Tamoxifen reduces the risk of it returning.
It is a shocking disease to have to face but it can be done, life doesn’t stop when you have cancer and I realised how little knowledge I had about the disease until it forced its way into my life. These days my life is back to normal, I am working full time, back training in the gym every day, and spending precious time with my son making memories, all which are more sweeter, because I have been given a second chance.
I am not angry I got this disease as I can use my experience now to help other ladies. I have created a facebook page called Breast Friends. It offers advice, information and emotional support to those affected by this disease. I find I am contacted a lot by family members of ladies as they want advice on how best to help their loved ones. The page is affiliated with Breast Cancer Ireland and I would advise all girls to download the free Breast Cancer Awareness app which gives advice and reminders on checking your breasts and being breast aware as breast cancer does not only present itself as a lump, it can also be a pain in your breast, indentation, change in shape, changes in your nipple.
Early detection is vital so be breast aware.
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Thanks to Teresa Costello for sharing her story. Do make sure to check her Breast Friends Facebook page.
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