Humans of WMP: Sapna Patel

I went for a routine mammogram after turning 50, my first one ever.

I never felt a lump or had any pain but now I was being told that I needed a needle biopsy, was called back for a core biopsy, then the consultant told me face to face I had early stage breast cancer.

I had to ask the consultant if it definitely was cancer as it was so unexpected.

I had the lumpectomy, which for me was very painful post op. I couldn't lift anything for weeks. The radiotherapy left me with pain all over my body, I was very slow and even now I struggle to walk at times. The after effects can last up to a year or more.

Work were amazing and I had great support from my colleagues, supervision and management. I had a great team of friends who drove me to my daily radiotherapy sessions.

I had never had six months off work. I felt guilty. But I was reassured to just get better first before coming back.

The help, understanding, kindness and support of the hospital staff, work colleagues, friends and family got me through a traumatic time. Having the treatment so quickly to stop the cancer from spreading was a relief and not having to worry about work and the bills helped enormously.

I would say to anyone that is diagnosed with cancer that if you can confide in a good friend or family member, or a person that has been through the same thing, it may help them. I’m now a cancer buddy at work and support other colleagues who are going through similar circumstances.

I always appreciated life before, but now I feel very lucky. I had an early diagnosis and received treatment so quickly. It just highlights the importance of a mammogram.”

Sapna Patel | Force Contact