A mum is urging others to 'check your boobies' after being diagnosed with and says that "sharing" her story has helped her cope.
Judy Gotham, from Plymouth, found a small lump in her left breast just after 2022. Just weeks later, in February 2023, mum-of-three Judy was given the "bombshell" news that she had grade three triple negative breast cancer.
Judy, who was 38 at the time of her diagnosis, then underwent a lumpectomy, which was followed by chemotherapy. She said: "I had x4 cycles of Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide and was hospitalised 10 days after my first cycle with neuropathy .
"Also during this time I was put forward for the genetic testing, which showed I was positive for the BRCA2 gene. I am now waiting on my double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery."
The breast cancer survivor said after her diagnosis she tried to stay as positive as she could - and found sharing her journey with others helped. She said: "Documenting my journey on has helped me cope with , hair loss, infections, and overcoming all my phobias," she said.
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"Before breast cancer I had a phobia of hospitals, needles, and sickness. Although it's not gone, I've had to put up with all of these and try to suppress my fears. Losing my thick auburn locks, even though I was trying the cold cap, was devastating to me.
"William, my eldest son seeing how upset I was, decided to shave his head in support of me and set up a 'Gofundme' page to raise money for breast cancer now. I'm so proud of the way he's supported me through my cancer journey, caring for his younger brother and sister. He raised £750 and wanted to donate it to Breast Cancer Now because he knew I had been supported by them.
"Breast cancer affects all the family and teenagers can often struggle to express their emotions and concerns when a parent is ill. Raising money helped my son feel he was doing something positive for me." Judy, who works two jobs as a customer service agent and a hotel housekeeper, has also received support from her friends and family.
"My pole studio did a showcase and raffle to raise money to send me and my children on holiday, which was absolutely amazing support for us all," she told . "I've been very lucky to have a supportive boyfriend, family and friends who have all helped me through this difficult time. I've even had friends come over and decorate for me to boost my spirits."
Judy was also able to use the 'someone like me' buddy, offered by charity Breast Cancer Now - which gives her someone to listen to her "worries and moans". The service matches patients with a trained volunteer who has had a similar experience - and now Judy is giving back to others.
She said: "I'd highly recommend this to anyone going through this journey. A year and half later I am now a volunteer and I absolutely love helping and supporting others through such an awful time." On November 16 this year, Judy, who shares her own story on , is also drawing a raffle to raise funds for Plymouth charity The Primrose Foundation. You can find more information about the charity here.
