DAWN

I'm Dawny and I live with Secondary Breast Cancer. The key thing I need to share is that I live WELL. I have had many health battles in my life and I live with other long-term health conditions, but when someone mentions the C word - it's hard to describe your fear right? My path to diagnosis was too long - 2 years in fact! My mammograms were clear and my enlarged lymph node in my armpit was put down to my Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was diagnosed De novo (or stage 4) so my cancer had already spread (metastasized) to my bones and liver by the time of my diagnosis in December 2022.

I am not ashamed to tell you of my despair and depression or of the loneliness I felt as I was thrown into my cancer journey. I had no understanding or knowledge of SBC (Secondary Breast Cancer) and didn't know where or who to turn to as I was one of the unlucky ones who didn't have a great support team helping and guiding me (this is one thing that needs to change as everyone deserves the same level of care regardless of your post code!) 
I am sure I am not alone in admitting to endless searching on Dr Google looking for hope stories. Treatment options are confusing, opinions are sometimes conflicting and data you find online (particularly on life expectancy) is extremely out of date! It took me the best part of a year to realise that we all walk on the same path but each with an individual story and that everyone's journey is different. 
People tell me I am brave, maybe I am but not because I have Cancer but because I choose to have complete acceptance of my lifelong cancer and aim to seek out my 'New Norm'.
My primary breast cancer has in fact never been found and so I am on targeted therapy (Abemaciclib) and hormone therapy (Letrozole) to decrease my oestrogen hormone in my body and to block my cancer cells from growing and dividing. I also have Denosumab injections to help strengthen my bones and prevent possible fractures. This is my 1st line treatment and I have taken 14 cycles (months) so far. I know that one day I may need to change treatment but I have found a way to live in the present and armed myself with the knowledge of treatment lines - knowledge is key! 
I was lucky as I found my cancer family when I found Make 2nds Count and they helped me to change my quality of life for the better. I felt supported, informed and that I finally had a network of people who I could reach out to. This was only enhanced further when I was lucky enough to be given a reserve place to attend one of their retreats. It was there that lifelong friendships were formed and where I actually met 2 members of The Magnificent 7 Sam and Tracey. It was their inspiration and friendship that encouraged me to apply for Maggie's On The Runway which led me to meet more fabulous people and the wonderful Margo. I had the time of my life as one of Rick's Chicks and slowly but surely my confidence increased (not just on the runway) and now positive Dawny is back in the room. I lost me for a while and that can feel very scary. 
I still have the odd cry and obviously worry about any stops further along my path but I have 3 beautiful children to fight for and I now want to try to help and inspire others who may also walk my path. I want to treat my SBC like one of my other lifelong conditions and also raise awareness to anyone who will listen to inform them of the world I now live in... The SBC world! 
I hope this campaign will lead those that are newly diagnosed to information and HOPE quicker and will give others the information that everyone needs but sadly not everyone gets. 
The cancer world doesn't have to be a lonely one and please know that there is a big network of people to lean on and take strength from because that isn't always obvious. I hope you will see me buzzing about somewhere as I am keen to be a busy bee xx
Dawn-Marie Nicholls