“I didn’t see a sick person in the mirror” says Rachel Horsley of her breast cancer experience

Rachel knew something was wrong when she noticed that her left breast became larger in size and the skin became very itchy. She did not find a lump, in her case, the signs were more subtle. Knowing that there was a history of breast cancer in the family, she sought medical help. Being a Cytiva employee Rachel was able to take advantage of her private healthcare insurance. She was able to attend a breast cancer clinic within 5 days of seeing her GP.

Following screening, Rachel was diagnosed with two types of cancer: Lobular breast cancer and invasive ductal carcinoma. The secondary breast cancer type being more aggressive. To be told she had cancer was a massive shock as at the time she says “I didn’t see a sick person in the mirror”.

Thankfully they managed to catch the cancer in its early stages, however it was still necessary for Rachel to have a full mastectomy (surgical removal of the breast) as part of the treatment plan as well as 27 weeks of chemotherapy.

The build up to chemotherapy was terrifying but thankfully Rachel found it not as hard as she had anticipated. However, it took a toll on her body and left her feeling very tired despite exercising and trying to stay healthy.

The journey was hard on her children however they were her major driving force for her determination to get through it.

Her advice to those undergoing treatment: is “don’t be frightened, you’ll find support all the way through. It is not as scary as you think it might be.”