‘My life is more than my cancer’ - Offaly woman Cathy supports Very Pink Run

I was originally diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2005, I was 41. I felt a lump and puckering in my breast. This was completely out of the blue. I had a Mastectomy, Reconstruction, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy. 

My boys were 6, 8 and 11 at the time and my husband had started a new business too! I recovered slowly, with a lot of support from family & friends, and our local Cancer Support in Tullamore. 

Unfortunately, a pain in my side in April 2016, and further investigation left me with a diagnosis of Metastatic Cancer in my Liver and bones. I was in complete shock and denial. I didn’t really believe it, was terrified, but was assured there were plenty of treatment options available to me.

I reacted well to a Hormone Tablet and have been mostly stable ever since. Sometimes I feel like a fraud, as ‘Stage 4 Cancer’ sounds terrifying, and it is, but I’m learning to live well with it.  I have scans and attend my Oncologist about every 3 months now. I had some serious issues last year, including bowel problems and a ruptured Breast Implant. 

I had known something wasn’t right, and pushed the issue and my implant was removed as it was found to be badly infected. Thankfully the Bowel issues were benign. I often feel I’m living from each scan to the result and only breathe normally when I hear the word ‘stable’! 

Breast Cancer Ireland Patient Supporters along with Sinead Kennedy (RTE Presenter), Kate Shaughnessy (Cork Rose) and Jessica Kwong (Goodbody, Cork) at the launch of Breast Cancer Ireland’s Very Pink Run. Pic: David Keane

Support, especially lately, as time goes on, has become more and more important to me. Again, my local Cancer support centre has been amazing. 

I have a few people who understand, that helps. I feel frustrated when I feel others should understand, and don’t! I know I often play it down though, and I’m possibly to blame for reactions! 

My cousin passed away last October from Metastatic Breast Cancer, that’s a reality and I find it terrifying. She was so strong and fought all the way. Her death shook me to the core, but I feel her strength. I want to live to see my boys and a grandchild is due this year. I’ve a lot to live for.

My life is so much more than my Cancer. 

Nowadays, I work part-time in my husband’s business. I stay overnight with my Mum in Dublin most weeks, my Dad has Dementia and is now in a nursing home. 

My boys are ‘reared’ and while life hasn’t been easy at different stages, I feel I do my best to look after myself as best I can. I deal with daily pain and other issues, but rest when I need to. I want to give my body the best chance to survive well. 

Participation in the Very Pink Run event is easy – simply register to take part at www.verypinkrun.ie, gather your ‘pink tribe’ by encouraging your friends and family to do the same, then attend one (or all!) of the 3 live events* in Dublin, Kilkenny or Cork - or alternatively do your individual or group run, walk, scoot, wheel or cycle in your own community during the week of the national event (30th September-8th October 2023) – and be sure to share your photos, and videos across social media using the hashtags #VeryPinkRun, #ReasonToRun or #VeryPinkTribe

Follow ongoing event updates on Instagram @VeryPinkRun and @BreastCancerIre on Twitter using the hashtags #VeryPinkRun #ReasonToRun or #VeryPinkTribe

*10k event in Dublin starts at 12noon, 5k event starts at 12.45pm on 30th September at Leopardstown

*10k event in Kilkenny starts at 12 noon, 5k event starts at 12.45pm 1st October at Kilkenny Castle Park

*10k event in Cork starts at 12 noon, 5k event starts at 12.45pm on 8th October at MTU

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