Veron’s Story:

Veron is taking part in our 3000 Squats in November challenge to support Breast Cancer Care at the Mater Hospital

Breast cancer has been a part of Veron’s life for the past 18 months. Prior to her diagnosis, with a busy home and work life, she sometimes put her own health last. Today she shares her story to highlight the importance of not putting off that call for a mammogram when it comes.

“My story started with the standard call for a mammogram. Now, knowing how important they are, I was never going to ignore it, but I did cancel that initial appointment due to a work commitment.

“Life was busy, I have three adult children, but my youngest Aoife has multiple physical sensory disabilities. As a parent of a special needs child you often put yourself second, but in this instance I was putting myself third, after my work. It was a lesson learned – go when you’re called.

“After I cancelled that initial appointment, Breast Check at the Mater were back in contact with me within two days and my mammogram was scheduled for two weeks later. Just, three weeks after that a follow up letter arrived advising I needed a triple-assessment – which involves a physical exam, more imaging and a biopsy. I wasn’t too concerned at that stage as I thought it might be related to a cyst. I’d had one dealt with a number of years earlier.

“When I went in for the assessment the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Having been in a lot of medical situations with my daughter, I’ve learned to ask a lot of questions. And I knew from their answers there was something suspicious there. Unfortunately, that proved to be correct.

“I was referred to a fabulous Mater consultant, Prof. Malcolm Kell, who carried out my surgery in October 2022. I headed in on my own, while my husband looked after Aoife at home. I think, for me, I found it easier being there on my own. I can be tough it those situations and just power through.  And the really positive news was that my cancer turned out to be stage 1, as the original diagnosis had indicated stage 2.

“I was also looked after by an amazing breast health nurse, Jacinta O’Reilly. She explained everything that I was going through in a very clear and concise way and her level of care was so personal and attentive. It struck me how invaluable it is to all of us going through breast cancer to have that level of support.

“In fact, much of the supportive network of care for breast cancer patients is very practical and accommodating. For example, I was able to have my follow up radiotherapy in St Lukes – which made such a difference as it was closer to me and easier to get to, especially with my husband caring for Aoife. These accommodations can make such a difference to your care journey as a patient. Even now, there is a wonderful secretary in Clinic 2 in the Mater, called Paulina, who always makes sure my appointments are coordinated with Aoife’s – it just lightens the load and makes things easier.

“I recovered well from my op and radiotherapy, apart from initial soreness and a feeling of tiredness. Another recent innovation in breast cancer care meant that a sample from my op was sent to the US for a ‘DX’ test – this predicts how likely the cancer is to return. My results showed very little chance of reoccurrence and meant that I didn’t need to undergo chemotherapy, which was a relief.

“I did however get a scare at a check-up in May this year. I was being reviewed by a really helpful consultant, Dr Zac Coyne, who decided I should have a bone scan based on the aches and pains I was feeling. During the scan there was a fixation on my leg and ankle and I felt there was concern – had the cancer spread? Eventually things proved to be clear, however a follow up Dexa scan showed I had severe osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. It’s another battle to fight, but at least I know about it now and am having cortisone injections to treat it.

“Based on my experience, I was thinking about what advice I could give to those going through or at the start of this journey. I’d say:

• It helps to be organised, I know we can get overrun by a diagnosis, but keeping records of your visits and outcomes is practical and really helps along the way.
• Don’t always fear the worst, because sometimes there might be another explanation – just like my osteoarthritis, and
• You’ll get days when things just won’t work. One morning heading to radiotherapy I made four attempts to get a ticket out of the machine to enter the car park – each time they blew away in the wind. I really thought someone was winding me up or filming it for candid camera… no such luck, but you just have to laugh.

“Currently for me, things are going well. I’m cancer free and waiting on my follow up mammogram to confirm that status. This month, I’m taking on the ‘3000 squats in a month’ challenge to give something back and raise funds to allow the Breast Health Unit in the Mater to continue to provide the very best in breast cancer care.

Veron Elliott, Glasnevin, Dublin 9.

You can support the Mater Hospital Foundation’s work in making a real difference to patient care by visiting Support frontline patient care | Mater Foundation, selecting your amount to donate and selecting ‘Patient Stories’ from the drop-down menu.