A mum-of-three diagnosed with breast cancer is encouraging people to ‘check your boobies’ after discovering her illness, and shares how “sharing” her battle has been a source of strength for her. Judy Gotham, from Plymouth, noticed a small lump in her left breast just after Christmas 2022 and by February 2023, she was dealt the “bombshell” diagnosis of grade three triple negative breast cancer.
At 38 years old, Judy then faced a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy treatments. She said: “I had x4 cycles of Docetaxel and Cyclophosphamide and was hospitalised 10 days after my first cycle with neuropathy sepsis.”
Genetic tests also revealed Judy carries the BRCA2 gene, and she’s now preparing for a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. The cancer survivor said that after her diagnosis she has tried to remain as positive as possible – and found that sharing her journey with others helped.
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Judy said: “Documenting my journey on Instagram has helped me cope with hospitals, hair loss, infections, and overcoming all my phobias 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 hotel housekeeper by trade, has also received support from her circle of family and friends. “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 PlymouthLive.
“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.” For the latest health and Covid news, sign up to our newsletter here
Judy also made use of the ‘someone like me’ buddy system from the charity Breast Cancer Now, which allocated her a trained volunteer who has a similar experience, providing a listening ear for her “worries and moans”. This heartwarming assistance inspired Judy to pay it forward, offering similar support to others facing breast cancer, reports the Mirror.
She remarked: “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 also shares her experiences on Instagram, will be conducting a raffle to support Plymouth’s The Primrose Foundation charity with fundraising efforts. Further details about the charity can be found here.
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