Beating breast cancer twice made me want to give back
Sallyann Petts has supported breast cancer care at Nottingham’s hospitals since she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37. Since her diagnosis, she has gone on to raise over £18,000 and volunteer her time at various events and activities. Sallyann explains why it was important for her to give back.
“It was back in July 2010, when I suddenly found a lump on my breast and since I’d already lost my lovely mum Verna at just 63 years old to breast cancer, I’d always made sure to check my breasts regularly.
I’d just given birth to my son, Isaac, and initially thought that the lump could be a blocked milk duct. It came as a surprise to me when I was referred to the hospital for a biopsy.
I took my husband, Andrew, with me for support whilst my sister Jacqueline looked after Isaac.
We were booked to see the oncology team and I tried not to dwell on the situation too much and remained hopeful that it wasn’t cancer.
Four days later, I went back to get my results and broke down when my doctor informed me that I had breast cancer. Andrew and I went into complete shock. I was still young and just had a baby. Cancer wasn’t on my radar, and it frightened me into thinking the worst scenarios, including what if I didn’t see my baby boy grow up.
But my breast care nurse, Jackie, was absolutely incredible and a huge support system. I knew that I could call her any time with questions and she would be there for me and listen to my worries or questions.
She talked me through my diagnosis and also introduced me to a support group for young people with breast cancer and helped explain the available financial support.
In August I started going through treatment which included a lumpectomy and six weeks of radiotherapy. The radiotherapy was exhausting but being able to come home and be a mum to Isaac kept me going. I was tired every day and felt sunburnt from the treatment, but my family needed me and I was determined to do everything I could to be there for them. After six weeks, I was given all clear.
Whilst relieved, I chose to have a private genetic test done for the BRCA gene. I was only 37 at the time of my diagnosis but given my family history, I wanted to know if I had an increased risk of the cancer coming back. But unfortunately, the results were inconclusive.
Because my cancer was hormone receptive, I went into early menopause and elected to have my ovaries taken out in May 2011. It wasn’t an easy decision as I would have liked to have another child but knew that I had to do it to prevent the cancer coming back.
I wanted to raise as much money as I could to support women like me and elected to run a Strawberry Tea event. With the help of Andrew, Jacqueline, my niece Laura and little Isaac, the first event was a huge success.
Sadly, on 18th September 2012, I received some bad news, the cancer was back. After heading into a routine check-up, they noticed that there were some shadows on my ultrasound. The doctor believed it was breast cancer. I was absolutely devastated and thought that I wouldn’t make it through this time.
I had chemo every three weeks which was gruelling. I lost my hair and was absolutely exhausted. Isaac was still a toddler but knew something was wrong but he was amazing and took everything in his stride. When I felt up for it, I’d cram in lots of play dates and soft play.
I finished chemo in January 2013, and the doctors suggested I have a single mastectomy, but I decided to have a double mastectomy. If it wasn’t there, the cancer couldn’t come back.
Since then, I’ve been determined to move forward positively. I’ve organised multiple Strawberry Teas which have helped raise over £18,000 for Professor Chan’s research at the Nottingham Breast Institute, which is helping to support those who are undergoing breast cancer treatment.
In 2019, I was invited to Buckingham Palace as an acknowledgement of all my fundraising efforts, and I met the now King Charles, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne.
I’ve taken a short break from organising my Strawberry Tea Parties to volunteer my time to support and celebrate other fundraisers for Nottingham Hospitals Charity as well as encouraging people to donate to the charity.
Without the support of the wonderful oncology team and equipment, my outlook could have been different, so I want to share my story to raise as much awareness and support as I can.”
We’re so thankful for Sallyann and her continued support over the past 14 years. Her incredible fundraising has helped provide research and equipment to support breast cancer patients across Nottinghamshire.
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