Debbie Miles

Debbie Miles

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer on November 13th 2012.  I am the 5th member of my family to be diagnosed with the disease. My Mum was diagnosed when she was 49 she survived the disease but unfortunately went on to develop secondary cancer and she sadly passed away at the age of 71. She was such a strong lady and I miss her so much.  The support we have now was not available when my mum was first diagnosed and so I am determined to give something back to all of those people who have supported me throughout my ordeal.

I originally went to see my GP as I had noticed a small lump in my left breast.  I was then referred to Southmead hospital and met the wonderful Consultant Mr. Simon Cawthorn. I went to the appointment on my own as I honestly thought I just had a cyst! Mr. Cawthorn told me there and then I had breast cancer.

I remember phoning my husband and telling him the news. Within two days I was having a MRI scan and within a week I was being operated on at the Spire. I had a lumpectomy and the operation went well however on returning a week later they had discovered that cancer cells had spread to my lymph nodes so I had to go for a second operation within a week.  Just before Christmas I was then offered an Oncotype Dx test, a sample of the tumor was sent to America and tested to see how aggressive it was. Fortunately it was a low grade tumor; hence I did not need chemotherapy. I then had 5 weeks of radiotherapy and I am now currently taking tamoxifen. I have just had my one year and all clear. So it is onwards and upwards from here.

This July I am taking on a different challenge, I will be cycling from London to Paris.  The ride will take 4 days and we will be covering 80 miles a day.  I am being joined on the journey by my fantastic family and friends, some of us have not been on a bike for a while but with enough training and determination we will complete the challenge and raise money for this wonderful charity.

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