Yesterday was a good day... I had a #mammogram and a bone scan that returned normal results.

Two years ago, a mammogram revealed #breastcancer in my left breast (which has since been removed via #mastectomy).

Last year, the mammogram on my right breast showed something suspicious requiring a more intensive mammogram and then a followup mammogram 6 months later. I am relieved for the all clear on the right breast this year.

Cancer sucks big time! But today I celebrate.

Pembrokeshire woman backs national campaign to raise awareness of secondary breast cancer

This article contains a medical image showing post‑surgery scarring.

A Pembrokeshire woman is lending her voice to a powerful new campaign highlighting the realities of secondary (metastatic) breast cancer.

Mandy Smith, 53, was diagnosed de novo secondary breast cancer just over four years ago, meaning the disease had already spread from her breast to her spine at the time of diagnosis.

Her discovery was accidental. “My lively 12‑year‑old elbowed me in the chest, and after a few days it was still really sore, so I thought I’d better get it checked,” she said. “That’s when they found three hidden lumps – they only came up because of the swelling from the elbow.”

Mandy is now supporting the ‘Truth Be Told’ campaign, launched by the charity Make 2nds Count ahead of Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day on 13 October.

Secondary breast cancer affects an estimated 61,000 people in the UK but remains under‑recognised and under‑discussed. It is incurable and spreads beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Around 1,000 women die from the disease every month.

A new YouGov poll commissioned by the charity found:

• 47% of adults in Wales have never heard of secondary breast cancer.
• 37% don’t know any of the signs and symptoms.
• 29% wrongly believe it can be cured.
• Only 20% correctly identified that between 1,000 and 1,999 people die from it each month.
• 36% didn’t know men can also be affected.

Mandy said living with the disease has changed every aspect of her life: “It’s made me reflect on what really matters. The treatment has been brutal, but I’m still standing. It felt empowering to take part in this campaign – it’s about showing strength, survival, and what secondary breast cancer really looks like.”

Content note: the following image shows post‑surgery scarring after a mastectomy

Sam Dixon, CEO of Make 2nds Count, said:

“Truth Be Told’ is more than an awareness initiative – it’s a movement of empowerment which aims to give hope. Our goal is to ensure that the voices of those living with secondary breast cancer in Wales are heard, respected, and supported.”

The campaign features a striking series of portraits by Irish photographer Jennifer Willis, capturing the strength and vulnerability of those living with the disease.

For more information about the campaign visit: bcam.make2ndscount.co.uk

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#BreastCancer #Cancer #Make2ndsCount #mastectomy #metastaticBreastCancer #Pembrokeshire #SecondaryBreastCancer #SecondaryBreastCancerAwarenessDay

A Fox News Host Had a Baby and a Double Mastectomy. Viewers Had Opinions.

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/28/style/fox-news-kat-timpf-greg-gutfeld.html

the things darts do to fabric are almost magical, but i hate them. i only had a partial #mastectomy but i lost one full cup; and the compression bras i have to wear are changing my neckline. i have to completely redo my dressform 😡

#sewing #DIY #fashion

Sewing for Mastectomy

On December 21, 2023 I found out I had breast cancer. At first, I was facing a lumpectomy, but after more diagnostic tests, my breast surgeon recommended a mastectomy of my left breast and on February 9, 2024, my left breast was removed. (I had a skin/nipple sparing mastectomy with tissue spreader - a replacement left breast is under construction).

#breastcancer #mastectomy #sewing

https://funfoodlife.com/sewing-for-mastectomy/