Jenna Herycz, a mother of three, was diagnosed with breast cancer aged just 31, after noticing that one of her nipples had begun to point inwards.

After hearing about Prevent Breast Cancer’s campaign to build a National Breast Imaging Academy, Jenna knew straight away that she wanted to show her support by sharing her story.

Determined to stay positive and encourage others to be breast cancer aware, Jenna explains why she’s campaigning for more mammograms, more research and more lives saved.

It was just a normal day; I had got all 3 children ready and now it was my time to get ready, but something was different. As I lifted my arm up to spray my deodorant, I noticed that my left nipple looked strange, and it was now pointing inwards. Once I noticed that, I checked my breast and I could feel a few lumps, one large one at the top and a few little lumps on the side of the breast. From that point, every advert I saw was about cancer and I just felt like I knew that I had breast cancer. It took a week to get into the doctors. Once there she examined me and said she would refer me to the local breast unit to have a scan just to rule out breast cancer, as being 31 years old meant ‘I was too young’.

The day had finally arrived for my appointment at the breast unit. From walking through the doors, I was taken from room to room and completed lots of different tests. I spent most of my time analysing the nurses’ facial expressions hoping to find out the results that way. I was then taken into a room and told the lumps looked suspicious and I needed to come back once my biopsy results came in and we would go from there. After a very long week my husband and I headed to the hospital where I was then told I had Grade 2 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma in my left breast, which had spread to my lymph nodes. It wasn’t that much of a shock as I already felt I knew it. Not to say I didn’t cry, but I think the first appointment I attended at the breast unit by myself was more of a shock to the system and still haunts me to this day. However, I’m so grateful, as visiting the breast unit saved my life.

She continues:

My breast cancer journey then started, and it was a complete whirlwind. I was quickly booked in to have a single mastectomy with immediate reconstruction and full node clearance. Once I had recovered, I then endured six rounds of chemo, and that was rough! This was the point of my journey where I felt I lost the old Jenna; I didn’t look like myself. I didn’t like how I looked, and I just didn’t feel like myself. It’s been a journey of rediscovery and learning to re-love myself, bald head and all! After chemotherapy I then went on to have fifteen rounds of radiotherapy which, for me, was a breeze after going through chemo for the last few months.

We asked Jenna what a breast cancer free future means to her:

I love the passion of Prevent Breast Cancer for spreading awareness of breast cancer and your fundraising efforts for Build to Beat Breast Cancer are just incredible.

In all honesty, I don’t think I will ever be mentally cancer free; I feel like I will always have cancer follow me for the rest of my life, but I hope I can find some normality whilst dragging the cancer baggage around. I hope to get back to dance classes and being the mum and wife that I feel like I, my husband and my children missed out on.

Throughout my journey I have been asked so many times, how are you so positive whilst going through such a rough time? For me, it wasn’t a choice. I have to be strong, not only for myself but for my family and friends. Also, having a smile on your face makes all the difference. Yes, I had my down days, but I tried to remain positive and be grateful for those little moments of sunshine in my journey.

If I was to give advice to someone going through a similar experience, I would say, be kind to yourself. You’re going to have to some really low lows but take some time to check in on yourself. Self-care is everything, so make sure to look after yourself.

Jenna is now encouraging support of Prevent Breast Cancer’s Build to Beat Breast Cancer campaign, to raise the final funds to build a National Breast Imaging Academy:

Breast units are closing up and down the country, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment. Women, just like I did, need access to healthcare quickly, and without the academy, I don’t even want to think about the consequences. I’ve got two little girls and I don’t want them to go through what I went through, and so research into breast cancer must also be made a priority. We must stop the cycle.

The state-of-the-art-building will change the future of breast cancer by training vital breast specialists.

This means more mammograms, more research and more lives saved, and so I encourage you to please donate what you can today to get this life-saving academy built.

Thanks so much to Jenna for sharing her story.

Find out more about Build to Beat Breast Cancer, and help us by making a donation towards this vital national project.

Published On: October 14th, 2024 /

Would you like to share your story?

We’re always looking to speak to people who are interested in sharing their story and experience of breast cancer. It not only helps us spread awareness but can be helpful for others who are dealing with the disease. If this is a cause close to your heart and you would be comfortable sharing your journey with other supporters, and potentially the media, then please get in touch today by emailing info@preventbreastcancer.org.uk

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About Prevent Breast Cancer

Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.