A woman, Elen Hughes, was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2008 at 37 years old but was informed nine years ago that the disease had returned and was now terminal. Elen, 54, expressed that the hardest part of her journey was not the diagnoses or treatments but the sense of isolation, loneliness, and the fear of leaving her loved ones behind.
Elen, a mother of three and a former nurse with 30 years of experience in the NHS and social care, faced the initial diagnosis of primary invasive lobular breast cancer in 2008. Despite undergoing a double mastectomy and reconstruction, she did not require further treatment at the time due to the low risk of recurrence.
However, in 2016, Elen discovered that the cancer had metastasized to her bones, resulting in a stage four diagnosis. This news left her emotionally overwhelmed and struggling to cope with the uncertainty of her future. With the support of oncologist Dr. Greg Wilson, Elen underwent successful intravenous chemotherapy, which helped her navigate through the challenging treatment journey.
Following a period of remission, Elen faced setbacks as the cancer spread to different parts of her body over the years, leading to multiple surgeries and rounds of chemotherapy. Despite the hardships, a new drug, capivasertib, proved to be effective in managing her condition and putting the cancer into remission.
Inspired by her own journey, Elen aims to create a podcast in Welsh to build a supportive community for cancer patients in Wales. She emphasizes the importance of emotional support for individuals dealing with cancer and encourages reaching out for help and connection.
As her cancer journey continues, Elen remains positive and hopeful about the future, acknowledging that while her cancer is not curable, it is treatable. She cherishes her life, family, and the support she has received, emphasizing the importance of not feeling alone in the face of adversity.