Nikki, a 35-year-old mum from Wirral, is sharing her story for Breast Cancer Awareness Month to encourage others to trust their instincts and seek medical advice early.
Nikki, a patient at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, first noticed a small lump and indent in her left breast back in September 2024.
Prompted by her husband, Nikki rang her GP and was given an appointment that same day.
“I was initially told it looked like a blocked duct, but my GP referred me for an ultrasound to be on the safe side. At this appointment, after my ultrasound, they also wanted to do a biopsy and mammogram - and then I began to worry.”
Nikki was then called in to talk to a consultant and told the news that she had breast cancer.
“I was lost for words when I was diagnosed - it felt so surreal. I was in shock, and it was a really scary and upsetting time.”
After two weeks of processing her diagnosis, Nikki met with a consultant surgeon as she would need surgery to remove a portion of tissue from her breast, also known as a lumpectomy. It was also discussed that she may need chemotherapy, and to consider undergoing fertility treatment.
“Finding out I might lose the ability to have more children was a side of my diagnosis I found very overwhelming. My husband and I had decided we were happy with the family we have. But once we were told we might never be able to have any more children, it really hit me. This was a lot to take in on top of being told I had breast cancer.”
Nikki underwent a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy in October 2024. The biopsy showed one lymph node in the left breast was cancerous, and led to the removal of all lymph nodes around that armpit.
“I handled the surgery well, and was supported a lot by family and friends. My recovery was quite quick from my lumpectomy, but I struggled after my lymph node removal and was referred for physiotherapy at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre to help with the movement in my left arm. The nurses were so supportive and always on the other end of the phone if I needed anything.”
After surgery, Nikki began chemotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Wirral in January 2025.
“I found chemotherapy to be the hardest part of my treatment. I couldn’t get out of bed some days, which was very difficult due to having children to look after, and developed anxiety going out on my own.
“I was also really worried about losing all my hair, but wearing a cold cap during treatment helped and I only dealt with partial loss and some thinning.”
Following chemotherapy, Nikki received radiotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Wirral, completing it in July 2025 and crediting her family, friends, and Clatterbridge staff for getting her through.
“My husband, family, and friends have all been amazing throughout – and the nurses on Delamere Ward at Wirral. We had a good few laughs and I felt like I got to know them. They were so easy to talk to and helped me to keep a positive attitude during the whole experience.
“Everyone at the Wirral hospital has been fantastic, from the reception staff to the consultants, I couldn’t fault any of it.”
Nikki continues to manage ongoing hormone treatment and regular reviews with her Consultant at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Dr Zafar Malik.
“I’m still struggling with some anxiety, but I’ve recently gone back to work after being off for 10 months. It’s nice to get back to some sort of normality amongst juggling life and hospital appointments.”
radiotherapy
Sharing her advice to those who have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, or those who may have concerns about possible symptoms, Nikki says:
“Listen to your body throughout treatment and recovery and take the help that is being offered or ask for support if you need it. You’re not alone, and I’ve met a few people through charity, Breast Cancer Now who I can share stories or worries with.
“And ultimately, trust your gut and speak with your GP if you notice anything abnormal at all. It’s better to get checked and it’s nothing than to talk yourself out of it and wait and catch it too late.”
To find out more about symptoms to be aware of, for breast cancer, secondary breast cancer, and breast cancer in men, please visit our website: https://
