Katisha’s Breast Cancer Journey
Meet Katisha who shares her experience of breast cancer treatment, living with a new normal and the family, faith and community that continue to give her strength.
The treatment that saves her life. We’re here for it.
Helen was treated for breast cancer after finding a lump in early 2022. Her treatment included surgery, further lymph-node surgery and eight rounds of chemotherapy. Along the way, cold capping became an important part of her experience, and she later connected with fellow patient and advocate Katisha.
Before her diagnosis
In early 2022, Helen had been experiencing pain in her breast. At first it had been cyclical, but when the pain became constant she became more concerned. One evening, she ran her hand down the side of her breast and felt a large lump.
Her GP referred her straight to the one-stop breast clinic at Whipps Cross Hospital. Within 45 minutes of arriving, Helen had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy before seeing a consultant.
I think we all knew at that point that it was breast cancer. It was just the shock of it. My son was eight at the time and all I could think about was him and his future, and my future. Did I have one, and was I going to be there for him?
Helen
Diagnosis and treatment
Helen soon underwent surgery, but the results brought more difficult news. Doctors found two further tumours in her breast, making three in total, and cancer was also found in two lymph nodes.
She needed another operation to remove the remaining lymph nodes on her left side, followed by investigations to find out whether the cancer had spread anywhere else.
That news was absolutely devastating and changed everything for me. I just cried and cried. I was absolutely ruined; it was probably my worst point in time.
After an agonising wait, the investigations found no other traces of cancer. The relief was immense. Helen then began eight rounds of chemotherapy. She chose cold capping treatment to try to preserve her hair. It was difficult, but over time she found a rhythm that helped her keep going.
“It was one of the most emotional moments of my life.”
Helen and Katisha
Supporting our Here for it campaign
The people at the heart of our Here for it campaign, like Helen, are sharing their experiences to show what breast cancer can mean beyond a diagnosis, from treatment and recovery to family, uncertainty and the everyday moments that matter most.
By supporting this campaign, you can help Barts Charity invest in the people, research, equipment and innovations that improve breast cancer care before, during and after treatment across East London.
What are you here for?
"I’m here for my son, my future, and to advocate for other breast cancer patients."Helen
Through patient advocacy, Helen met fellow breast cancer patient Katisha and they have become great friends
Life now and what comes next
Through patient advocacy, Helen met fellow breast cancer patient Katisha. The pair bonded over their treatment experiences and particularly their shared determination to improve support for people using cold caps.
For Helen, keeping your hair can carry enormous emotional significance during treatment. She believes dedicated encouragement and practical support can make the experience easier at a time when clinical teams are rightly focused on delivering treatment safely.
Knowing someone has your back and is there for you is support like nothing else. The breast cancer nurses were absolutely incredible.
Most importantly, she is looking ahead to more time with her son, something that once felt frighteningly uncertain.
This whole journey has given me a much more relaxed outlook. To still be here for my son is fantastic.
Helen is now looking forward to spending more time with her son
What the Breast Cancer Centre means for women like Helen
For people like Helen, the Barts Health Breast Cancer Centre at St Bartholomew’s Hospital is about much more than bringing services into one place. Helen’s experience reflects why bringing specialist care, research and support together through the Centre matters so much.
Patients will have access to specialist surgery and reconstruction, oncology, imaging and supportive services, alongside greater opportunities to participate in research and access cutting-edge treatments. The aim is a more joined-up experience throughout diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
We're here for it. Are you?
Your support can help fund the people, research, equipment and innovations that make exceptional breast cancer care possible.
