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.
For all the highs and lows. We’re here for it.
Jasmine was treated for breast cancer at St Bartholomew’s Hospital after discovering an unfamiliar change in her breast. Following a double mastectomy and reconstruction, she drew on her background in competitive powerlifting to approach recovery one day at a time.
Today, Jasmine uses her experience to support others through the Battle Cancer Programme and has fundraised for Barts Charity to give back to the teams who cared for her.
Before her diagnosis
Jasmine had just returned from a holiday in Spain and was getting ready for bed when she noticed something unfamiliar in her breast. Because she knew what her breasts normally felt like, the change immediately stood out.
The next morning, she contacted her GP and was referred to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, where she had a mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy. When she returned for the results, life as she knew it changed in an instant.
You just don’t think it’s going to be you. And then, all of a sudden, it is you. One moment you’re living your normal life, and the next you’re a cancer patient.
Jasmine
Diagnosis and treatment
Following her diagnosis, Jasmine had a double mastectomy followed by reconstruction surgery. She then faced an anxious wait to find out whether she would also need chemotherapy.
Rather than stay at home worrying, Jasmine and her husband booked a last-minute trip to Morocco and left within 24 hours while they waited for the result.
The tests showed that chemotherapy was not needed. Jasmine instead began tamoxifen, a hormone therapy she is due to take for ten years to reduce the risk of recurrence. She later underwent further reconstructive surgeries, each with its own period of recovery.
The support of the team at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, combined with Jasmine’s background in fitness, helped her approach recovery one step at a time.
All the hospital staff made me feel at ease. I figured that they’re the experts and the best thing I could do was to trust them and educate myself on the process.
As each day passed, I could feel things improving little by little. There were times during my recovery where I had to rest, but I knew the gym could wait – my body needs to heal.
Supporting our ‘Here for it’ campaign
The people at the heart of our Here for it campaign, like Jasmine, are sharing their experiences to show what breast cancer can mean beyond a diagnosis, from treatment and recovery to the challenges of rebuilding strength and finding your way back to the things you love.
By supporting the 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 strength, health and happiness and helping others recover.”Jasmine
“My body knows how to recover. That’s what competitive strength athletics taught me. Recovering from breast cancer is the game.” - Jasmine
Life now and what comes next
Several years on from her diagnosis, Jasmine says breast cancer has changed the way she thinks about work, health and happiness.
I’ve learnt to prioritise myself so much more now and not worry so much about work and things that I have no control over. Now I realise health and happiness matter more than anything else.
Her experience now informs her work with the Battle Cancer Programme, which provides free strength-training classes for people recovering from cancer.
Jasmine has also taken part in the Battle Cancer Challenge to fundraise for Barts Charity, as a way of thanking the team who supported her.
Jasmine is also fundraising for Barts Charity to say thank you to the team who supported her
What the Breast Cancer Centre means for women like Jasmine
The new centre will be able to provide that amazing level of care for more people across East London. Patients can feel like they are in the best place possible and will help make the whole process much less stressful. Having more people able to access that kind of care, all in one place, is going to be so important.
The Barts Health Breast Cancer Centre brings specialist care, research and support together in one place.
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 donation could help us be here for people throughout their breast cancer journey, from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and life beyond cancer.
