Helen’s Breast Cancer Journey
After treatment for breast cancer, Helen is looking ahead to life with her son and advocating for better support for patients using cold caps during chemotherapy.
The diagnosis nobody wants to hear. We’re here for it.
Katisha began breast cancer treatment at St Bartholomew’s Hospital after finding a lump in early 2023. She went through chemotherapy and several surgeries, including a mastectomy with reconstruction.
After learning in 2025 that the cancer had spread to her spine, Katisha began adjusting to a new normal. Today, she is using her experience to advocate for better breast cancer care and as a member of the St Bartholomew’s Hospital Patient Advisory Group.
Watch Katisha’s story
Before her diagnosis
In early 2023, Katisha noticed a strange lump in her breast. At first, she thought it might be caused by hormonal changes. After a week, she decided to get it checked by her doctor. Several appointments and a biopsy later, Katisha received a devastating breast cancer diagnosis. The news left her and her family stunned.
When I first found the lump, I just assumed it was a cyst like my mum had. When we left the hospital, me and my husband sat down on the steps and had a massive cry together.
Katisha and her family
Diagnosis and treatment
Katisha began treatment at St Bartholomew’s Hospital with eight rounds of chemotherapy. This was followed by surgery to remove cancerous cells in her breast, along with two cancerous lumps that had spread to her armpit and neck.
Although she initially felt she was recovering well, further cancer cells were found. More surgery followed, and Katisha had to adjust not only physically but emotionally to changes in her body.
“I was doing well physically, but mentally I was really struggling. I hated seeing my breast without a nipple – it took me ages to even be able to look at it. I would cry a lot. I had to deal with this new way of looking at myself; accepting this new me.”
When another operation became necessary, Katisha chose to have a mastectomy with reconstruction. The decision was difficult, but her breast surgeon helped her understand the options available.
In January 2024, Katisha was given the all-clear. But in mid-2025, an MRI scan showed that the cancer had spread to her spine. She is now taking medication to delay its spread and prolong her life.
Katisha and her daugher
Supporting our Here for it campaign
The people at the heart of our Here for it campaign, like Katisha and her family, 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 family, my faith and helping make breast cancer care better for women in East London."Katisha
Katisha and her children
Life now and what comes next
Katisha is now adjusting to her “new normal” and despite having some ups and downs, her husband, children mum and friends are a source of strength for her, alongside her Christian faith.
“My husband has been my rock. My kids, my mum, my friends – they’ve all supported me. I couldn’t have done it without them. The joy of the Lord is also my strength. That’s what keeps me going, even on the hardest days.”
She has also become an advocate for better breast cancer care. Katisha champions cold cap treatment and inclusive healthcare and has joined the St Bartholomew’s Hospital Patient Advisory Group so that her lived experience can help inform changes in care.
Katisha and her cat
What the Breast Cancer Centre means for women like Katisha
Katisha is excited about the new Breast Cancer Centre and the continuity it will bring to patients by putting different elements of care together in one place.
It’s incredible that all elements of care will be brought under one roof. It’s going to bring a lot more clarity and continuity to the patient experience… This is exactly what I think breast cancer care needs.
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?
Donate today and help more women like Katisha be here to spend more time with their loved ones.
