Third in our first wave of Eloise Ambassadors is the fabulous Maria. After facing treatment and recovery for breast cancer during the pandemic, Maria rebuilt her confidence through her association with Kettering Breast Friends and discovered a passion for crafting. Maria has become an Eloise ambassador to try and help women navigating breast cancer to feel more confident about reaching out for help. Read on to discover how Maria rebuilt her life, embraced new interests, and continues to empower others to live fully and fearlessly after breast cancer.
Life After Breast Cancer: Maria Keeley
My name is Maria. I’m 57 years old and live in Northamptonshire with my partner. I have a wonderful daughter, and we’re incredibly close. These days, I run a small hobby craft business that I absolutely love—but more on that later. When I’m not working, my partner and I enjoy travelling across the UK in our motorhome, sometimes combining our trips with a craft fair or two. Life is full of little adventures now, but getting to this point hasn’t been easy.
Tell Us About Your Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment
I was first diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2019, shortly after my 50th birthday. Breast cancer runs in my family—my mum has faced and beaten it three times—so I always made sure to attend my mammograms and check my breasts regularly. Just a month after a clear mammogram, I discovered a small lump. Even though nothing had shown up on the scan, I trusted my instincts and saw my GP. I was referred urgently, and three weeks later, I received the news: it was breast cancer.
I underwent a lumpectomy, followed by radiotherapy with electron boosts. The treatment caused severe burns—third-degree in places—and the pain and aftercare were intense. At the time, I was working as a fingerprint expert and forensic scientist for Bedfordshire Police—a job I loved. I tried to carry on working from home during treatment, pushing through the hard days and holding onto as much normality as possible. Eventually, I returned to work.
But a year later, at the start of the pandemic I found another lump. Hearing that the cancer had returned was devastating. This time, I knew what lay ahead—and I had no choice but to accept medical retirement and focus on my health.
The second round of treatment was tougher. The country was in lockdown, and I had to attend every hospital appointment, surgery and hospital stay alone. My partner and daughter, who had been with me every step of the way the first time, couldn’t be there. Everything felt more serious and frightening. Medical staff were masked during even the most personal consultations, which added a sense of distance during already vulnerable moments.
I underwent a full mastectomy (without reconstruction, since these were not available due to the pandemic), followed by chemotherapy. The emotional and physical toll was enormous, but there were small lifelines. My daughter used to video call me during my chemo sessions to keep me company. Just seeing her face and hearing her voice helped me through those lonely hours.
How Breast Cancer Affected Me Psychologically
The journey took a deep psychological toll. Being medically retired felt like a huge loss—I no longer knew who I was. My self-esteem dropped, especially after the scarring caused by radiotherapy burns. I became very self-conscious and limited in what I could wear. I struggled, and still do, with joint pain which made walking and daily life difficult, this combined with exhaustion meant I couldn’t do the things I loved, and it deeply affected my mental health. It was one of the hardest periods of my life.
Support Through Treatment and Recovery
Still, there were moments that reminded me I was surrounded by love.
One memory that stands out is Christmas 2020. I was very ill and emotionally low. We couldn’t have family inside the house, so my partner transformed our garden into a magical winter grotto. He put up lights, heaters, and created a cosy outdoor space where we could have a socially distanced Christmas dinner with my daughter. It meant everything to me, and it reminded me just how lucky I am.
Not long after my surgery, a friend introduced me to the Kettering Breast Friends support group—and it was life-changing. I met a community of women who truly understood what I was going through. Today, I volunteer with the group, attending awareness events, giving talks, and making drain bags and cushions for women who have been newly diagnosed. Giving back is incredibly rewarding, and being part of a community like this has helped rebuild my confidence. It’s a space of shared strength, hope, and healing.
During recovery, my daughter also introduced me to crafting. It started out as something gentle I could do while resting, but I quickly fell in love with it. Over time, it blossomed into a full-blown passion—and now a small hobby business via Facebook Artismar Designs, and when not crafting I travel the UK with my partner, and my dog Martha as often as we can. When I worked full-time, there was never space for hobbies. Now, I get to do things I love, at my own pace, and it brings me real happiness.
Why I Became an Eloise Ambassador
I first met the team from Eloise through our Breast Friends group. They came to give a talk on post-surgical bras, swimwear, and breast forms—and it was incredibly reassuring to learn that there are stylish, comfortable, and well-fitting options available after breast surgery and relatively local to my home.
I became an Eloise Ambassador because I want to help other women going through breast cancer know that there is life after diagnosis. Yes, things change—but change doesn’t mean the end. In fact, life after breast cancer can be even more meaningful, more intentional, and more joyful.
I’m also passionate about raising awareness of the importance of regular self-checks. Many lumps—including mine—don’t show up on mammograms. And with more and more younger women being diagnosed—many of whom aren’t yet eligible for NHS screening—self-awareness is crucial. Know your body. Check your breasts regularly. And be your own advocate, never be afraid to push for answers if something doesn’t feel right.
If you’re going through breast cancer, please know you’re not alone. Groups like Breast Friends are a lifeline—reach out and connect. And if you’re struggling to find post-surgical bras or swimwear that feel right, I can’t recommend Eloise enough. Book a fitting—their team understands, and their products are designed to help you feel like you again.
There is life after breast cancer. And you absolutely deserve to live it—confidently, supported, and full of hope.
