Following Jacquie’s inspiring story last week, we’re thrilled to introduce our second Eloise Ambassador, Paula. Full of life and laughter, Paula lights up every room she enters — arriving to our shoot on her motorbike and sparkling cowboy boots! (More on those later 😆)
After undergoing breast cancer surgery, her journey is one of strength, positivity, and embracing life to the fullest. Having felt nervous about a bra fitting and not having had one since her surgery three years ago, Paula wants to encourage others not to hold back. She told us “Breast cancer taught me something really important — we spend far too much time worrying about things that don’t truly matter. I want other women to know that you can come out the other side feeling stronger, more confident, and ready to really live again. Once you’ve healed, there’s nothing stopping you from getting back to the things you love — or even trying something completely new.
Paula’s Q&A
Introduction:
Hi, I’m Paula I’m 56, live in Moulton, and am happily married with children and grandchildren who keep me on my toes. I work as a credit controller for the brilliant team at City Plumbing Supplies, and I’m also a proud committee member of Breast Friends Northampton – a role that means a lot to me.
How Did You Find Out You Had Breast Cancer?
I’ve always made a habit of checking my breasts and armpits regularly, so when I felt a hard, rice grain–sized lump under my arm in August 2022, just before my 3rd routine mammogram, I mentioned it, within 2 weeks I was recalled for an ultrasound, during which I had 10 biopsies.
That’s when I found out I had five cancerous masses in my lower breast, and it had already spread to my lymph nodes. Strangely, I had only felt the lymph node not the lumps which ranged from 2cm to 5cm – but that’s quite common with lobular breast cancer, as I later learned.
Because my cancer was hormone-driven, I had to stop my HRT immediately. I then had a therapeutic mammoplasty procedure, which is like a breast reduction, so I was left with a smaller breast, which still meant I had to wear a prosthetic, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Getting Through It
The scariest part for me was just before starting chemo. The fear of the unknown hit me hard. I remember walking into the chemotherapy suite in tears — still during COVID restrictions — so no one could come in with me, and everyone was masked up. But the nurses at Northampton were amazing. They were kind, patient, and so reassuring. I honestly don’t know how I’d have coped without them.
A year after surgery, I developed lymphedema in my right arm, which means I now wear a compression sleeve every day – I only take it off at night. It was an adjustment, of course, but like so many things, you adapt. Life carries on.
How Did You Find Confidence Again
In the beginning, I really struggled. After surgery, one breast was noticeably smaller than the other, and there was a lump of skin that just didn’t look right. It left me feeling miserable, and my self-esteem took a real hit.
Eventually, I had symmetry surgery, and the lump was removed. I won’t lie – at first, I felt like a boy. My breasts were much smaller than before, and it was an emotional adjustment. But they were finally even, and slowly but surely, my confidence began to return.
Now, I sunbathe without a second thought. If anyone stares, that’s on them — I’m just thankful to be here, soaking up the sunshine, living life. My confidence has come from learning to be kind to myself, turning down that inner critic, and remembering that most of the time, people aren’t paying attention to what we’re so self-conscious about. It’s all in our heads!
A New Outlook on Life
These days, I like to say that what felt like a ‘life sentence’ has actually given me permission to enjoy every single day. I don’t sweat the small stuff anymore — I focus on what I can control and try to be present and grateful for all the little moments.
Before breast cancer, my husband and I loved nothing more than jumping on our motorbikes and heading off across the country. After surgery, my big 1000cc bike was just too heavy for me to handle — but giving up riding wasn’t an option! So, I made a change: I swapped it for a smaller 750cc bike, and now, when I’m not with my amazing grandchildren, you’ll find me out on the road, wind in my hair, sparkly cowboy boots on, living my best life.
Breast Cancer Support Groups
I joined Breast Friends Northampton shortly after my surgery, and I’m still an active member over two years later — now as part of the committee. Giving something back to the group that supported me through the hardest days has been incredibly meaningful. Just being around other women who got it — who understood exactly what I was feeling — made such a difference.
I also joined the Macmillan Hope Course and signed up for their laughter therapy group. Honestly, it was incredible. I was amazed at how much emotion I was able to release, and how healing laughter could be. I loved it so much, Macmillan actually asked if they could use a photo of me for their advertising campaign the following year — and just like that, I became the face of Macmillan in Northampton!
I have to give a huge shout out to my employer, City Plumbing Supplies. They supported me through the entire journey — allowing me to take a full year off for treatment and then easing me back into work by letting me work from home while I rebuilt my immune system. Not every woman is lucky enough to get that kind of support, but for me, it made a massive difference in how I coped, both physically and mentally. I’ll always be grateful to them.
Why I Became an Eloise Ambassador
It took me 56 years and a breast cancer diagnosis to feel brave enough to be photographed in my underwear — something I’d never have dreamed of doing before. But now? I say yes to every opportunity that comes my way. If I can help show that there is joy, confidence, and real life after breast cancer, then it’s all been worth it.
My Top Tips for Anyone Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
Join a support group like Breast friends – I have never been one for things like this and was a bit dubious, but I can honestly say , I have met the most amazing inspiring ladies , made new lifetime friendships all from the worst of circumstances.
That’s how I found out about Eloise and had my first bra fitting in 3 years and what an amazing experience that was. I was so tempted not to include all of these photos, due to my cuddliness but this is me, so embrace the new you !
Buy the Boots!!!! You’re worth it!!
