LIFE AFTER BREAST CANCER: JO MITCHELL
My name is Jo, I am 72 and live in Northampton. Before I retired, my career was in administration and secretarial work. I spent 20 years at The Open University before taking early retirement. After that, I volunteered at the Royal & Derngate Theatre and Relate Counselling Services. I “officially” retired in 2019, I still like to keep busy so these days, I volunteer with Breast Friends Northampton, stay active, and enjoy reading.
YOUR JOURNEY
My breast cancer journey began in August 2014. A routine mammogram revealed calcifications—tiny white dots—some benign and others showing pre-cancerous and cancerous cells. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, thankfully with no spread. Treatment included radiotherapy and hormone blockers, as the cancer was hormone-fed. I took the hormone meds for 5 years.
In 2022, I found another lump in the same breast. Tests confirmed a recurrence, and I had a mastectomy with a flat closure. I thought losing a breast wouldn’t bother me, but after a while it did. Chemotherapy soon followed, and I struggled deeply with losing my hair but I soon came to embrace it. I began different hormone medication and started six-monthly infusions as I had osteopenia and early osteoporosis.
Twenty months later, the cancer returned again—this time presenting as spots along the scar. I had more surgery to remove skin but lymph nodes were cancerous this time. I was given oral chemotherapy. The side effects were milder, but the emotional weight remained.
HOW MY DIAGNOSIS AFFECTED ME
The hardest moment was learning the cancer had returned and that I needed a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy. Losing my hair was tough, but the emotional impact of losing a breast has been much harder. I’ve always been critical of myself, and the change magnified those insecurities. I’m still not entirely comfortable with the way I look without clothes. On the outside I may look balanced and put-together, but inside it’s definitely still a struggle sometimes.
Looking back, I regret choosing a flat closure rather than reconstruction or a skin-preserving mastectomy. My prosthesis gives me shape under clothes, but I still wish I had two breasts. Reconstruction is possible, but after six surgeries, I feel apprehensive about more. I am still thinking about this option.
SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY
I live alone now so my family and friends were and are wonderful giving so much support which is vital for recovery. Unless anyone has been through a cancer diagnosis or any serious illness, it is difficult for them to fully understand.
I set about looking for a group and came across Breast Friends Northampton. I joined the group around 2022, and they’ve been a lifeline. I now volunteer with for them, helping at events, delivering pamper bags to women in treatment, and supporting meetings. Giving back has been just as healing as the support I received. The breast care team and surgeons have also been incredible, and despite bumps along the way, I’m forever grateful for their care.
MY ELOISE BRA-FITTING EXPERIENCE
I’m part of this campaign because I want others to know that support exists, and that a cancer diagnosis isn’t the end. Treatment can be harsh, but you do get through it. Advances in care have saved countless lives, including mine. I’m open about my experience because if it encourages even one person to check themselves, it’s worth it. I’m proud of what I’ve endured, and if the cancer returns again, I’ll face it head-on. I won’t give up.
Before my mastectomy bra fitting at Eloise, I felt a bit apprehensive, but the experience quickly became uplifting. The atmosphere was relaxed, and trying different styles was surprisingly enjoyable. Seeing how well-fitting lingerie changed my shape gave me a real boost—good underwear truly transforms how you feel in your clothes. The Havanna mastectomy bra was a fantastic fit, and for the first time in a long time, I felt confident enough to wear fitted tops instead of hiding in baggy ones. I’d encourage any woman in a similar situation to try a fitting; it can do wonders for confidence.
FINAL REFLECTIONS
If I could tell my pre-diagnosis self one thing, it would be: be grateful for who you are and remember that you are worthy.
There are so many ladies not taking up their routine mammograms. When I joined breast friends there were approx. 300 members, now 3 years later there are over 700 members, and they are the ones that have found us. So it is vital we take up routine scans.
Eloise would like to say a huge thank you to Jo for her courage in sharing her story with us, and for all the incredible work she does supporting others through Breast Friends. We truly enjoyed our day in the fitting suite with Jo, Debs and Kate — all three women were so positive, open and wonderfully warm. Their honesty, humour and kindness filled the room, and we’re deeply grateful for the time they gave and the strength they shared.
If anyone would like to book a post-surgical bra-fitting following breast surgery we would be delighted to welcome them at the Eloise fitting suite. You can come by yourself, or bring a friend as Jo did. We can even book a whole group for a special days fitting if you want to come as a group from further afield.
Please book your appointment by calling the Fitting Suite on 01908 340 094 or by filling in the online form here
