Introducing the Eloise Ambassador Program
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re proud to shine a light on local women in Northamptonshire who have shown remarkable strength, support, and courage in their own lives and as part of their wider community.
Over the summer, we’ve had the privilege of working with members of the Breast Friends Northamptonshire support group, and several of these amazing women have joined us as Eloise Ambassadors.
In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll be introducing each ambassador and sharing their stories, offering inspiration and encouragement to others touched by breast cancer. They share their advice and helpful tips to make the journey smoother. They know how difficult it can be to go for a bra fitting after breast surgery — but also, that knowing where to go, and that you’ll be in expert and caring hands, can make all the difference.
Every woman’s story is unique, and together they reflect the courage, resilience and positivity that so many show while navigating life after breast cancer. While our ambassadors are open about the difficult times and low moments they’ve experienced, each has also found new ways to enjoy life and embrace experiences they never expected after surgery. By sharing their journeys, they hope to reassure others that they are not alone and that support is always available!
So – in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are kicking off our campaign with three wonderful women, Jacquie, Maria and Paula, who are the first to step forward and share their stories with us. Let’s start with Jacquie, whose warmth and determination shine through her story and make her an inspiring first ambassador to introduce. Read on to learn more!
Jacquie’s Q&A!
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
“My name is Jacquie and I am 50 years old. I live in Kettering, Northamptonshire with my partner and his children, and our beloved Cane Corso, George.”
How did you first discover you had breast cancer?
“I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer in 2023 after discovering a lump in my right breast. At the time, I was away in Newcastle with my partner, watching Leicester play—sadly, they only drew! During a shower, I felt an unusual flat, pebble-shaped lump on the top of my breast that I hadn’t noticed before. Although I was a little disturbed, it was my partner who insisted I ring the GP straight away, and I’m so glad he did.”
What happened after you contacted your GP?
“The GP immediately placed me on an urgent two-week cancer pathway and referred me for tests. It was confirmed that the lump was a stage one cancerous tumour, and I would need surgery. The ten-day wait between the biopsy and the results was incredibly stressful, and I still remember how anxious I felt. The support from my partner and family at that time was absolutely invaluable.”
Can you tell us about your treatment and care?
“I was very grateful for the skill of my surgeon and the care from the breast care nurses. My treatment began with a lumpectomy to remove the tumour and three lymph nodes, which I was relieved to find were clear. Interestingly, the scarring under my arm from lymph node removal is more noticeable than the lumpectomy itself. The surgeon cut carefully around the areola to remove the tumour under the skin, so the scarring there is minimal and hardly visible.”
Was there anything about treatment that surprised you?
“Yes—what I hadn’t realised was that for radiotherapy I would need three small dots tattooed on my body to line up with the radiotherapy machine. I still find these upsetting when I see them, as they’re a reminder of how I was feeling at the time. My radiotherapy consisted of ten sessions, Monday to Friday, with weekends off. The treatment was exhausting—I can’t really explain how tiring it is. I definitely recommend anyone scheduled for radiotherapy to clear their schedule and prepare to rest as much as possible. I worked through the two-week period and scheduled treatments around my working day, but it was so tiring. To make matters worse, the company I had worked for over seven years was not supportive and docked me for time spent in treatment. This left me feeling really undervalued, so I left and found a new job where I am supported and appreciated!”
Tell us about Breast Friends?
“One of the things that really helped me was reaching out to the Breast Friends Kettering group on Facebook. I received their details in a pack given at the breast care unit in the hospital, and it made a huge difference. Attending the group was wonderful—it was reassuring to talk to others who had gone through, or were going through, treatment for breast cancer. I still attend regularly and have made some really good friends there, two of whom I now also work with!”
How was your experience at Eloise?
“Going to the fitting suite was great because I was made to feel really relaxed and welcome. The suite is a lovely environment. The one-to-one treatment was fantastic. It is a safe environment where I felt comfortable. Nothing is too much trouble. The location is wonderful, just opposite a beautiful lake full of swans. It makes the whole process enjoyable and friendly. My personal favourite bra was the Tonya which is a really comfortable bra. It is a classic T-Shirt Bra with enough padding to cover but not too bulky so that it looks smooth and natural. It really is a revelation. The Orely Bra and Brief set is so pretty in the cherry colour. It makes you feel sexy and glamourous while being comfortable and fits so well. You can still feel and look great after surgery!”
“As we know after the whole process of treatment, surgery, chemo, radiotherapy, pills and appointments, shopping for bras and swimwear is not the most enjoyable experience. The range available is limited and for the most not very pretty. However, the Eloise team have changed my perception. The ladies cannot do enough for you, they are kind and caring. They certainly know their products and can offer endless advice on what would be suitable. They are happy for you to discuss, try on and really get a feel for what product are best for you. Let’s face it after what we have been through we deserve the best and this is what the team deliver.”
We asked Jacquie if she had any advice for someone who was scheduled for breast surgery.
She told us the following:
“Yes! Buy a soft front-fastening bra before surgery. I wasn’t given this advice before my lumpectomy, and while the surgical bandage was supportive, my skin reacted badly to the glue. A soft bra, especially front-fastening, is much more comfortable.”
We think this is good advice, we know from talking to many women that having a comfortable bra to wear to come home with makes a big difference in the first few weeks. Eloise stock a number of front fastening bras like Hazel and Almeria that are good choices for someone having breast surgery. Check with your breast care nurse which type they recommend depending on the surgery that you are having, (possibly a compression bra or just soft and wire free) and then if you can, go for a fitting before surgery. If you are local to Milton Keynes you can book a fitting at our private fitting room and we also offer video fittings if you are further away.
Finally we asked Jacquie for her TOP FIVE TIPS for anyone going through treatment for breast cancer
- Join a breast support group! Even just joining online can make a huge difference to your anxiety and confidence since you can ask questions of others who have been through it before you. If you are local to Kettering or Northampton then Breast Friends are an amazing bunch! They also provide surgical bags for those scheduled for surgery which are packed with really helpful practical items to make the experience more comfortable!
- If you are having radiotherapy, then moisturising is vital. The more you can get moisture into your skin, both before, during and after treatment, the less sore you will feel. It feels like a sunburn so you want to get as much unscented moisturiser as possible onto the area.
- U shaped underarm cushions (like neck cushions) make sitting and laying down so much more comfortable if you have had lymph node removal. They just lessen the weight of your arm against the wound site meaning you are not putting so much pressure on it.
- Rest, rest and more rest! Do not try to do the vacuuming or unloading the dishwasher – it will exhaust you and set you back. If you live alone, prep with lots of frozen meals (home made or shop bought to make life easier afterwards)
- Try to accept that life will never get back to exactly how it was before you were diagnosed. Things will get better again, and you will find a ‘New Normal’ but expecting to go back to how things were before is unrealistic.
We are so grateful to Jacquie for sharing her story with such honesty, courage, and warmth. Her experiences and insights provide hope, guidance, and reassurance to anyone navigating life after a breast cancer diagnosis. Thank you, Jacquie, for opening up and helping others feel less alone on their journey. 💗
Keep your eyes out for our next ambassador’s inspiring story – coming soon!
