'I'm blessed with my husband, children, family and friends' - Mayo's Lisa backs Very Pink Run

In June 2011 at the age of 36, married with young children I was diagnosed with Stage 3C Invasive Breast Cancer. I was always very breast aware as I had lost my mother to breast cancer in 1993 when she was 44 years old. 

I had no lump, but I had a pain in my right breast, like a stabbing pain that would stop me in my tracks for a few seconds. I was also very tired but put that down to being a working mum. On the 7th of March 2011, my mum’s anniversary, the doctor checked me and said I was OK nothing to worry about, just to keep an eye on it and that maybe I was just a little anxious after losing my mother.

I had also lost my brother in 2009, two years previously aged 39 to gastric cancer. I couldn't settle so went back a couple of weeks later and they arranged a mammogram. I had that seven weeks later and it was clear. 

The consultant said I should be okay as I was a young healthy woman, but they did an ultrasound before I left because of my family history and I was let go. 

I don't know who spotted what, but we got a call to go back for an MRI and that showed up two tumours deep in my breast. Then it was all systems go. Biopsies were taken and it turned out the cancer was in my lymph nodes also. 

I had to have four months of chemotherapy to shrink the tumours first. I had a moderate response to chemotherapy. Then on Friday 13th January 2012, I was wheeled down for a radical mastectomy with lymph node removal and a lat dorsi reconstruction. This was followed by 35 days of radiotherapy. This was a whirlwind and I just did the regime so I could get back to my family and keep things as normal as possible.

Breast Cancer Ireland Patient Supporters Lisa Convey (Mayo), Ann Eble & Grainne Gath (both Dublin) pictured at the launch of Breast Cancer Ireland’s Very Pink Run. Pic: Marc O'Sullivan

In April 2012 I was informed I carried the gene mutation BRCA1 and after a scan of my womb, they removed it and my ovaries. I was brought in 12 weeks later to have a left side mastectomy. I was then placed on ongoing medication to help prevent a recurrence.

What I thought would be a year turned into two years which contained lots of fear, tears and trauma but also lots of joy, laughter and gratitude. 

Yes, I suffer from nerve damage and side effects but I'm alive. Life is never fully the same, but it is a good different. I trusted the team, I trusted research and I'm alive and very grateful every day.

This is not to say it doesn't still worry me at times, but it doesn't define me. I'm here with my husband, children, family and friends and I'm blessed. Research into new treatments for the future is vital. Being aware of your own body is the best thing we can do for ourselves. Trusting our gut and passing on awareness and knowledge to anyone that may need it saves lives. I am truly blessed to be here with my wonderful husband and to see my children grow and live life and I will never take that for granted.

Participation in the Very Pink Run event is easy – simply register to take part at www.verypinkrun.ie, gather your ‘pink tribe’ by encouraging your friends and family to do the same, then attend one (or all!) of the 3 live events* in Dublin, Kilkenny or Cork - or alternatively do your individual or group run, walk, scoot, wheel or cycle in your own community during the week of the national event (30th September-8th October 2023) – and be sure to share your photos, and videos across social media using the hashtags #VeryPinkRun, #ReasonToRun or #VeryPinkTribe

Follow ongoing event updates on Instagram @VeryPinkRun and @BreastCancerIre on Twitter using the hashtags #VeryPinkRun #ReasonToRun or #VeryPinkTribe

*10k event in Dublin starts at 12noon, 5k event starts at 12.45pm on 30th September at Leopardstown

*10k event in Kilkenny starts at 12 noon, 5k event starts at 12.45pm 1st October at Kilkenny Castle Park

*10k event in Cork starts at 12 noon, 5k event starts at 12.45pm on 8th October at MTU

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