Joanna's story
Regular exercise and a healthy body weight can reduce the risk of Joanna's cancer recurring, alongside the added benefits for mental wellbeing.
Prior to her diagnosis, swimming and tennis were Jo’s go-to activities, the former of which she enjoyed 5 times a week.
However, in 2019 at the age of 45, she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer.
“That’s when I lost the Jo I knew”, she says.
What followed was 4 years of intense treatment, surgeries, and a plethora of appointments, alongside the devastating side effects treatment can cause - hair loss, weight gain, worry, stress, anxiety, fear, and just plain anger.
After many tough months, Jo didn’t recognise herself when she looked in the mirror. Although she tried to get outside as much as she could, the effects of steroid treatment, alongside stopping swimming due to risk of infection, led to her to gain almost 3 stone.
She realises her body has really been tested, but at the same time, knows that it is strong, and it is healing. So, now she is determined to do what she can to help it. Regular exercise and a healthy body weight can greatly reduce the risk of recurrence, alongside the added benefits for mental wellbeing.
Jo is keen to try a variety of new activities, after recently getting back into the water: “I know the Aqua Fit class at Xcel by Kirsty is amazing. It's in this class that I had glimpses of me, I felt like the old Jo, that my body was there and ready to repair. I felt free.”
She also wants to find new passions too, and is keen to try Yoga, Pilates and Walking Netball – although she says she is quite competitive!
Jo is ready to achieve a sense of freedom and give herself the best possible chance of avoiding the cancer returning. “The NHS have been amazing in putting me back together, the least I can do is my part.”
Ultimately, her goal for 2024 is to take charge of her mental and physical health and to be the best version of herself so that she can enter her 50s as Jo 2.0.
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