09/06/2026
Meet our ambassador Lisa, who is sharing her breast cancer experience to help others facing a cancer diagnosis feel informed, supported and less alone.
In November 2024, she found a lump in her right breast. Although shocked, she hoped it might be something harmless. After encouragement from her swimming friends, she visited her GP, who immediately referred her to the Breast Clinic at St. Vincent’s Hospital.
Following a mammogram and biopsies, doctors discovered two additional tumours. On Friday 13th December 2024, just days before her 52nd birthday, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Hearing the word “cancer” was overwhelming. Her first thoughts were of her three daughters, aged 16, 14 and 11 at the time. Her sister, Valerie, accompanied her to the appointment, and seeing the tears in her eyes made the diagnosis feel all too real. The word “treatable”, spoken by her breast care nurse Maeve, became something she held on to.
She spent Christmas in survival mode and began treatment in January 2025. On 30th January, she underwent a right-sided mastectomy and lymph node removal. This was followed by six rounds of chemotherapy starting in March and four weeks of radiotherapy in August and September.
She is now taking oestrogen inhibitors, which she will continue for the next ten years, and hopes to undergo reconstruction surgery in the future.
Throughout her treatment, Wicklow Cancer Support provided invaluable help and encouragement. In January 2026, she joined the Marie Keating Foundation’s Survive and Thrive Programme, where she met others who truly understood the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. The programme provided practical tools, support and hope at a time when she needed them most.
Sharing experiences with other cancer survivors has been invaluable. The support, knowledge and sense of community offered by the Marie Keating Foundation and Wicklow Cancer Support have made a significant difference to her recovery and wellbeing.
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