Ipswich mum diagnosed with breast cancer after cuddle

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Julie Kerridge has shared her own cancer journey, which began when she felt a lump in her breast in 2018. 

“I was cuddling one of my children one day, and I felt something a bit strange,” said Julie, 44, an accountant at the NHS Suffolk and north-east Essex Integrated Care Board.

“At first, I thought I was being paranoid, but I kept feeling it and there was definitely something there.” 

Julie during chemotherapy treatment. Image: Julie Kerridge (Image: Julie Kerridge)Julie decided to shave her head after her hair began falling out during chemotherapy treatment. Image: Julie Kerridge (Image: Julie Kerridge)

Her GP was unsure, but referred Julie to a consultant at Ipswich Hospital who sent her to have a mammogram and ultrasound scan.  

“When they did the ultrasound, I just knew from the expressions on their faces,” said Julie.  

Tests revealed that Julie had a 5.6cm tumour and cancer in four of her seven lymph nodes. She was quickly booked to have a mastectomy. 

Being told that she needed to have her breast removed was upsetting, but Julie said there was never any doubt that it needed to be done. 

“If somebody says that, by not having it removed, you're limiting your life and you're not going to see your kids grow up, you just have to do it,” she said. 

Julie wearing a blonde wig which she chose after having lost her hair. Image: Julie Kerridge (Image: Julie Kerridge)Julie pictured recently, modelling a 'Survivor' T-Shirt. Image: Julie Kerridge (Image: Julie Kerridge)

The operation was successful, as were subsequent rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.  

After three reconstructive surgeries, Julie finished treatment in July 2020. She now takes hormone therapy tablets each day to prevent the cancer from returning. 

Julie remains incredibly thankful to her family, friends, colleagues and the "fantastic” cancer support centre at Ipswich Hospital for their kindness during this difficult time.

She was able to attend reflexology and exercise classes and remembers the staff at the ‘wig shop’ who helped her choose a new short blonde look. 

“I had such a positive experience in terms of the way I was treated and the way I was looked after,” she said.  

“I feel like I owe the NHS something. They've given me so much support – they’ve given me my life.” 

She is now encouraging everyone to check themselves regularly, and to make sure that any concerns are properly investigated.