Barnet Woman's Cancer Battle: From Blocked Duct Fear to Lifelong Treatment

Abi Bleys, a 44-year-old mother of two from Barnet, North London, has been undergoing extensive treatment for breast cancer since September 2020. Her initial symptoms, a lump felt in her left breast while breastfeeding her newborn, were mistaken for a blocked milk duct, a condition she had experienced previously.

Following six months without breastfeeding, biopsies and CT scans confirmed a diagnosis of oestrogen positive lobular breast cancer. The tumour measured 6cm and had already spread to the lymph nodes in her left armpit. This led to a full mastectomy of her left breast and reconstruction in October 2020.

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Intensive Treatment and Recurrence

Bleys then underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy from November 2020, followed by 15 rounds of radiotherapy starting in May 2021. She also received 18 rounds of targeted treatment concluding in January 2022, and began a 10-year course of hormone tablets, Letrozole.

In summer 2022, Bleys experienced soreness around her reconstructed implant, which was later confirmed to be a recurrence of the cancer. A 3cm tumour and implant were removed, but no further reconstruction was performed at that time. She is now also receiving indefinite chemotherapy antibody treatment with Enhertu.

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Bleys has spoken about the emotional and physical toll of her diagnosis and treatment. She described the difficulty of managing her health while caring for young children, particularly during periods of lockdown when support networks were limited. Her husband, Michael, has since established a support group for partners of those undergoing cancer treatment.

She has also discussed the importance of understanding one's body and seeking medical advice promptly. Bleys is an advocate for early detection and has participated in awareness campaigns like Wear It Pink, emphasizing that new treatments like Enhertu are providing patients with more time.

Ongoing Care and Future

Bleys's treatment plan now involves long-term management, with her hormone tablets scheduled for 10 years and the Enhertu treatment continuing indefinitely. She has adapted her mindset to integrate cancer treatment into her life, acknowledging that full recovery from the experience is a lengthy process.

The couple has explained Bleys's condition to their two young children, aged eight and six, using age-appropriate language to describe the medical interventions and their effects. Bleys has also adopted exercise and cold water swimming to help manage anxiety and depression.