Whilst I’d always had a bike, I hadn’t done a lot of cycling in the years before my breast cancer diagnosis. When I had my first routine mammogram in 2017, aged 52, it was discovered I had DCIS. This is a non-invasive breast cancer confined to the ducts. Unfortunately, a biopsy indicated it was high grade and widespread, necessitating a mastectomy. Unfortunately, there were complications and so my recovery took longer than originally expected.
After a cancer diagnosis, people often talk about getting “back to normal”. I discovered that an event like this changes you and your perspective on life, and that you develop a new “normal”. I didn’t want to be defined by my cancer, and so I decided to make some positive changes. I gave up work, I bought a campervan, and I joined Breeze! A friend had sent me a link to a local Breeze group and about 10 months after my surgery I went on my first ride. I think it was only 5 miles, but this was the start of a new hobby for me. I met new people, I got fitter, and I discovered a whole new network of safe routes around my adopted home of Edinburgh. What’s more is that I enjoyed this new activity and now incorporate cycling into my daily life, commuting around Edinburgh, and joining other cycling group rides.
I got so much joy from joining Breeze that in 2020 I signed up to train as a Breeze Champion, although because of Covid, this course was postponed until the autumn 2021. That autumn I also signed up to the Etape Caledonia – the shorter one! This was a huge personal achievement for me – I worried that I would take too long and need to be rescued by a support vehicle. In the end I needn’t have worried – I managed to ride the 39+ miles in just over 3.5 hours, far exceeding my expectations! I was so glad there was a pool and sauna back at the campsite where I was staying to relax after.
Now I take my bike with me when I go travelling in my campervan, discovering parts of Scotland and Northumberland on two wheels. I especially love passing on my love of cycling through my role as a Breeze Champion, and more recently as a Guided Ride Leader for small groups of mixed gender riders wanting to gain bike confidence.
Thank you, Rosemary, for sharing your experiences in cycling and recovery from breast cancer. For anyone affected by breast cancer, you can visit Breast Cancer Now for information and support.
If you would like to tell your cycling story for our monthly Scottish Cycling BlogHer article, please email Melanie, our Women and Girls Development Manager, on: [email protected]