Jackie Scully
London
Bio: Having got engaged in my living room on Christmas Day 2013, you can imagine this wasn’t the kind of blog I was expecting to write this year! On Friday 17 January the Champagne went on ice when I discovered I had stage 2, invasive lobular breast cancer (soon to become stage 3). I have always found great comfort in writing and, as an experienced writer and editor (before I decided to manage the people being creative), I thought I would turn to blogging as a way of sharing the lighter side of this life-changing condition. Laughter really is the only medicine I should be allowed to administer myself! While it's not as early as we'd all like (in fact, I’d rather it wasn’t there at all), it is perfectly treatable and I have the right attitude, determination and support network to get through this next phase – and be a better person for it! I have decided to write this blog for a number of reasons: 1) I was only diagnosed two weeks ago and I have already had so many hilarious (if you, like me, have a rather dark sense of humour), life-enhancing and inspiring (I defy anyone to spend an hour at Guy’s hospital and not feel humbled) moments that I want to capture, share and remember forever. 2) I have been overwhelmed by the kindness of those around me. My breast cancer notebook (yes, I have a dedicated bright pink moleskin and a to-do list) is already filling up with great bits of practical advice that I am keen to share. My house is also filling up with kind gifts from friends (everything from dark nail varnish for chemo and pampering treats to my very own pink post-surgery boob pillow). I’m not the only one trying to stay positive and arm myself with every tip in the book. I want to share these practical tips to both inspire those diagnosed in the future and thank those kind enough to join me on this journey. 3) As an open person, I find it difficult to hide my emotions and details of my experiences. I don’t think people mind discussing my latest baking experiment or magazine schedule. Breast cancer, however, is a bit different. It was the point at which I was discussing breast sizes with a client that I realised it might be better to write it down and let people seek it out – rather than fill their heads with talk of tumours and tummy tucks. 4) I love writing and I am determined to do more of what I love this year! It’s about time. Why ‘small boobs, big smiles’? When you’ve spent the best part of two weeks with your top off in front of surgeons and nurses, it doesn’t take long to work out that having ‘not much there’ is not an advantage. But, even when they were sizing up my tummy fat and cupping my less-than-ample breasts, I still managed a smile. That’s what this blog is about – finding happiness in unusual places. I started this year thinking 2014 would be the best year yet. I am so positive, I know there is no reason why that still cannot be the case.
Small boobs, big smiles 
I like your attitude! I had surgery and treatment at St Mary’s 4 years ago and in good shape now. I warn you, dealing with cancer becomes like a full time job… Not sure you’ll have time to blog 🙂
Thanks for posting. Always great to hear from inspiring women who have fought, won and are now smiling on the other side. You’re so right. It already feels like a full time job – and it hasn’t really started yet! Here’s hoping I can keep smiling, laughing and blogging for as long as I can. Take care and thanks again.
I am lost for words. You have an incredible attitude which is infectious. I write this as I sit breast feeding my 10 week old baby at 5am. I felt grumpy that I was awake at this time, sat in the dark feeding my baby but I don’t now. I am humbled by your strength and smiles through what I can only image to be an roller coaster journey of emotions. I now sit here smiling and thinking how lucky I am for what I have in my life, just like you lots of people who love me.
Thanks so much Helen for your beautiful message. It was perfectly timed after a restless night. Words are wonderful things and there are some many beautiful people in the world if we all know where to look. I am so blessed. Just can’t wait to start paying it all back. Keep smiling. I hope your new baby brings you so much joy. J x
You are so right a sense of humour is much needed in these situations … The darker the better sometimes!
Absolutely. The world looks a lot brighter when you’re laughing. Hope all good with you. Good luck with the lymphoedema. Am on clinical trial to help people in the future. J x
It is good to feel what you are doing could help others in the future… Take care
Jackie,
I’m so sorry it is through this particular journey we’ve crossed paths, but … but I am certainly glad we have! A great (even twisted) sense of humor is a key ingredient in coping with the shock of it all. Please don’t hesitate to reach out … there’s an entire community of support for you and if you don’t already have a Twitter account, set one up and join in at #BCSM where breast cancer meets social media. Through this platform, you will meet so many wonderful people that can offer insight, wisdom and love to help you through. 🙂 I look forward to following your blog and I’m here any time you need anything.
Light & Love,
Nicole
Thanks Nicole, that’s very kind. Your blog is very touching and thought-provoking, so thank you for reaching out. Have a lovely Sunday. Hope the sun shines on you. J X
Hi Jackie, sorry to hear you have cancer. I hope you find the blogging helps, especially as you love writing. I found it very therapeutic to write a blog whilst caring for my Mum who had terminal cancer; although I found it quite tough going because it was quite time consuming and I was exhausted.
Thanks Wendy, I am sorry to read your story, but your blog is beautiful and I imagine your mum would have been hugely proud if she were around to read it. Blogging is incredibly therapeutic I agree. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I definitely think you should put that Christmas card from your mum up every year. It will make you smile. Take care, J x
Hello! I am so glad we connected (thanks for the follow on our blog). You have a wonderful attitude and I look forward to reading your posts. 🙂
Thanks for posting. Lovely to meet you virtually! I had never heard of loom knitting before reading about it on your site. I have only ever knitted with needles. Looks fun. Hope you are well. 🙂
Saw you on BBC Lifeline, we are the other family that was featured in it, and we were very impressed and humbled with your similar life ethics in fighting this dreadful disease. Keep it up – Pete, Pat & Victoria (Shropshire).