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Breast Cancer Stories | Vivienne Stockill, 65
Posted by Claire Boote, on October 23, 2020.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
Vivienne Stockill, 65
In December 2019, Vivienne Stockill was planning to move into her new house, with her new husband, and welcome her new granddaughter. Instead she was given the news that she had breast cancer.
Hoping that the small lump was nothing major, Vivienne confided only in her best friend until the diagnosis could be confirmed by the specialist breast clinic – she intended to spare the concern of her pregnant daughter and new husband.
Having previously lived nearly 100 miles apart from her husband, Vivienne had moved into temporary communal living to be closer to her partner and maintain her career as a teacher. Unfortunately, after her diagnosis and due to COVID-19 precautions, she was unable to see her husband during chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.
Despite having undergone treatment, delayed moving in with her husband, and helping her pregnant daughter, Vivienne has sought a healthier lifestyle and better work-life balance since her diagnosis.
Vivienne says: “I am determined to take every opportunity to live life to the full – to see places; do things; be with people I love.”
As part of their collaboration with Future Dreams, Royce Lingerie gave Vivienne a post-surgery bra to help her through her treatment. Vivienne adds: “When I needed a new bra post-surgery, and was unable to visit a shop because of the Covid restrictions, the customer care team at Royce talked me through the best fit and size for my now unbalanced breasts. They were unfailingly patient with me. The bras that I ordered were not only a great fit, but were also pretty – and that was a great bonus when I was feeling fairly under-confident about my appearance.”
And to those recently diagnosed or concerned about their breasts, Vivienne advises: “Attend the breast screening appointments and check your breasts regularly. I didn’t go to screening appointments because I was frightened to ask for time off work – ridiculous!
“Also, draw on a small support network – don’t tell everyone, but seek support from one or two sensible friends. I gained great support from my church, who prayed for me regularly.”
