Why I Support Swim In Pink

Catherine Brennan: My Journey With Breast Cancer

I attended my first routine mammogram in June 2021. Three weeks later, I went to the Galway Symptomatic Breast Unit for further mammograms, an ultrasound, and a biopsy. The waiting was agonising, but nothing could have prepared me for what came next.

I had run a 10k the day before my diagnosis and I felt in perfect health.

Catherine Brennan and her family following her journey with breast cancer

The Importance of Early Detection

The following week, I went back for results to be told I had HER2-Negative Breast Cancer. I had no idea there were so many types of breast cancer. I’ll never forget the day I was told I had breast cancer. An overwhelming sense of numbness came over me. I never thought it would happen to me.

I had run a 10k the day before my diagnosis and I felt in perfect health, which made the news even more shocking for me. My doctor later shared a sobering thought: the cancer might not have shown symptoms for another year. This is why I now believe so strongly in the power of early detection and why I am so committed to supporting causes like Swim In Pink to help drive more awareness and encourage people to have their mammograms as early as possible. That first routine mammogram was crucial for me. It was the key reason my cancer was found early, giving me the best possible chance for a successful recovery.

Navigating Treatment

My treatment plan involved a Lumpectomy, followed by 20 rounds of Radiotherapy and I am currently on a hormone therapy tablet.

Throughout this challenging process, the support I received was phenomenal. I met with the Breast Care Nurse as well as my surgeon, who provided immense reassurance and plenty of information to help me understand every step. Because the cancer was found early, I felt confident that it had been caught in its early stages.

Why I'm Supporting Swim In Pink

My personal experience with breast cancer is why I am so passionate about raising awareness. I want to encourage every woman to attend her screening appointments and understand the importance of a routine mammogram.

It's also why I've chosen to support our local NBCRI Swim In Pink fundraiser in Sligo. This incredible event exists to support all those who have been affected by breast cancer, the patients, the survivors, as well as their families. By supporting the Swim In Pink event this October (which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month), you are helping to fund vital services, research, and support networks that make all the difference on a journey like mine.

Please join me in supporting this wonderful cause.

Donate to Swim in Pink

Catherine Brennan is an Account Assistant for the Finance team at Collins McNicholas. A huge thanks to Catherine for sharing your cancer story and supporting Swim In Pink Sligo, taking place on October 12th at 11am in Rosses Point, (Second Beach).