• HOME
  • **SHOP**
    • ALL MAKEUP BAGS
    • BEAUTY ACCESSORIES
    • BAGS & PURSES
    • BUNDLES & SALE ITEMS
  • DONNA’S DIARIES
    • DONNA MAY LOVES
    • TIPS & TUTORIALS
    • CELEBRITY CHATS
  • OUR STORY
  • DONNA’S DISCOUNTS

DONNA MAY LONDON

CAROLINE SHARES HER STORY WITH US AS PART OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

At what age were you diagnosed? I am sure that the day is firmly etched on your brain – can you talk us through the first 10 minutes after hearing the news?

I was diagnosed at 49, on Feb 17th 2017!  The first ten minutes were like being hit by a lorry! I was going to go on my own to get the results, luckily a friend came with me, in the room was the oncologist and a wonderful Macmillan nurse who I didn’t know would become my confidence through my whole treatment. The oncologist words were ‘we have found cancer cells in your left breast’ my response was ‘fuck fuck fuck’ does that mean I have breast cancer?!

I then said how am I going to tell my sister and my loved ones?!

How was your cancer detected? Did you experience changes in your breasts or was it a routine check that brought about the diagnosis?      

I found a lump in my breast in the December of 2016, next to my left nipple, whilst having a bath, I always checked my boobies regularly, due to having fairly lumpy boobs, this particular lump felt different as it was also itchy, a very strange sensation, as in when I scratched it, it didn’t go away. I was going away before Christmas and then we obviously had Christmas, then in the mid to late January I went to my GP she was great and said she didn’t think it was anything but she will send me for a mammogram anyway as I was nearly 50! You have a two week window from the GP recommending you to have a mammogram to when you have the mammogram – it’s very quick.  Whilst having the mammogram, I also had an ultrasound and biopsy (this isn’t normal, they had obviously seen something) I was told within 10 days it was cancer.

How soon after your diagnosis did you share the news with your family and friends?                            

A handful of best friends were told within hours and my sister was told the next day, which was horrendous! I couldn’t bare seeing the pain in her eyes, she’s 10yrs younger than me and we are very close. I played it down and said I’ve just got some cancer cells that they are going to cut out.

What treatment did you receive and over how long? 

I had a lumpectomy and three lymph nodes removed within 3 weeks, I went back for the results with 4 of my friends where they found two more smaller lumps and pre cancer cells.  My surgeon said I needed a mastectomy, I said if I have one off I want them both off, nothing to do with aesthetics all to do with being terrified it can come back in the other one!  He was very reluctant as it was a ‘healthy’ boob, I said I didn’t care I wanted them both off! Then 7 weeks later I was allowed to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction all in the same operation, for me this was the easy part……

What side effects did you endure? Can you talk us through any coping strategies you put in place? 

Thankfully I didn’t need chemo or radiotherapy, they had removed all the cancer from the mastectomy! 

I had hideous side effects, terrible PTSD, panic attacks, couldn’t sleep, the post cancer drugs making all my joints ache terribly, struggling to move, struggling to get up in the morning, chronic fatigue. I also got nerve damage from the knee down with accelerated osteoarthritis from the post cancer drugs! I was struggling massively and being a fitness instructor and living on my own this was killing me. I went onto venlafaxin, which is an antidepressant, which helped with my anxiety and sweats but my body was so painful everyday.

After 18 months I went to see my oncologist for the second time after already changing my drugs after the first six month from anastrozole to tamoxifen.  I said “I cannot do this anymore, I need help!”  He put all my stats into a research programme that one of the universities had carried out for 100 women of my age and my cancer, over a 10yr period, and only 8% benefitted from being on tamoxifen. So, he said he would trial me off it for 6 weeks as it takes that length of time to come out of the system, I cried as I was so happy that I could come off it, that made me feel better in itself!

When I went back after six weeks and said I didn’t want to go back on it, because it is a very low percentage to be in pain for the next eight and a half years, he gave me the ok! I had to have a lot of therapy, I had hypnotherapy, EMDR, counselling and exercise! 

Where did you get your strength from? 

My strength came from knowing my mum wouldn’t want me to give up, she fought to keep me in this world when I was a baby and young child as a single mum.  Strength also came from my sister, my nephews, my amazing friends and my godchildren, I have so much to live for!

I want to be the embarrassing auntie/godmum at their weddings singing badly on the dance floor! I’m always a glass half full person as well which helps, I always look at what I have got not what I haven’t and, to be honest, I’m glad It was me that had the cancer, I’m not sure I could have coped with my sister or any of my loved ones having it?!

What was your biggest personal challenge throughout your treatment?

Feeling shit and anxious all the time and ‘trying’ to be positive for everyone around me!  I hated seeing their faces when I was at another appointment listening and hearing what I had to go through next –  it broke my heart!

I also always wear fake tan and red lipstick so hid it well! 

Did you have a support network around you? 

I had the most AMAZING support network around me! I was literally scooped up and looked after from all angles and I cannot thank them enough and never will be able to! 

What kind of things did you do to distract you during your treatment – both in hospital and at home? 

Laughter…and lots of it! Trying to exercise as much as my body would let me, going for coffee, eating out, being with my family, being with my nephews, my godaughters and my closest friends who were all there for me! Just not being on my own.

How did your appearance change during treatment?

My hair started thinning, I gained a lot of weight, I aged years, had a lot of problems and still do with my tummy (digestive system). 

As a friend or family member of a Breast Cancer sufferer – what is the no.1 most important thing that they can do for you? 

Just be there in whatever way shape or form! Even if you say you don’t need anything, you do really, even if it’s a hug or a phone call or a text, it doesn’t have to be anything big! 

Finally – what is the no.1 thing that they should NOT do or say? 

Oh sorry I can’t come to an appointment as I’ve got a hygienist appointment’ which yes one ‘ex friend’ did! 

Share

You May Also Like

Makeup Tips for Christmas & Andrew Ridgeley

December 14, 2019

Using Code 8 for a gorgeous Sixties Vibe

September 10, 2021

AUTUMN WARDROBE MUST HAVES – With Gemma, one half of MotherShoppers

September 12, 2020

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
Meet Jess – We would love you to read her Breast Cancer Story
Next Post
Donna’s Online Makeup Recommendations for 40+ Women…Studio 10 & Code 8
Donna's Diaries
We Love To Share hints, tips, tricks and insider secrets.

We Love To Share hints, tips, tricks and insider secrets.

Everything we do at Donna May London is 100% customer focussed. We bring solutions to common beauty problems not only through our products but also with regular tutorials, hints & tips. If you are a customer of Donna May London, you are a part of our active community.

DONNA'S DISCOUNTS

ENTER CODE DONNA20 FOR 20% DISCOUNT (offer ends 31/12/21)
ENTER CODE BIBIDONNA15 FOR 15% DISCOUNT

ENTER CODE BRONZIEDONNA15 FOR 15% DISCOUNT
ENTER CODE SLOWDONNA20 FOR 20% DISCOUNT
ENTER CODE LABDONNA15 FOR 15% DISCOUNT
ENTER CODE PAWDONNA15 FOR 15% DISCOUNT
(maximum of £10 spend required and discount not available on sale items or any other offers)
ENTER CODE STUDIO10DONNA20 FOR 20% DISCOUNT
ENTER CODE DONNAKOLLO TO RECEIVE YOUR FIRST MONTH AT £50. (YOU WILL ALSO GET £10 FOR EVERY SUBSCRIPTION SET UP USING YOUR CODE)
ENTER CODE DONNAMAY20 TO RECEIVE 20% DISCOUNT ACROSS ALL FULL PRICE PRODUCTS (EXCLUDING BUNDLES) OFFER ENDS 15/08/22
ENTER CODE DONNA10 FOR 10% DISCOUNT
ENTER CODE GAINDONNA25 FOR 25% DISCOUNT

Join us on Instagram

AD | Scared to go bold with your lipstick? 💄 

This quick and easy look using one of my favourite brands @lordandberry_official shows how to put together a quick and easy look with the 💥WOW factor💥 

Watch closely and you'll even see me reveal my top secret to wearing a right lippy... to it before anything other color on your face! When it comes to bright lips, it's lips before eyes always! It lets you suss out how much more or less you want to be adding to the finished look! Give it a go!

I've listed all of the Lord and Berry products I used below, they're all fab but I have to give a big shout out to the Back in Black mascara with its tight wand. You know how much I love one of them!!🔥

Any questions as always, drop them below!

💋LORD & BERRY PRODUCTS USED💋
• Cream foundation in #8624 & #8623
• Vogue Lipstick in Red Queen #7163
• Tinted brow gel in Maroon
• Smudgeproof waterproof eye pencil in #701
• Back In Black mascara in deep black #1352

#lordandberry #makeupover50 #makeupover40 #makeupover50 #maturemakeup #brightlips #redlips
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

AD | Scared to go bold with your lipstick? 💄

This quick and easy look using one of my favourite brands @lordandberry_official shows how to put together a quick and easy look with the 💥WOW factor💥

Watch closely and you'll even see me reveal my top secret to wearing a right lippy… to it before anything other color on your face! When it comes to bright lips, it's lips before eyes always! It lets you suss out how much more or less you want to be adding to the finished look! Give it a go!

I've listed all of the Lord and Berry products I used below, they're all fab but I have to give a big shout out to the Back in Black mascara with its tight wand. You know how much I love one of them!!🔥

Any questions as always, drop them below!

💋LORD & BERRY PRODUCTS USED💋
• Cream foundation in #8624 & #8623
• Vogue Lipstick in Red Queen #7163
• Tinted brow gel in Maroon
• Smudgeproof waterproof eye pencil in #701
• Back In Black mascara in deep black #1352

#lordandberry #makeupover50 #makeupover40 #makeupover50 #maturemakeup #brightlips #redlips

23 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/6
I need your help coming up with some ideas for new hair tutorials! What are your biggest woes when it goes to hair - it could be styling, product recommendations or anything else. Let me know below!!
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

I need your help coming up with some ideas for new hair tutorials! What are your biggest woes when it goes to hair – it could be styling, product recommendations or anything else. Let me know below!!

1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/6
💁‍♀️ Over 40 and seeking a skin solution that's gentle AND effective? 💁‍♀️

Look no further! Our grape seed bar will help improve elasticity, reduce redness, and soothe itchy and patchy skin. 🍇 Say goodbye to harsh ingredients and hello to glowing skin!
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

💁‍♀️ Over 40 and seeking a skin solution that's gentle AND effective? 💁‍♀️

Look no further! Our grape seed bar will help improve elasticity, reduce redness, and soothe itchy and patchy skin. 🍇 Say goodbye to harsh ingredients and hello to glowing skin!

2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/6
PYJAMA STOCK UPDATE 💋

If you've been holding out on ordering our current range now is the time to buy as stock is running very low! We're now completely SOLD OUT of size 10-12 and 16-18 but there are still some limited numbers of 12-14 and 14-16 in stock so please don't delay if you don't want to miss out!!
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

PYJAMA STOCK UPDATE 💋

If you've been holding out on ordering our current range now is the time to buy as stock is running very low! We're now completely SOLD OUT of size 10-12 and 16-18 but there are still some limited numbers of 12-14 and 14-16 in stock so please don't delay if you don't want to miss out!!

2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/6
Thinking about buying it to give you brushes a new lease of life and wondering how to use our brush cleaner to do it?

Well, it's super easy! Just wet your brushes in warm water, then swirl them around in the cleanser. You'll see it foam up and dissolve any makeup residue right before your eyes.

If you've got some tough dirt stuck in your brushes, don't worry!! Use the soft rubber pad in the lid to gently massage your brushes, then rinse them well with water. After that, gently squeeze them dry with a soft microfiber cloth and lay them flat to dry. Plus, it has a lovely scent!

And if that doesn't convince you, make sure to head over to the website to check out the rave reviews its been getting since it went on sale at DonnaMayLondon.com
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

Thinking about buying it to give you brushes a new lease of life and wondering how to use our brush cleaner to do it?

Well, it's super easy! Just wet your brushes in warm water, then swirl them around in the cleanser. You'll see it foam up and dissolve any makeup residue right before your eyes.

If you've got some tough dirt stuck in your brushes, don't worry!! Use the soft rubber pad in the lid to gently massage your brushes, then rinse them well with water. After that, gently squeeze them dry with a soft microfiber cloth and lay them flat to dry. Plus, it has a lovely scent!

And if that doesn't convince you, make sure to head over to the website to check out the rave reviews its been getting since it went on sale at DonnaMayLondon.com

3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/6
Tired of having to choose between a functional and stylish bag for your travels and adventures? The Weekender is designed to solve all your problems and make your life easier!
With its waterproof and wipe-clean interior, you can say goodbye to worrying about spills and stains during beach days or picnics. And when you're not using it, the bag folds into a matching pouch, saving you space in your suitcase or closet. Plus, the pouch can be attached to the inside of the bag with two popper buttons, keeping your essentials within reach when you are!
And the best part? The Weekender doesn't compromise on style. The black and white abstract spot print, front zip pocket, and adjustable shoulder strap or cross-body strap make it a versatile and stylish accessory. The iconic red lip detail adds a touch of personality, so you can travel in style.
So, what are you waiting for? Say goodbye to choosing between function and style, and hello to The Weekender! It's the perfect companion for your travels and adventures.
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

Tired of having to choose between a functional and stylish bag for your travels and adventures? The Weekender is designed to solve all your problems and make your life easier!
With its waterproof and wipe-clean interior, you can say goodbye to worrying about spills and stains during beach days or picnics. And when you're not using it, the bag folds into a matching pouch, saving you space in your suitcase or closet. Plus, the pouch can be attached to the inside of the bag with two popper buttons, keeping your essentials within reach when you are!
And the best part? The Weekender doesn't compromise on style. The black and white abstract spot print, front zip pocket, and adjustable shoulder strap or cross-body strap make it a versatile and stylish accessory. The iconic red lip detail adds a touch of personality, so you can travel in style.
So, what are you waiting for? Say goodbye to choosing between function and style, and hello to The Weekender! It's the perfect companion for your travels and adventures.

3 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/6
@donnamaylondon
Current Favourite Products

Shop My Current Faves

product_title_1

SUNDAY RILEY CEO GLOW

product_title_2

Eborian CC Eye Dore

product_title_3

Cerave Reparative Hand Cream

product_title_4

Code 8 Arch Realist

Fave Shops...

This Month we are loving…

Zara

Code 8 Beauty

Palmaira Sandals

Zara Home

John Lewis Beauty

H&M

Follow us on YouTube

Follow us on YouTube Follow us on YouTube

Lots of video tutorials covering all your makeup and hair dilemmas.

Subscribe to Our Channel

We always love to hear from you

If you have any questions or queries relating to Donna May London, Please do get in touch.

CONTACT US HERE

Join in the chat on Instagram

AD | Scared to go bold with your lipstick? 💄 

This quick and easy look using one of my favourite brands @lordandberry_official shows how to put together a quick and easy look with the 💥WOW factor💥 

Watch closely and you'll even see me reveal my top secret to wearing a right lippy... to it before anything other color on your face! When it comes to bright lips, it's lips before eyes always! It lets you suss out how much more or less you want to be adding to the finished look! Give it a go!

I've listed all of the Lord and Berry products I used below, they're all fab but I have to give a big shout out to the Back in Black mascara with its tight wand. You know how much I love one of them!!🔥

Any questions as always, drop them below!

💋LORD & BERRY PRODUCTS USED💋
• Cream foundation in #8624 & #8623
• Vogue Lipstick in Red Queen #7163
• Tinted brow gel in Maroon
• Smudgeproof waterproof eye pencil in #701
• Back In Black mascara in deep black #1352

#lordandberry #makeupover50 #makeupover40 #makeupover50 #maturemakeup #brightlips #redlips
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

AD | Scared to go bold with your lipstick? 💄

This quick and easy look using one of my favourite brands @lordandberry_official shows how to put together a quick and easy look with the 💥WOW factor💥

Watch closely and you'll even see me reveal my top secret to wearing a right lippy… to it before anything other color on your face! When it comes to bright lips, it's lips before eyes always! It lets you suss out how much more or less you want to be adding to the finished look! Give it a go!

I've listed all of the Lord and Berry products I used below, they're all fab but I have to give a big shout out to the Back in Black mascara with its tight wand. You know how much I love one of them!!🔥

Any questions as always, drop them below!

💋LORD & BERRY PRODUCTS USED💋
• Cream foundation in #8624 & #8623
• Vogue Lipstick in Red Queen #7163
• Tinted brow gel in Maroon
• Smudgeproof waterproof eye pencil in #701
• Back In Black mascara in deep black #1352

#lordandberry #makeupover50 #makeupover40 #makeupover50 #maturemakeup #brightlips #redlips

23 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/5
I need your help coming up with some ideas for new hair tutorials! What are your biggest woes when it goes to hair - it could be styling, product recommendations or anything else. Let me know below!!
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

I need your help coming up with some ideas for new hair tutorials! What are your biggest woes when it goes to hair – it could be styling, product recommendations or anything else. Let me know below!!

1 day ago
View on Instagram |
2/5
💁‍♀️ Over 40 and seeking a skin solution that's gentle AND effective? 💁‍♀️

Look no further! Our grape seed bar will help improve elasticity, reduce redness, and soothe itchy and patchy skin. 🍇 Say goodbye to harsh ingredients and hello to glowing skin!
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

💁‍♀️ Over 40 and seeking a skin solution that's gentle AND effective? 💁‍♀️

Look no further! Our grape seed bar will help improve elasticity, reduce redness, and soothe itchy and patchy skin. 🍇 Say goodbye to harsh ingredients and hello to glowing skin!

2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/5
PYJAMA STOCK UPDATE 💋

If you've been holding out on ordering our current range now is the time to buy as stock is running very low! We're now completely SOLD OUT of size 10-12 and 16-18 but there are still some limited numbers of 12-14 and 14-16 in stock so please don't delay if you don't want to miss out!!
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

PYJAMA STOCK UPDATE 💋

If you've been holding out on ordering our current range now is the time to buy as stock is running very low! We're now completely SOLD OUT of size 10-12 and 16-18 but there are still some limited numbers of 12-14 and 14-16 in stock so please don't delay if you don't want to miss out!!

2 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/5
Thinking about buying it to give you brushes a new lease of life and wondering how to use our brush cleaner to do it?

Well, it's super easy! Just wet your brushes in warm water, then swirl them around in the cleanser. You'll see it foam up and dissolve any makeup residue right before your eyes.

If you've got some tough dirt stuck in your brushes, don't worry!! Use the soft rubber pad in the lid to gently massage your brushes, then rinse them well with water. After that, gently squeeze them dry with a soft microfiber cloth and lay them flat to dry. Plus, it has a lovely scent!

And if that doesn't convince you, make sure to head over to the website to check out the rave reviews its been getting since it went on sale at DonnaMayLondon.com
donnamaylondon
donnamaylondon
•
Follow

Thinking about buying it to give you brushes a new lease of life and wondering how to use our brush cleaner to do it?

Well, it's super easy! Just wet your brushes in warm water, then swirl them around in the cleanser. You'll see it foam up and dissolve any makeup residue right before your eyes.

If you've got some tough dirt stuck in your brushes, don't worry!! Use the soft rubber pad in the lid to gently massage your brushes, then rinse them well with water. After that, gently squeeze them dry with a soft microfiber cloth and lay them flat to dry. Plus, it has a lovely scent!

And if that doesn't convince you, make sure to head over to the website to check out the rave reviews its been getting since it went on sale at DonnaMayLondon.com

3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/5
  • DELIVERY
  • THE TEAM
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • RETURNS & REFUNDS POLICY
  • WHOLESALE
  • BEAUTY BAR DISCLAIMER

© Donna May London 2021 Site Powered by Pix & Hue.