Television presenter Pamela Ballantine, in her own words, shares her journey following a breast cancer diagnosis she received seven months ago. She wants to emphasize the importance of early detection and is hesitant about traditional phrases like “battling cancer” or “beating cancer”. Pamela Ballantine believes these phrases overlook the experiences of others who may not have the same positive outcomes.
Despite being a public figure for almost 40 years, Pamela Ballantine is a private person and hasn’t discussed her personal life until now. She emphasizes the lack of visible signs and the importance of regular breast screenings after discovering tumors in her right breast and armpit during a routine mammogram.
Discovering tumors inside your own body is a strange and unsettling experience. Pamela Ballantine explains the paradox of feeling fine physically but knowing that the only way to rid her body of cancer is to undergo chemotherapy, a process that will make her feel ill.
On a day that should have been filled with celebration, Pamela Ballantine found herself at the Ulster Hospital receiving the results of her needle biopsies. The diagnosis of breast cancer was unexpected, as she had no visible indications of the disease. The medical team confirmed that the cancer was limited to her breast and lymph nodes, but also revealed it was the aggressive HER2 type that required chemotherapy.
Initially overwhelmed by the news, Pamela Ballantine desired more time to process everything, delaying the start of her treatment. However, after a conversation with the oncologist, Dr. Lucy Jellett, Pamela realized the gravity of the situation and promptly began chemotherapy.
Two weeks after her first treatment, Pamela Ballantine began experiencing hair loss. While wigs were available through the NHS, she decided to purchase one that resembled her own hair. With the wig named “Helen,” after Dame Mirren, and her long-time hairdresser Paul Stafford helping with its styling, Pamela Ballantine found solace in her new look.
The road to recovery was not without its challenges. Pamela Ballantine had to deal with an infection in her PICC line, resulting in hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics. She experienced side effects such as mouth ulcers, toenail discoloration and loss, and broken skin on her hands and feet. The Macmillan Helpline provided support during her most difficult moments.
Thankfully, the chemotherapy was successful, and subsequent MRI scans revealed that Pamela Ballantine’s tumors had vanished. She underwent surgery to remove remaining tissue and lymph nodes affected by cancer. While a mastectomy was an option, it was ultimately not necessary. The supportive team at the Ulster Hospital, including Macmillan Nurses and Dr. Lucy Jellett, enabled Pamela Ballantine to continue working and cope with her illness.
Pamela Ballantine acknowledges that her treatment is not yet complete, as she still needs further medical attention and will be on medication for several years. However, her hair is growing back, and she is hopeful for many more healthy years ahead. She asks that others don’t treat her differently because of her diagnosis and emphasizes that she is still the same person she was before.
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