Sharon Kaur-White had just started her new role at Colchester Hospital when she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Landing the role was significant for Sharon, who had lived with agoraphobia and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) for the previous six months after being involved in a road traffic accident.
Now, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and today, on Wear it Pink Day, Sharon is urging people to check for lumps.
“We should be checking in the shower, when we are lying in bed – asking our friends and family if we should go to the doctors,” said Sharon, who is the project lead for endoscopy.
“I thought my fatty lump was going to be nothing. Had it not been for my husband (Adam) and daughter (Gurps), I wouldn’t have checked it out.
Sharon Kaur-White
“No matter how small something is, make sure you get it checked.”
Sharon was diagnosed with a stage two tumour in June 2022 and had a lumpectomy, some lymph nodes removed before undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
More than two years on, she is back working in the place where her breast cancer journey started.
Sharon said: “I had just got my life back together.
“In October 2021 I was crossing a junction when a van reversed into me and as a result, I developed PTSD and agoraphobia and didn’t leave the house for six months without being accompanied. I suffered more mentally than physically. I had six rounds of chemotherapy and lost my hair after the first one. It’s one of the most horrific things that can happen to a woman, but thankfully, I was told, I had a nice head and didn’t wear a wig!
“I then had 20 continuous days of radiotherapy, finishing treatment in February 2023. My hair, eyelashes and nails then started growing back.
“I can’t commend the staff at the Collingwood Centre highly enough – I was the neediest patient ever. I also am thankful to my friends on Tiptree and Peldon Ward who wiped my tears.
“Their support and the support from my close friends and family has been brilliant. My husband and daughter have been my rocks and I have surrounded myself with positive people.”
Sharon is aware that not everyone is afforded the support she received, however, and wants to give something back to other people living with cancer or preparing for an appointment that may deliver difficult news.
Sharon said: “If I had the time I would volunteer at the Collingwood Centre, but I will take time out if anyone wants me to go to their appointment with them, because some people sit there with nobody.
“I want to give something back and I am happy to support anyone on their journey.”
Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity continue to transform the experience of patients that use our breast care centre’s and provide them with the extras that make a difference to health and healing.
This Breast Cancer Awareness month contact the charity to find out how you can get involved and support your friends and family when they need us most.
You can read more about Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity.
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