Sue Leeming's story isn't one of heartbreak – it is of resilience and this week she celebrated ten years cancer free.
Sue Leeming's story isn't one of heartbreak – it is of resilience and this week she celebrated ten years cancer free.
The 52-year-old raised a glass of prosecco yesterday (Tuesday) to a decade of pain, growth and development at Assembly House.
She said: 'I've come so far and I know I shouldn't have come this far, I wake up every day in awe,
'I still can't believe I am sitting here now.'
The Norwich businesswoman, who lives in the Golden Triangle, is a picture of health and is dedicated to nourishing her body with clean food, exercise, mindfulness and meditation.
She said: 'What I have learnt over the past ten years is awe-inspiring,' she added, 'I think it is time I start writing my book.'
The hairstylist began to regularly check herself after her mother died from breast cancer on July 23, 2001.
She said: 'I knew if I checked myself regularly – if I ever found a lump I would catch it from spreading.'
After four years of living in Spain, working and owning a salon, her health deteriorated and she began to use a walking stick. Her lower back seized up and she was in excruciating pain from her right leg.
While doing her routine morning check, she found a lump on her lower right breast and began her harrowing journey.
On July 10, 2008 – Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer.
She said: 'All them years I had checked myself I caught it just weeks from spreading.'
Sue was cut 10 inches to get the cancer out, she was sewn so tight she was gasping for air – but the operation had been a success.
She said: 'I just cried myself to sleep and I wanted to die.'
Despite having turbulent weeks with her health – Sue reminds herself of a motto she has used every single day since she began her journey.
'Look good, feel well,' she said.
Now she is moving on to her next milestone – by selling her business, renting a salon chair and nurturing herself.
'I would like to thank my oncologist, Dr Eperescu, my surgeon, Mr Hussein and the wonderful care and attention at the NNUH.'
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