A mother-of-two received a life-changing breast cancer diagnosis after experiencing a sharp pain during a hot yoga class, a discovery that revealed an extensive tumour.
From Yoga Mat to Cancer Diagnosis
In December 2021, Vicki Poole, then 45, felt a persistent sharp pain at the bottom of her right breast while in a hot yoga session in Ruislip, west London. Initially dismissing it as a pulled muscle, the discomfort continued when pressure was applied, even during hugs.
By January 2022, with the pain unresolved and a noticeable "toughness" on her skin, Vicki visited her GP. She was urgently referred to a one-stop breast clinic for assessment. After undergoing an ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy, she received the devastating news in February 2022: she had lobular breast cancer.
This specific type of cancer begins in the milk-producing glands (lobules) of the breast. Further scans uncovered the shocking scale of her disease: a tumour measuring 10cm by 4cm by 6cm and two suspicious lymph nodes in her armpit.
A Gruelling Treatment Journey and New Setback
Vicki's first thought was for her young children. "I just thought 'Am I going to die and will my children remember me?'" she recalled. Determined to fight, she underwent a right-side mastectomy in April 2022, followed by chemotherapy from May to September that year.
Her treatment path was fraught with severe complications. Just days after finishing chemotherapy, she suffered a heart arrhythmia—a known side-effect of the drugs—and collapsed. This required a five-day hospital stay and later heart surgery in November 2023.
After radiotherapy and hormone therapy, which induced a difficult chemical menopause, Vicki hoped the worst was behind her. However, in July 2024, her left nipple bled and she found rough skin patches. Tests showed abnormal cells, leading to a preventative decision.
Facing a Second Mastectomy with Perspective
On her medical team's advice, Vicki has now chosen to have a mastectomy on her left breast and is awaiting a surgery date. She lives with her husband Martyn, 47, and their two children.
Reflecting on her ordeal, which included losing a friend she met during chemo, Vicki's perspective on life has changed. "I just feel really lucky to be where I am today," she said. Her message to others is clear and urgent: "If anyone suspects anything about their breasts, please get checked and please don't think you might be too young."
Her case underscores the often subtle symptoms of lobular breast cancer, which can include:
- A thickening or area of fullness in the breast.
- Changes in the skin's texture or appearance.
- Persistent, unexplained pain in one area.
The charity Breast Cancer Now has launched a five-year, £1 million research programme dedicated to finding better treatments for lobular breast cancer, bringing together experts at The Institute of Cancer Research in London.
