Woman thought soreness was hormones until ‘earth-shattering’ diagnosis

A woman who believed her tender breast was merely a hormonal issue received a breast cancer diagnosis. Evelina Rydzanicz, 31, was showering when she discovered discomfort while washing the left side of her chest.

Initially attributing it to hormones, she contacted her GP, who appeared not « too concerned » and scheduled an appointment four weeks away. However, Evelina opted to seek private care and secured an immediate appointment.

Upon arriving at the breast clinic at The Chiltern Hospital, Buckinghamshire, she underwent an ultrasound and biopsy, with a consultant informing her they suspected breast cancer. On May 9, 2025, the biopsy results returned confirming breast cancer, and Evelina was diagnosed with stage two, grade two, triple-positive breast cancer.

She received chemotherapy, radiotherapy, Phesgo targeted therapy – a targeted therapy injection – and a lumpectomy, a procedure to remove the cancerous area and some surrounding breast tissue. She has subsequently been declared cancer-free.

Evelina, who works in finance, from Reading, Berkshire, said: « I was completely shocked when they told me they suspected breast cancer. I really thought it was something hormonal – I didn’t think cancer screening was even on the cards at my age.

« I was 30 at the time and you just don’t expect it at that age. On the weekend, I went for my first appointment. I was thinking about applying for a promotion at work.

« Life had to be put on pause. It had to stop. I couldn’t work for six months. It was earth-shattering, but I’m slowly coming back now. »

She added: « It felt like everything around me collapsed. I burst into tears. I don’t remember much of what was said after that. I was just thinking, ‘what’s going to happen to me?' ».

Following her biopsy results which confirmed stage two, grade two, triple-positive breast cancer, she began 18 weeks of chemotherapy on July 7, 2025.

Evelina said: « I had prepared myself for that possibility, but when they told me I would need chemotherapy, that’s when I broke down again. I thought ‘oh my god, I’m going to lose my hair’ and while I did use a cold cap the whole way through, I lost most of my hair.

« I felt that hair loss made it obvious that I was sick and was a constant reminder of my illness. It’s growing back quickly, so I am grateful for that. The worst thing is having people who are close to you look at you and worry when you’re trying not to worry and to stay strong. »

Nearing the conclusion of chemotherapy, an MRI scan indicated the cancer had responded completely to the treatment. On November 20, 2025, Evelina had a lumpectomy and several days afterwards, she received the news that she was cancer-free.

« I told my partner in the car that I would cry no matter what the result was – all the emotion had built up, » Evelina said. « When the surgeon said there was nothing there, I started crying, but I was also smiling wider than I ever have in my life.

« I even hugged the surgeon. It didn’t feel real, but for completely different reasons than the diagnosis. I was overwhelmed with joy. »

Evelina is participating in Breast Cancer Now’s Hampton Court Palace Pink Ribbon Walk to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer.

Discussing her motivation to get involved, Evelina said: « I saw this as a great opportunity to focus on my fitness. I have a goal in mind to feel physically stronger.

« This is an opportunity to stay motivated and I’ve been calling it my victory walk. I’m really looking forward to being in the walk’s atmosphere, to celebrate life with everyone. I think walking with everyone with our shared experience is such a demonstration of strength. »

Evelina’s fundraising page can be found here. Find out more about Breast Cancer Now’s Pink Ribbon Walks this spring on its website.