“I had Lobular that was totally clear on the mammogram and the ultrasound. Also I had it in my lymph nodes which was not detected. Quite shocking when it was 8cm x 7cm”
Vikki Groom, single mum of girls Dacey and Lucia, had just started a new job when she was diagnosed with Lobular Breast Cancer in October 2021.
“I only got 6 weeks sick pay so I worked full time from home through chemo and radiotherapy and had time off for surgeries. That was tough,” says Vikki.
Vikki had a mix of Lobular and Ductal Breast Cancer. The 2cm solid Ductal tumor was seen on scans, and it was only when biopsies were taken that the Lobular tumours were discovered.
“Having both cancers could have saved my life,” continues Vikki. “I had a mammogram 3 years previously as something didn’t feel right. I was given the all-clear and sent on my way. When I was finally diagnosed in Oct 2021 the Lobular tumour was large 7cm x 8cm (the size of a lemon), Stage 3, and by then had spread to my lymph nodes.”
Since finishing treatment, Vikki, a self-declared doer, has been active raising funds to improve outcomes 
for other people diagnosed with cancer. “I did Race for Life 2 weeks after finishing chemo to mark the end of that treatment and my 51st birthday. I raised £2.5k for Cancer Research UK. I’ve just completed a fire walk for Lobular Breast Cancer UK this November generating over £1,500 for the work of the charity.”
Vikki’s family has joined her in the fundraising too with her eldest daughter Dacey raising £2.5k for the Little Princes Trust, by cutting and donating 13 inches of her hair.
“We’re delighted that Vikki has literally walked over hots coals to raise funds for LBCUK and really appreciate that she has taken on this challenge,” said Claire Turner, our Chair. “Vikki’s story is unfortunately so familiar for many people who have a Lobular diagnosis. Tumours are often not seen on mammograms and ultrasounds, and when finally found, can be large and at a later stage. It is imperative that we find better techniques and tools for early detection of Lobular Breast Cancer. A huge thank you to Vikki and everyone who sponsored her hop and a skip. We will be putting Vikki’s sponsorship money to good use as we work to change the treatments for this distinct disease.”
“I live appreciating the life and time and energy I have in the now,” ended Vikki. If you’re interested in sponsoring Vikki and finding out more about her fundraising, you can visit her Just Giving page