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.

Evelina Rydzanicz, a 31-year-old finance professional from Reading, Berkshire, experienced a life-altering revelation when what she thought was a simple hormonal issue turned out to be breast cancer. It all began when she noticed discomfort in her left breast while taking a shower, prompting her to seek medical advice.

Initially, Evelina attributed her symptoms to hormonal changes and reached out to her general practitioner. The doctor, not overly concerned, scheduled an appointment for four weeks later. Unsettled by the wait, Evelina decided to take matters into her own hands and sought immediate private medical care.

At The Chiltern Hospital in Buckinghamshire, Evelina underwent an ultrasound and biopsy. The consultant at the breast clinic suspected breast cancer and, on May 9, 2025, Evelina received the official diagnosis: stage two, grade two, triple-positive breast cancer.

Following this diagnosis, Evelina embarked on an intensive treatment regimen that included chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and Phesgo, a targeted therapy injection. She also underwent a lumpectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the tumor and some surrounding tissue. Thanks to these treatments, Evelina has been declared cancer-free.

Read more: Discover how another woman’s life changed after losing vision in one eye.

“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.