Sam Armstrong has been a member of the WALX team for over 15 years – always innovating and always inspiring so when she shared the news that she had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer earlier this year, it hit us all hard.

However, in typical Sam style, she faced it head on and is now determined to help support others who are going through the same.

She shared her story with us and will be working on a short programme for ladies recovering from Mastectomy operations who might like to use poles as part of their recovery. She and other Instructors and walkers from our community want to make it known that they are on hand to help people who may not have a local group too.

So, if you have a story to tell or question to ask as part of this….please let us know and we will put you in touch with Sam. In the meantime, here is her story……

On April 27th, 2024, I had a dream—or was it real? I felt a lump in my breast. I woke up to a lovely morning; the sun was out, it was a clear, crisp day, and I was looking forward to leading a walk in the Peak District. Then, as I took my shower, I remembered the lump I felt overnight, and my heart sank. I raced to the mirror, and there it was. My left breast had taken on a strange shape; it had a crease in it. It definitely had a lump. At first, I tried to pacify my thoughts, telling myself, “It’s probably a cyst.” But as the day went on and my mind was in torment, I knew deep down it wasn’t.

I drove to the location of the walk with one of our WALX Guides in the car, and I could barely speak. The walk was a success; they all enjoyed it, and I carried on as normal while the angst in my head was overwhelming. I was grateful for that walk; it was a distraction. I am always grateful for my walks in so many ways.

The rest, as they say, is history. I didn’t delay in seeing the GP, which was swiftly followed by an urgent breast cancer referral. Soon after, the diagnosis was clear: two lumps were discovered, resulting in a left breast mastectomy with reconstruction. The reconstruction was a deeply personal choice and one not taken lightly. By the end of May, the surgery was over, and my new breast had earned the playful names of Pinky and Perky! After all the handling my breasts had endured over the past month, it was time to make light of the situation, as they didn’t take too kindly to being called small and droopy!

I am one of the very fortunate ones. After a few lymph nodes were removed, there was no trace of the cancer spreading, and I have made a swift recovery. I realise this isn’t always the case.

My recovery plan has been very focused. I did my physiotherapy exercises two to three times daily and took gentle walks within a few days of the surgery. Within a week, I started using the poles again, gradually building up the intensity of upper body engagement. I made sure my arm reach was within my range without overdoing it, and each day I went out, it felt better, quite literally. I progressed with the physio exercises alongside my walks. Day by day, step by step, my body was healing.

My consultant said walking was a great form of exercise, but he didn’t specify how much I could do! I gave a brief demonstration of what using the poles entailed in his consultation room after I had my dressings removed. The nurse got involved too; she had some knowledge of them, but he had no idea. He is now a little more educated about Total Body WALX poles!

I have made a great recovery, thanks to being very focused on my rehabilitation, being fit before the surgery, and continuing this soon after surgery. Life has taken on another layer, another experience, and more reasons to be thankful.

If there is a lesson to be learned from this, it is to spread the word about checking your breasts. If you think it will never happen to you, think again. Cancer does not care who it targets.

Sam organised a Summer picnic as part of the BREAST CANCER NOW Afternoon tea campaign – if you have been inspired to donate – here is her fundraising page 

She will also be holding a Q and A webinar on Tuesday 24th September at 2.00 pm for anyone with questions about using poles for recovery from breast cancer where she will be joined by other Instructors and walkers who are happy to support others.

To join the WEBINAR click this LINK

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Sam also wrote a poem to thank her amazing team at WALX Derwent and Dales who kept the schedule going while she was out of action.

Something we would also like to mention as we know she would have been worried about her walkers instead of herself – well done team!

In May’s gentle light, a day I’ll always remember,

I faced the storm with a heart unwavering and free.

The surgeon’s hands, both skilled and kind,

Healed me, both in body and mind.

From that moment, a journey commenced,

With courage as my armour, I stood tall and strong.

Tasks piled high, commitments steep,

Yet I pressed on, my resolve deep.

When the words “you have cancer” first reached my ear,

A shadow fell, a world filled with fear.

But through the trials, my strength did grow,

A new breast, a reminder, but not my woe.

Cancer came and left its mark,

But it couldn’t extinguish my spark.

It forged a spirit resilient and strong,

A heart steadfast, where I belong.

Behind me, a team so grand,

Supporting my journey, lending a hand.

They managed the business, day by day,

So I could heal and find my way.

Wonderful souls, my steadfast crew,

With every step, their strength I knew.

Weekly walks and tasks they’d take,

Ensuring my dreams would not forsake.

I am not defined by what I faced,

But by the walks I’ve embraced.

In every step, every climb,

I found my power, my rhythm, my rhyme.

Let the world see what I’ve become,

A warrior, a dreamer, second to none.

And to my team, my heartfelt cheers,

Together we’ve conquered these brave new years.

Sam x