Vickie Doogan was first diagnosed with breast cancer at age 39 after discovering a lump in her left arm. She first noticed symptoms in November 2013 with a dull ache beneath her arm, which she initially attributed to swollen glands, but a subsequent biopsy confirmed invasive breast cancer. Vickie Doogan responded well to chemotherapy and made a strong recovery after her first breast cancer diagnosis.
Vickie Doogan received a second breast cancer diagnosis at age 44 and underwent a double mastectomy to reduce the likelihood of recurrence. She has the altered BRCA2 gene, making her more predisposed to breast cancer. Vickie Doogan is a recruiter from Ascot, Berkshire, adding personal context to her story. The specific type of breast cancer diagnosed in Vickie Doogan remains unknown, as does any potential genetic or environmental link to Dolly's case.
When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I was absolutely floored. I was 39, fit, healthy, and there was no lump in my breast.
Vickie Doogan got a dog named Dolly, a Poochon, after her second diagnosis to support her during recuperation. In February 2026, Dolly was diagnosed with breast cancer after Vickie took her to the vet due to stomach pain. Dolly underwent a canine mastectomy and recovered swiftly, though the exact date of the procedure and the veterinary clinic involved are not specified.
Vickie Doogan and Dolly are now both cancer-free. The follow-up treatments or monitoring for Vickie and Dolly to ensure they remain cancer-free are not detailed, leaving questions about their ongoing health management.
Chemo was brutal, but thankfully I responded well to it. In 2018, when I was diagnosed again, I just couldn't believe it.
I found out I have the altered BRCA2 gene, meaning I'm more predisposed to breast cancer, so I had an elective double mastectomy. The surgery was amazing; I had implants put in the next day.
I got Dolly after my second diagnosis to be my buddy, as I was at home a lot. She's like my shadow, she's the most perfect little dog.
In February 2026, I took Dolly to the vet as she had an upset stomach and they found a lump under one of her nipples. The vet said she needed to have a mastectomy, I was so shocked, I didn't even know dogs could have mastectomies.
She bounced back just as well as I did, people said it's like she's mirroring how I dealt with it. Now I'm living my best life again, it's all in my past. I want people to know that although breast cancer is scary, you can still live a really full life.
I was the fittest and healthiest I'd ever been and I was really looking forward to turning 40.