A Baby, Breast Cancer, and a Pandemic: Niamh’s Journey of Strength

From Joy to Shock: A Life-Changing Diagnosis

It all started on September 8, 2020, when my darling Dottie was born. Life was amazing—I finally had my beautiful girl after having two sons.

Fast forward to April 19, 2021. While in the shower, I checked my breast as usual, but with extra care since my aunt had been diagnosed with breast cancer just the week before. That’s when I felt a hard lump in my left breast. It wasn’t moving like a cyst—I knew it was cancer.

The Journey Begins: Diagnosis and Treatment

My doctor appointment followed quickly. My doctor felt the lump, didn’t offer any words of reassurance, and immediately referred me for a mammogram. Nine days later, I received my appointment for April 27, 2021.

At the hospital in Belfast, my eldest sister accompanied me, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, I had to go into the breast unit alone. A nurse examined me, found the lump, and sent me for a mammogram. During the ultrasound scan, the lump was clearly visible on the screen.

“Oh, there’s the bugger,” I said. The doctor confirmed, “Yes, that’s the lump. We are going to take a biopsy now and give you the results today.”

I waited anxiously, watching others get called before me. Then, I saw two breast care nurses in red uniforms call my name. Right then and there, I knew it was bad news. My surgeon sat me down and said, “We are sorry, but it’s cancer.”

I didn’t cry. Instead, I said, “I can’t die. I have children. They need me. Please don’t let me die.”

My sister was called in, and we broke the devastating news to her. I had invasive carcinoma, hormonal-positive and HER-positive. My treatment plan included a right therapeutic mammoplasty surgery with sentinel node biopsy, as well as a right breast reduction, lift, and tuck.

After surgery, we would determine the next steps regarding chemotherapy. We drove 1.5 hours home to tell my family, who were heartbroken. But we caught it early, and I was ready to fight.

Surgery and Unforeseen Challenges

The night before my surgery, I found a tiny new lump near my nipple on the same breast. I informed my surgeon on the morning of my operation, which took place on May 28.

After surgery, I thought I was in the clear. However, the results showed they had not achieved clear margins. The tiny lump I had found turned out to be a completely different type of breast cancer—lobular carcinoma. Additionally, all three lymph nodes removed tested positive for cancer. That meant one thing: full steam ahead with chemotherapy.

The Brutal Reality of Chemo

Six rounds of chemotherapy felt like six rounds of hell. I was hospitalized, suffered infections, lost every single hair on my body, and endured mouth ulcers so severe that I couldn’t eat, requiring further hospitalization. But I persevered. On my last day of chemo, I rang that bell loud and proud with my amazing family by my side.

During chemotherapy, I underwent genetic testing. The results revealed that I carried not one but two genetic mutations—BRCA1 and PALB2. This solidified my decision to undergo a double mastectomy with implants and have all my lymph nodes removed. The surgery lasted six hours, followed by five hours in recovery. It was excruciating, but once again, my family helped me through.

A Christmas Miracle: Cancer-Free at Last

On Christmas Eve, I received the best news of my life—I was cancer-free! We followed up with 15 rounds of radiation for extra reassurance. Then, I rang the bell for the very last time, a moment I will never forget.

Now, I am on hormonal treatments—an injection every 12 weeks and daily tablets. These treatments have induced menopause at just 35 years old, but I welcome anything that keeps my cancer from returning. I also opted for a hysterectomy to reduce my risk of ovarian cancer, ensuring I never have to face this battle again.

Moving Forward with Strength and Hope

I am blessed with my three amazing children. I hope my story encourages others—especially those who have never checked their breasts—to do so. I used to think I was too young for cancer or that I couldn’t get it so soon after giving birth, but I was wrong.

Cancer doesn’t care about age. If you’re about to start this journey, trust me: If I—a single parent to three children—can beat cancer, anyone can. It won’t last forever. One day, you’ll be dancing in the sun again.

A Message from Learn Look Locate

At Learn Look Locate, Niamh’s courageous battle against breast cancer touches our hearts deeply. We are honored to share her story, offering a platform for survivors to come together, learn, and find solace in one another’s experiences. Through our diverse range of resources, our mission is to empower individuals at every phase of their cancer journey. We proudly stand by Niamh and all those who demonstrate remarkable courage, celebrating their strength and reminding the world that hope shines brightest, even amidst life’s greatest trials.