Woman’s Bedtime Nudge Leads to Life-Saving Breast Cancer Diagnosis

When Rachel Mullen leaned over in bed to nudge her snoring husband, she never anticipated that this simple action would lead to a life-saving discovery. The mother of three from Meath, Ireland, was diagnosed with breast cancer after finding a lump while trying to get her husband, Paul Mullen, to stop snoring. This startling moment became the catalyst for a journey that would change her life forever.

Initially dismissing the lump as inconsequential, Rachel eventually sought medical advice. She visited a clinic alone, unaware of the serious news that awaited her. “Whatever way I moved, I found a lump so I went to the GP who sent me to the BreastCheck Clinic where, after tests, I was told it looked like cancer,” she recounted. The diagnosis left her reeling, as she later explained, “I don’t remember the walk from the Mater Hospital because I couldn’t believe I had missed all the red flags.”

After a tense two-week wait, Rachel received confirmation that she had triple-negative breast cancer, with a two-inch tumour detected. She was instructed to undergo a bone density scan to determine if the cancer had spread. “I begged them to tell me as soon as the results came back. I couldn’t wait another two weeks worrying,” Rachel said, highlighting the emotional toll of her diagnosis.

Despite the challenges, Rachel faced her treatment with determination. She began chemotherapy but experienced a severe reaction that required a three-week hospital stay and a change in her medication. The new treatment allowed her to keep her hair for eleven weeks before it eventually started to fall out. “I grieved every day for my hair,” she admitted, noting the financial burden of purchasing a wig made from real hair, costing €1,900.

Rachel’s journey did not end there. She learned she had the Brca2 gene, which increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, but opted against having her ovaries and breasts surgically removed. Instead, after completing chemotherapy and immunotherapy, she underwent a lumpectomy and is now on regular surveillance, receiving annual mammograms and MRIs.

The lack of local resources and support for cancer patients became apparent to Rachel as she traveled to Dublin for treatment. “When you’re on treatment, the last thing you want is to travel to Dublin for counselling or group meetings due to exhaustion,” she noted. Rachel emphasized the loneliness and fear that often accompany a cancer diagnosis, stating, “Only those who have lived through or are on that journey truly realize that.”

As a mother to Seán (17), Ellie (13), and Jamie (8), Rachel found motivation in her children. “I needed to get up and show them that I am strong,” she reflected. Her family’s support has been crucial in her recovery process.

Rachel has taken significant steps to give back to the community and support others facing similar battles. She has organized a meet-up for cancer patients on August 19 and a follow-up exercise and health workshop aimed at those recovering from cancer. “There is no after-care to cancer; you are left to swim yourself, and mental health can suffer,” she said. She hopes that this new group will provide vital support to individuals navigating their cancer journeys.

For those interested in learning more about Rachel’s initiatives or offering support, she can be reached at [email protected]. Rachel’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection and the need for accessible resources for cancer patients.

As Rachel continues her journey, she urges others to recognize the signs of breast cancer. According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), the most important indicator is the presence of a lump, but most breast lumps—nine in ten—are not cancerous. The HSE advises individuals to consult their GP if they notice changes such as a new lump, changes in breast shape or size, or unusual discharge from the nipple.

Rachel Mullen’s experience illustrates the critical nature of self-awareness and proactive health measures. Her story highlights not just the struggles of battling cancer but also the power of community and family support in overcoming life’s challenges.