Woman’s Sharp Diagnosis After Nudge Saves Her Life

Rachel Mullen’s life took an unexpected turn when she discovered a lump in her breast after leaning over to wake her husband, Paul, during one of his snoring episodes. This seemingly minor action led to a critical diagnosis of breast cancer, marking a pivotal moment in her life.

Initially dismissing the lump as inconsequential, the mother of three from Meath, Ireland, visited the 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,” Rachel recalled. The gravity of her situation struck her hard when she later contacted Paul, feeling inconsolable as she absorbed the reality of her diagnosis.

After a harrowing two-week wait, Rachel learned that she had triple negative breast cancer with a two-inch tumour. She required 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,” she said. As part of her treatment, Rachel underwent chemotherapy, but a reaction to the medication resulted in a prolonged hospital stay and a change in her treatment plan.

Despite the challenges, Rachel managed to keep her hair for eleven weeks before it began to fall out. “I grieved every day for my hair,” she expressed. The financial burden of treatment became evident when she had to pay €1,900 for a wig made of real hair, receiving minimal support from insurance. “If you have no insurance, you are really left behind in this country,” she noted, emphasizing the struggles faced by those without coverage.

In addition to her treatment, Rachel discovered she carried the Brca2 gene, which increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Despite this, she opted against a mastectomy and radiotherapy after completing her chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Instead, she had a lumpectomy and now participates in regular scans and appointments as part of her surveillance plan.

Rachel’s journey has highlighted the lack of local resources and support for cancer patients. “Having cancer is a very lonely and scary time for anyone,” she said. The necessity of travelling to Dublin for treatment added to her exhaustion, making it difficult to access vital support services.

“I have three children—Seán, 17, Ellie, 13, and Jamie, 8. They have kept me going and have been my focus,” Rachel stated, reflecting on the strength her family provides. Recognizing the need for community support, she has organized a meeting for cancer patients on August 19, along with a follow-up exercise and health workshop to assist those navigating life post-cancer.

Rachel is determined to raise awareness about breast cancer and the signs to look out for. According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), the most important sign of breast cancer is a lump, with nine in ten breast lumps not being cancerous. Nevertheless, the HSE advises individuals to contact their GP if they notice any unusual changes, such as a new lump or changes in breast shape or size.

As Rachel continues her journey, she remains hopeful for increased awareness and early detection strategies. “I feel prevention is better than cure, and we should have earlier detection and more awareness on all available screening,” she said. Her story serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance regarding health and the need for supportive communities for those battling cancer.

For anyone seeking more information or support, Rachel encourages reaching out via email at [email protected].