Woman Discovers Life-Saving Breast Cancer Diagnosis While in Bed

When Rachel Mullen leaned over in bed to nudge her husband, Paul, in an effort to stop his snoring, she stumbled upon a lump that would change her life. The mother of three from Meath, Ireland, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022 after discovering the lump during what she thought was a routine moment.

Initially dismissing the lump as insignificant, Rachel decided to visit her general practitioner. She recalled, “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.” Alone at the clinic, she faced the devastating news without her family, saying, “It was only later that I rang my husband Paul and my mam, and I was inconsolable.”

The journey from that moment was filled with anxiety. Rachel gradually came to terms with the fact that she had missed several warning signs. “I don’t remember the walk from the Mater hospital because I couldn’t believe I had missed all the red flags,” she reflected. The diagnosis revealed triple-negative breast cancer with a two-inch tumour, and Rachel was told she needed 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. A blood test in the genetics department of Crumlin Children’s Hospital added more stress, as she felt out of place among younger patients.

Rachel’s treatment journey included chemotherapy, but complications left her hospitalized for three weeks. She ultimately changed her medication, which allowed her to keep her hair for eleven weeks before it began to fall out. “I grieved every day for my hair,” she shared. The cost of a real-hair wig reached €1,900, but with a €500 grant and her health insurance covering another €900, she was left with a bill of €500. “If you have no insurance, you are really left behind in this country,” she lamented.

Rachel also faced a diagnosis of the Brca2 gene, which increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Despite this, she opted against having her ovaries and breasts removed. After undergoing a lumpectomy, she remains on surveillance with annual mammograms and MRIs, as well as various follow-up appointments. “There is a history of breast cancer in my family, but I was told I wasn’t suitable to be tested for the gene because my parents hadn’t got cancer,” she explained.

As Rachel navigated her treatment, she noticed a distinct lack of local resources and support for cancer patients. “When you’re on treatment, the last thing you want is to travel to Dublin for counselling or group meetings due to exhaustion,” she stated. The journey can feel isolating, something she understands all too well.

“My three children, Séan (17), Ellie (13), and Jamie (8), have kept me going,” Rachel said. She shared a poignant moment when her son Jamie encouraged her to show strength, remarking, “Mammy put your big girl pants on!” This moment inspired her to maintain resilience in the face of adversity.

Rachel is now advocating for increased awareness and earlier detection of breast cancer. “I’ve noticed younger women and men being diagnosed every day, and it seems to be getting as common as getting a cold,” she remarked. She believes that prevention is better than cure, and emphasizes the importance of awareness surrounding available screenings.

To support others experiencing similar challenges, Rachel has organized a meet-up for cancer patients on August 19 and plans to host a follow-up exercise and health workshop. “There is no after-care to cancer; you are left to swim yourself, and mental health can suffer,” she noted.

For anyone interested in joining Rachel’s initiative or seeking support, she can be contacted at [email protected].

Rachel’s story highlights the critical importance of awareness, timely medical intervention, and community support in the fight against cancer.