Young Lawyer’s Battle with Stage 4 Cancer Sparks Awareness

At just 31 years old, Mary Golden, a solicitor from Mayo, faced an unexpected and life-altering diagnosis: stage 3 breast cancer. This shocking news came shortly after she had been engaged and while she was building her career in Dublin. Initially attributing her chest pains to a recovery from Covid-19, Mary sought medical help, leading to a series of tests that would change her life forever.

From Engagement to Diagnosis

Mary’s journey began when she visited the Accident and Emergency department, experiencing chest pain after recovering from Covid-19. Although she was sent home with anti-inflammatory medications, her symptoms worsened two weeks later. Following a referral to a rapid response unit, she endured an ultrasound, biopsy, and mammogram.

Three weeks later, the devastating news arrived: she had a tumor on her chest wall, and subsequent tests confirmed it was stage 3 breast cancer. As Mary reflected on her diagnosis, she expressed gratitude for the early detection, especially given her age and lack of family history of breast cancer. “Looking back on it now, I’m very lucky the way that my cancer was picked up,” she stated. “I was under the age where they’re looking for it, and I have no family history.”

Mary’s cancer was aggressive, growing from 3.5 cm to 10 cm in just seven weeks. Despite the challenges, she underwent egg preservation treatment before starting her cancer therapy, a decision made necessary by the nature of her diagnosis.

A Grueling Treatment Journey

Mary’s treatment plan was extensive, involving eight cycles of intravenous chemotherapy, a full mastectomy, 21 sessions of radiotherapy, and six months of oral chemotherapy. On her penultimate day of radiotherapy, she received further alarming news: her thymus gland was inflamed. While doctors could not confirm it was cancer due to the area’s complex blood vessel structure, they indicated that it was highly likely.

“It was quite a worrying time,” Mary recalled. “The fact that this developed after all the chemotherapy you got is very worrying.” Given two treatment options, she chose to continue with her oral chemotherapy before transitioning to immunotherapy.

Throughout her battle, Mary has been proactive in raising awareness about breast cancer, particularly among younger women. “Now that I’m involved with the cancer community, there’s a lot more women that get diagnosed younger,” she noted. Her own experience inspired her to share her journey through social media, emphasizing the importance of regular breast checks. “I was the exact same — it wasn’t on my radar; that was something for down the road.”

According to the Health Service Executive (HSE), the most important sign of breast cancer is a lump, and women are encouraged to consult their general practitioner if they notice any changes in their breasts.

Living with Stage 4 Cancer

Following her most recent diagnosis, Mary learned she would need to live with stage 4 cancer, which is classified as incurable. Despite this, she was fortunate to receive positive news after recent scans showed no signs of disease. “Coming off the treatment was like coming back to life,” she described, noting the physical toll that chemotherapy took on her energy levels and overall quality of life.

Mary’s mental health became a priority throughout her treatment. “When I first got diagnosed, I was too afraid to make any plans,” she reflected. “But I learned it’s essential to take care of your mental health to endure the treatments.” As she navigated her illness, she found a supportive community that helped her cope with the emotional challenges of living with cancer at a young age.

Mary and her husband, Glenn, who proposed just two months before her initial diagnosis, decided to marry not long after her stage 4 diagnosis. They quickly organized a wedding in Mayo, demonstrating their determination to celebrate life amid adversity. “We’ll just book a wedding,” they decided after receiving a series of good scan results.

Mary credits her medical team at the Mater Hospital for accommodating her treatment schedule around significant personal milestones, ensuring she could participate in her hen party and wedding without interruption.

As she adjusted to her new reality, Mary emphasized the loneliness that can accompany a cancer diagnosis at such a young age. “When you’re in your 20s or 30s, everyone’s at the same stage of life together,” she explained. “Then, all of a sudden, you get catapulted into a completely different way of living.”

Mary returned to work in March 2023, marking a significant milestone in her recovery. Although she still undergoes regular check-ups and scans, she is hopeful about her future and optimistic about the treatment options available to her. “If the scans don’t come out the way I want, there are treatment options,” she affirmed.

To young women who may not consider breast cancer a concern, Mary advises, “Start the habit in your 20s. It takes three or four minutes; set a little reminder in your phone once a month and just check your breast.” She encourages finding a supportive community, saying that having people who understand the journey can make a significant difference.

Mary Golden’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and the resilience of the human spirit. Her journey continues to inspire others to take proactive steps in their health and well-being. Follow Mary’s journey on Instagram at @thegoodthebadandthecancer and consider supporting the Mater Hospital Foundation to aid others facing similar battles.