A Mom's Difficult Battle with Breast Cancer
- When mom-of-three Kirsty Naylor, 34, noticed that her right nipple was inverted, she knew it was strange, but she never thought it could be a symptom of breast cancer.
- Now, 18 months later, she is still going through treatment after a difficult journey so far. Luckily, she had gone in to see a doctor immediately, or the cancer could have been much more progressed.
- In addition to being aware of any changes to your breast, make sure that you are performing self-checks at home and annually with your doctor. If you haven’t yet gotten a routine mammogram, decide with your doctor when may be best to start incorporating this important screening method into your healthcare routine.
Fortunately, she checked it out immediately … but unfortunately, her doctors found two tumors in her breast after a scan.
Read MoreOne year-and-a-half later, Kristy, now age 36, is still suffering. She was able to get through her therapy, but the intense experience coupled with the strict regulations from the pandemic, put a strain on the family and taking care of the children. Kristy is still unable to walk easily at times due to side effects from chemotherapy and is just starting radiation next month.
Luckily, she has the support of her husband and the kids’ father, Dale Young, 46, who stepped up to the plate in a major way to look after Ella, 16, Evie, 6, and Eila, 4. Kristy’s mother moved in the family’s home to help.
"My three girls have been absolutely fantastic,” Kirsty said, though she admitted it’s been more challenging for her oldest daughter Ella. “My youngest two didn't really know what was going on. They wanted to help and look after me. But were most concerned about me losing my hair!”
Sharing Her Story for a Purpose
Though times have been very difficult to say the least, Kristy has been a trooper, and is getting through by raising awareness about her battle.
The Manchester, England native recorded her story, and the audio will be played to Cancer Research UK Race for Life participants, right near the starting line. Kristy’s story is one of six that will be playing in various areas throughout the UK.
“I hope my story will help connect with people in the moments before they set off on the Race for Life course. It's a privilege to have the chance through the audio recording at Race for Life events to thank the amazing people who are fundraising to support life-saving research.”
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
When noticing any changes in your normal body function or appearance, getting it checked out with a medical professional immediately is always wise. Kirsty has had it rough, but she likely caught her cancer just in time.
In addition to symptom’s like Kirsty’s with an inverted nipple, be on the lookout for:
- A new breast lump
- New swelling in one breast
- Changes in the nipple or breast (such as puckering)
- Redness or flaking in the nipple or breast
- Discharge (including blood) from the nipple
- Pain in the breast
An Introduction to Breast Cancer Symptoms & Diagnosis
In addition to being aware of any changes to your breast, make sure that you are performing self-checks at home and annually with your doctor. If you haven’t yet gotten a routine mammogram, decide with your doctor when may be best to start incorporating this important screening method into your health-care routine.
Family history is important, and genetic testing is also a good idea to assess any risk that you may have when it comes to this too-common disease.
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