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Breast Cancer Stories | Laura Ainsworth, 36
Posted by Claire Boote, on October 23, 2020.
Estimated reading time: 1 minute(s)
In the middle of lockdown, Laura Ainsworth, a 35 year-old mother of two from Derbyshire, was diagnosed with breast cancer. However, if it hadn’t been for Laura’s child, she would never have considered a breast screening.
One morning, in the early days of lockdown, Laura was playing with her two-year-old who accidently kicked her in the left breast. The area felt sore soLaura felt around her breast. She discovered a lump. Initially, Laura dismissed the discomfort as bruising from the kick and so decided to ignore the ache. Yet, a week later, the lump remained.
Laura’s partner, whose mother had passed away from breast cancer, persuaded her to ring the GP who, after a phone consultation due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was told to wait and observe the lump’s progression over the next few weeks.
With the lump still prominent a few weeks later, Laura was referred to the breast unit in Derby. Again, due to Covid-19 precautions, Laura attended her appointment alone with little reason to consider anything malign; she had no family history of cancer and had breastfed both children.
Unfortunately, an ultrasound revealed two lumps in the left breast and one in her lymph nodes. After a biopsy and mammogram, Laura attended the next appointment with partner when she was told she did indeed have breast cancer. Both were understandably distraught and questioned how they were going to tell their children.
Laura faced multiple challenges following her diagnosis. Alongside the physical and psychological impacts of chemo, coupled with the stresses of lockdown, Laura had to face the emotional reality of considering her mortality and missing her children grow-up. This resulted in the difficult decision to take her daughter out of school and not send her son to preschool.
But throughout the trials and tribulations, Laura has faced her diagnosis with bravery and advises: “Never take life for granted and appreciate everything! The NHS are amazing, and I feel so lucky that I’ve been able to have treatment so quickly, as I know in some areas treatments have been delayed.
For those recently diagnosed or concerned about their breasts, Laura adds: “Go to your GP! Early diagnosis is key and NO-ONE is immune to breast cancer.”
As part of their collaboration with Future Dreams, Royce Lingerie gave Laura a post-surgery bra to help her through her treatment. Laura says: “[The bra] felt like a small piece of goodness in a very dark situation. Plus, I had a call with a fabulous lady who discussed bra sizing and personal needs.
“In a time where I felt scared, lonely and fearing the unknown, Future Dreams and Royce Lingerie gave me something to smile about. Thank you!”
