‘Go as soon as you’re invited ... it could save your life’
Lynn Baird (52) lives in Carrickfergus with husband Ian and daughter Elin (16). Seven years ago, she attended Action Cancer’s Big Bus for a mammogram and received the all-clear. Once she turned 50 she was called for a routine breast screening through the NHS.
“I received the letter in April 2017 and went to the screening bus when it came to Whiteabbey. Following my appointment, I was diagnosed with Stage O cancer. I had a full mastectomy on June 1, which coincided perfectly with the first day of my daughter’s GCSE exams! I elected to have reconstruction too,” she says.
Unfortunately, despite all seeming to have gone well, after 10 days Lynn developed a severe infection due to the host area rejecting what she refers to as “the new boob”. She explains: “I had to go back to surgery to have it removed. I had excellent care from all at Antrim Hospital, from the breast care nurses (in particular, Cheryl), the surgeon, Mr McFall, and all the nurses and staff on C2 ward. Nor can I forget Kevin, the physio who put me through my paces for the 19 days I was there.
“I was so fortunate that I did not have to have chemo or radiotherapy, nor do I have to take medication. I was told that the breast cancer would not have been picked up had I not taken up my invitation to have a mammogram.
“I was fortunate, too, that my diagnosis was early and I can only urge other women to go as soon as they are invited for their routine screening. Early detection saves lives. I will be going for my annual scan soon and am hoping that I will be cancer free in my remaining ‘boob’.”
Lynn will take part in The Bra Walk on Friday with her daughter and a group of friends.
“We want to raise money so that Action Cancer can continue to provide their early detection services. I was shocked at the number of young women in the waiting room each time I attended my appointment. It is important to take the time to book yourself an appointment.