The terrifying moment I was told I had breast cancer aged 23
AIR STEWARDESS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER AGED 23 SHARES MOVING STORY TO HELP SAVE LIVES
IT was like an out of body experience when Charlotte Evans was told she had breast cancer at the age of 23.
In a state of shock, the young woman started laughing uncontrollably as doctors explained the devastating news.
Charlotte, now 25, had been aware of breast cancer ever since her mum was diagnosed with the disease 12 years ago.
When she found a lump in her own breast in April 2017, Charlotte initially assumed it was hormone related and felt reassured when her doctor turned her away because of how young she was.
But when she noticed changes to the lump, she booked another appointment with her GP and took her mum along.
Shortly afterwards, Charlotte set off on a romantic break with her boyfriend Adam, and when they returned Charlotte went to the clinic for her test results.
“They sat me down and said ‘you have breast cancer’ and because of the shock I just started laughing uncontrollably,” says Charlotte.
“It was an out of body experience and I don’t think I took any of what they were saying in.
“I just remember my mum grabbing my leg and letting out a horrified gasp.
“It didn’t register with me for months to be honest. I just said ‘I cannot lose my hair.’”
In the months that followed Charlotte underwent chemotherapy, a double mastectomy, breast reconstruction and a course of radiotherapy at The Christie.
She opted for ‘cold cap’ treatment so she didn’t lose her hair.
Charlotte’s treatment also forced a discussion about her fertility much sooner than she and Adam had planned.
“I started IVF just before my chemotherapy began and I remember going to the hospital with Adam thinking it was a joke that we had to think about this at our age,” she explains.
“It felt as though we were in a parallel universe. I knew one day I wanted to have a family but going through IVF treatment at 23 felt so premature.
“Adam was 24 and he hadn’t signed up for this; fertility treatment, hospital appointments, bathing me when I didn’t have the energy. But he took it all in his stride and I can’t thank him and our families enough for all that they have done for me.
“Now I can see how important it was for me to take those precautionary steps for our future together.”
Charlotte, who works as cabin crew for easyJet, says being diagnosed with cancer at such a young
age forced her to grow up quickly. She finished radiotherapy a year ago and is now back at work after 16 months off.
“There are no words, you’ll never think it will happen to you,” she explains. “I had to grow up so quickly and it was hard but I always tried to stay positive.
“I would go to my chemo appointments wearing the clothes and makeup that made me feel good, and I would just deal with it.
“A diagnosis of breast cancer is lifechanging, but it makes you appreciate everything so much more. As a teenager, it was really tough seeing my mum go through breast cancer, but it made our family closer.
“When I turned 22 I had a thought one day, just out of the blue, about whether or not I would be diagnosed at some stage in my life.
“I didn’t think it would be at 23, but you’re never too young.”
Charlotte is sharing her story as part of the ‘Life-saving Journeys’ partnership, which sees charities Breast Cancer Now and Prostate Cancer UK join forces with her employer.
The six-week collaboration, which last year raised more than £430,000 for cutting-edge research, hopes to raise even more money through its on-board collections this autumn. Charlotte says: “It feels really special knowing that money raised by easyJet passengers and crew during this campaign will be supporting Breast Cancer Now and Prostate Cancer UK.
“As well as my own diagnosis of breast cancer, and my mum’s, my grandad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 and has since made a full recovery, so both organisations are close to my heart.” She added: “Going back to work after 16 months off was tough, but easyJet were hugely understanding and supportive and I’m so pleased to be back at work in a job I love. “I want to thank all of our passengers for their donations. This money will provide hope for so many by helping to fund vital research into these horrible diseases.”
Docs blast cancer service reform plan: Page 28
It didn’t register with me for months... I just said ‘I cannot lose my hair’
Charlotte Evans