One in a MILLION!
This week we’re recognising the brave story of Roisin Lawlor, 33, from Manchester. She said…
Staring at my ring finger, I couldn’t believe it. ‘We’re married!’ I cried, to my hubby Chris, 37, watching as the gems glistened in the light.
After meeting at a local bar in 2009, we got on like a house on fire and we couldn’t wait to build a future together.
‘I want to have kids after marriage,’ I insisted and so did Chris – it was perfect.
However, after experiencing a lovely Christmas with one another in 2019, our dreams seemingly came to a halt.
‘I’ve found a lump,’ I confessed to Chris after examining myself.
I was in shock.
The following day I attended a GP appointment.
‘We are going to fast track you to the Nightingale Centre at Wythenshawe hospital so they can run some further tests,’ the doctor confirmed, gently.
So, five days later, I had a biopsy and waited for the results to come through.
Deep down, I had a feeling something was wrong, but Chris reassured me.
Two weeks later, on 15 January 2020, me and Chris attended my appointment.
‘The lump is cancerous,’ the consultant revealed.
I’m only 32, how can I have cancer? I thought.
Everything had turned negative so quickly, it was all a bit of a whirlwind.
Having an operation to remove the cancerous lump, the results were a success.
Yet, after everything, I had one thought – children.
‘I don’t even want any now,’ I sobbed to Chris one evening.
Only, I knew my emotions were all over the place.
Our dreams of having a family seemed so far away.
Speaking with the team of consultants, I made the decision to have my eggs harvested and frozen.
This meant we would be able to have children through IVF in the future if we wanted to.
In May 2020, I completed a course of radiotherapy to remove any remaining cancer cells in my body.
And in January last year, I was given the all clear at my yearly checkup appointment.
It was unbelievable news, something I had been dreaming of hearing.
Throughout everything, my family and friends have been the greatest support.
By sharing my story, I hope to spread awareness of breast cancer, especially in young women like myself.
I can see a light at the end of the tunnel, and I’m excited for what the future holds.
Our dreams were far away