A mother’s life was saved after an unusual incident during laundry chores led to the detection of her cancer. Emma Hall, aged 42, stumbled into a door frame while carrying a load of laundry, inadvertently uncovering a cancer diagnosis.
Living in Gomersal, West Yorkshire, Emma, a mother of two, felt a lump and tenderness in her breast following the accident. Initially disregarded, the persistent lump and diminishing tenderness prompted her unease about a potential issue.
Following various tests and assessments at her general practitioner’s office, medical professionals delivered the heartbreaking news of her breast cancer diagnosis. Post-surgery, a significant portion of the cancer was excised, and subsequent rounds of chemotherapy and radiotherapy aided in reducing its size.
Although Emma has not received a complete clearance from doctors, they have reassured her that the ongoing hormone therapy treatment will help hinder any cancer growth. Since her diagnosis, Emma has actively engaged in fundraising and awareness initiatives, notably participating in Cancer Research UK’s Shine Night Walks alongside 60 friends and family members.
Reflecting on the incident that initiated her journey, Emma recalled, “Days after the accident, the lump persisted. I initially brushed it off, attributing it to other causes and disregarding the concern, given my young age of 39 at the time. Yet, the nagging feeling that something might be wrong persisted, prompting me to seek medical advice.”
During the consultation, coincidentally on Valentine’s Day, Emma mentioned her lack of family history of breast cancer. Despite this, the GP, alarmed by the lump and nipple alterations on her other breast, promptly arranged a referral to the breast clinic.
Subsequent examinations at the clinic led to the likelihood of breast cancer, requiring confirmation through test results. For Emma, what should have been a romantic Valentine’s Day with her partner, Richard, transformed into confronting the possibility of cancer.
Two weeks later, Emma received the devastating confirmation of invasive lobular breast cancer. Invasive lobular breast cancer, the second most prevalent form, originates in the milk-producing glands known as lobules.
In April, Emma underwent a lengthy nine-hour surgery at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield, involving a mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction using tissue from her thigh, termed TUG flap reconstruction. Unfortunately, the surgery revealed cancer spread to her lymph nodes, necessitating further operations and treatment.
Continuing her treatment at the Bexley Wing at St James’ Hospital in Leeds, Emma underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Amidst her treatment, she marked her 40th birthday and her daughter’s GCSE results, events overshadowed by hospital appointments rather than planned celebrations.
Three years later, Emma persists with hormone therapy treatment, aiming to halt any potential cancer growth. She and her husband have redefined Valentine’s Day as Live Life Day.
Since her diagnosis, Emma has actively raised awareness by participating in Cancer Research UK’s Shine Night Walks with a team comprising 60 supporters. The walks, involving a 10km trek in Leeds with glow sticks, serve to raise awareness about breast cancer. The upcoming walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 4.
Emma emphasized, “Participating in events like Shine is crucial in supporting research for life-saving breakthroughs.”
Donations to Emma’s fundraising efforts can be made online.