In January 2023, 37-year-old Lynn-Marie Cowin was at her home when she noticed something unusual about her breast “I had just finished breastfeeding my youngest child and felt we could finally start enjoying life together as a family. We had booked a few trips and holidays together, to make the most of this special time with our four kids. 

“So when I felt a thimble-like lump beside my nipple, I presumed it was hormone related, connected to finishing breastfeeding. However as the days passed by, it became sore and there wasn’t any change in its size or shape. Another woman I know had shared her experience of breast cancer on social media, so I decided I better get myself checked out.”

“I went to my GP, who thought it was hormonal but referred me to the hospital for further investigation. During the mammogram I could tell from the body language and reactions in the room, something wasn’t right. I went back home but within a few hours I was called back in for biopsies.”

In August, Lynn’s results came back and she was diagnosed with breast cancer, stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. Her breast cancer was also non-hereditary.  

“When I went home following the news, I got great support from family and friends. However, I still felt quite lonely. It was tough as I couldn’t stop crying. All I could think about were my babies – they were only 2, 4, 6 and 8.”

“Not long after I had an appointment with my oncologist, she told me about my treatment plan and reassured me once again. Thankfully the cancer hadn’t spread from my lymph nodes so in September I began my AC chemotherapy, which will be followed by Taxol chemotherapy. After that I will have more scans to determine my surgery type, followed by radiation.”

“If I am honest, I have found the chemo very tiring so far. Some days, I could sleep all day and not be able to get out of bed. I find this hard, especially with my young kids. You want to be able to bring them to their football or birthday parties, but sometimes you just aren’t able. I am trying to listen to my body though, and give it what it needs.”

“I am finding it hard to let my husband take the reins while I recover, as admittedly I’m a bit of a control freak! He has been amazing though, he lost his own mam to cancer only two years ago. She was an amazing woman, only 62, so it’s still very raw. It’s been hard for him to now watch me go through this.”

On advice she has found helpful so far, Lynn says “It’s so important to talk about what’s happening to you and your body. I think if I locked myself away and didn’t share, my mind would be absorbed by negativity. Being positive is important, of course it’s easier said than done. I try to put my trust in my oncology team, and know that they are doing their job.”

Lynn decided to get her family and community involved in fundraising for the Irish Cancer Society “I had to shave my head the other week as my hair was falling out from the chemo. So we had a little get together at home, with my kids and their friends, they all dyed their hair and we wore our Irish Cancer Society t-shirts.

“In November we are also holding another fundraiser in my community, another Shave or Dye event with lots of information on the signs and symptoms of cancer. I don’t want it to be a sad occasion, so there will be lots of music and fun. In my mind, I want to twist what’s happened and try make it something more positive. I ask myself, what can my family and community gain from my experience?”