Sean Scanlon and his wife Zoe had been married just nine months when they received devastating news: Zoe, only 30 years old and healthy, had breast cancer. Cancer was not on their radar. Their lives became a waking nightmare. But now, ten months later, Zoe is cancer-free and on medication to prevent recurrence. Looking back, Sean says it is utterly incredible that they are here. It is a miracle.
A Love Story Interrupted
Zoe and Sean met at university, became best friends instantly, and started dating in 2015. She was and still is utterly hilarious with an infectious smile. In 2022, Sean proposed on a beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic. It felt natural, and he was over the moon to start the next chapter. They married in 2024, a day filled with emotions and surrounded by loved ones. They planned to start a family soon after, wanting many children. Zoe, a primary school teacher, was drawn to children as a vocation. But the cancer diagnosis changed everything. This is the start of a new chapter.
The Discovery
During a school trip, Zoe first noticed a small lump under her armpit, just 2mm, causing discomfort and clearly visible. Despite thinking it might be a cyst, she booked a GP appointment. She was referred for tests, a biopsy, and a mammogram, but never expected the worst news of their lives. Zoe received her results straight after the mammogram and ultrasound, with her mother by her side. When doctors broke the news of breast cancer, it was a devastating shock. She called Sean at work immediately; he heard the fear in her voice and rushed home, stunned and petrified, but determined to be strong.
From Early Stage to Metastatic
Initially diagnosed as Grade 2 breast cancer, described as early stage, a few weeks later a PET scan revealed the cancer had spread to her pelvis. It was now metastatic, which doctors said was incurable. It was the worst day imaginable. They went home crying for days. Genetic testing later revealed Zoe carried the BRCA2 gene variation, significantly increasing her risk. The diagnosis was crushing, but they were determined to fight. Zoe's father had survived bowel cancer that spread to his liver despite a less than 5% chance, so they adopted his approach: changing to a purely organic, healthy diet, removing processed foods, exercising, and focusing on staying as healthy as possible during chemotherapy.
Treatment and Triumph
Doctors explained Zoe needed seven rounds of chemotherapy, followed by lifelong medication. Surgery was not initially an option because the cancer had spread to her bones, making a double mastectomy not recommended. Everything moved quickly. Zoe began chemo almost immediately, losing all her hair, and started hormone therapy to suppress her ovaries, inducing early menopause. It was horrendous, but her constant positivity was inspiring. She could run and do pilates between chemo rounds, surprising even the oncologists and nurses. After seven rounds over five months, the results were incredible: the cancer in her pelvis was no longer detectable. The relief was immense. Even better, this made her eligible for a double mastectomy now, removing the primary source of cancer for better long-term control. Zoe was now on a curative pathway, something they had not dared hope for.
Surgery and Ongoing Care
The surgery was successful, and remaining cancer cells in her lymph nodes were removed. Zoe then began an oral chemotherapy drug she will take for three years, after which she might have her ovaries removed as a preventative measure. She will also undergo radiotherapy. Sean remains nervous; Zoe has a CT scan every three or four months, and waiting for results is a horrible experience they must live with.
Fundraising and Support
Throughout this journey, fundraising has been a source of strength and purpose for Sean. Running has been a mental outlet, and raising money and awareness feels like a way he can help. He ran the London Marathon for Prevent Breast Cancer last weekend, raising over £65,000 to help find new ways of preventing breast cancer. Zoe joined him for the final parts of his long runs, helping with the last 5-7k, which was a huge boost. Mentally, they are both doing great and are truly in their healthy era. Their wedding vows have been tested and they passed.
Looking Forward
Now they feel they can finally move ahead with the married life they planned. They plan to start a family through surrogacy and live life to the full.
