A New Mum's Unexpected Cancer Diagnosis
In August 2021, Keisha Chadwick, a 28-year-old trainee nurse and new mother, received a life-altering diagnosis: triple-negative breast cancer. Sitting alone in a doctor's office, she was told she had an aggressive form of cancer that primarily affects younger women, just seven weeks after welcoming her daughter Milana into the world.
The Early Signs and Initial Reassurance
Before giving birth, Keisha had begun massaging her breasts to prepare for milk production and noticed a lump. Assuming it was a normal change due to pregnancy, she dismissed it. Her pregnancy proceeded without complications, and Milana was born healthy at 39 weeks, weighing 6lb 5oz.
The first weeks of motherhood were challenging, as Keisha battled sepsis and Covid-19 in the hospital. Eager to move past these health issues, she looked forward to bonding with her newborn. However, while pumping milk, she felt the lump again and, encouraged by her mother, visited her GP.
Her doctor initially suspected a blocked milk duct but referred her for a biopsy. At the breast clinic, medical staff reassured her, noting that milk-filled breasts were a positive sign, leading Keisha to put her concerns aside temporarily.
The Harsh Reality and Treatment Journey
Three weeks later, the biopsy results confirmed cancer. Triple-negative breast cancer lacks receptors for hormones like oestrogen and progesterone, making standard treatments less effective. Faced with this aggressive diagnosis, Keisha was terrified at the thought of leaving her infant daughter.
Immediately after diagnosis, doctors discussed fertility preservation, as chemotherapy could impact her ability to have more children. Keisha opted to freeze her eggs, hoping for a future family. She endured 18 weeks of grueling chemotherapy, which left her fatigued and hospitalized multiple times due to infections and pneumonia.
Despite the hardships, Keisha managed at home initially, driven by her determination to survive for Milana. Eventually, she and her daughter moved in with her mother, who provided unwavering support by handling night feeds, hospital transport, and daily care while also looking after her own two younger children.
Surgery, Recovery, and a Milestone Victory
After chemotherapy, Keisha underwent 15 rounds of radiotherapy, followed by a mastectomy and lymph node removal. The recovery was painful, limiting her ability to lift or cuddle Milana, which she found heartbreaking. Later, she had a second mastectomy with reconstruction using fat from her legs, marking her most painful surgery yet.
On March 3, 2022—Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day—Keisha received the news she was cancer-free, seven months post-diagnosis. Overwhelmed with emotion, she celebrated by hugging her daughter tightly and, weeks later, took Milana on their first holiday abroad to Fuertaventura.
Life After Cancer and Advocacy Work
Four years on, Keisha cherishes her survival. In 2024, she experienced another miracle: becoming pregnant naturally with her son Presley, now eight months old. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes that breast cancer doesn't only affect older women and urges others to check their bodies and trust their instincts.
Keisha has become an ambassador for the charity Prevent Breast Cancer, participating in fundraisers like walking a mile daily to honor families affected by the disease. She advocates for early detection, noting that life after diagnosis is possible and that strength can coexist with fear.
Breast Cancer Awareness and Symptoms
According to the NHS, key symptoms of breast cancer include:
- A new lump or thickened tissue in the breast
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Nipple discharge, swelling in the armpits, or skin changes like dimpling
- Rashes or redness around the nipple area
Organizations like CoppaFeel! recommend regular self-checks by looking and feeling for abnormalities across the chest and armpit areas. Keisha's story underscores the importance of vigilance, as early detection can save lives and redefine survival narratives.
