Aggressive Breast Cancer Diagnosed During Late Pregnancy for Laura Hudson

Laura Hudson received a diagnosis of an aggressive form of breast cancer during her 36th week of pregnancy with her first child. In the subsequent days, she began preparations for a Caesarean section to deliver her baby, alongside impending chemotherapy and a mastectomy. Laura, who resides in Astley near Wigan, expressed disbelief regarding the events of the past 12 months as she recounted them. She and her husband, Sam, are currently celebrating their daughter Aurora’s first birthday, and the couple shared their profound relief that Laura has been declared cancer-free. Laura, presently 34 years old, stated that she initially became aware of an issue upon discovering a lump in her right breast. Although not excessively worried, she informed her GP, who attributed it to being “most likely to do with pregnancy” and requested her return in two weeks. Laura recounted, “At that next appointment, I thought it had got bigger and the doctor agreed and sent off the request for further checks.” She informed BBC Radio Manchester that she considered herself fortunate to have discovered it and subsequently “follow her instincts” by consulting her GP. Specialists promptly determined she had cancer. Due to the rapid growth of the lump, medical professionals aimed to commence treatment without delay at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust’s facility in Wigan. Laura stated that she and Sam were “so shocked because it’s not something you expect, especially during pregnancy.” She further commented, “My first thought was for my baby.” Aurora was delivered safely at 37 weeks. Although the new family unit spent a few days together, Laura soon had to begin chemotherapy, preceding her mastectomy and breast reconstruction. The treatment administered at the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan proved successful, allowing Laura and Sam to direct their full attention to their baby. Claire Kelly, Laura’s consultant at The Christie, characterized her as an “inspirational woman” who had also increased awareness of the disease through sharing her experience. Dr. Kelly further stated, “A lump is not the only symptom of breast cancer, so it’s important that people check themselves regularly and know what’s normal for them.” Symptoms of breast cancer are available on the NHS website. Laura expressed that she was “so glad” she sought medical attention after discovering the lump, adding, “I don’t know where I’d be if I hadn’t”. She concluded, “.The big message to women is make sure you get it checked.” Laura described life with her daughter as “amazing – she’s made the last year worth going through” and commented, “She’s my aurora in the truest sense of the word, a beautiful light in the dark.” For more from BBC Radio Manchester, listeners can access content on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp at 0808 100 2230. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.