Mum shares her breast cancer story

Date of release: 31 October 2023

An NHS receptionist who developed a rash on her chest was shocked to be given a breast cancer diagnosis and is sharing her story to urge others to seek medical advice if they notice any changes in their bodies.

Mother-of-two Yvette Booth, who works at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), was diagnosed with grade three breast cancer six years ago.

And she “thanks her lucky stars” she made a GP appointment for the rash on her chest as breast cancer never crossed her mind.

The 52-year-old was fast-tracked for a mammogram, and a few days later she was confirmed to have three tumours plus nine infected lymph nodes in her right arm.

Yvette’s treatment started with six months of chemotherapy, followed by a mastectomy, and a full lymph node clearance.

“Who would have thought a simple rash would lead to a breast cancer diagnosis”, said Yvette.

“I always think that if I didn’t get seen that day, how far would the cancer have spread before I knew and I possibly wouldn’t be able to have the treatment I have had.”

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Yvette had a complete breast reconstruction undergoing intensive surgery to remove skin from her stomach to make a new breast. She also had her ovaries removed due to her cancer being hormone related.

Now Yvette is feeling well, she is thankful to RWT’s Surgeons and Breast Care Nurses for their compassion and care through such a daunting time.

Mr Senthurun Mylvaganam, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at RWT, said: “Every patient’s breast cancer journey is unique. For Yvette, this involved removing her of cancer, reducing her risk of it returning and then also ensuring we addressed her wellbeing and ability to live beyond her cancer treatment with a quality of life.

“As a surgeon my responsibility is to guide and support patients through that journey. You become greatly invested in them and it provides immense pleasure when they can complete that journey and look to their life beyond cancer.”

In June this year, Yvette underwent nipple tattooing treatment which she said made her feel confident “and able to conquer the world.”

The most frightening part of her experience was having to break the news of her cancer to her two boys but the family vowed they would “fight it together”, and they did exactly that. Her sons, Sam Booth, 22, and Alex Booth, 20, braved the shave and raised more than £7,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

As well as having annual mammograms, Yvette will be supported by the Oncology Team and on medication or at least 10 years.

“I want to encourage anyone who notices any change to their body to get checked out,” she said.

“Breast cancer doesn’t always start with a lump so if you are unsure, please contact your GP.”