Sunderland mum speaks of cancer battle during Covid-19 pandemic as she urges others to support vital work of Cancer Research UK

A Sunderland mum has opened up about her battle with breast cancer as she urges people to support the vital work of Cancer Research UK during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Ashlea Anderson, 34, was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in May last year.

After finding a lump, the mum-of-three went to get checked out by her GP and was told by doctors that it was cancerous.

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Undergoing a lumpectomy and 11 rounds of chemotherapy, Ashlea then made the decision to have a bilateral mastectomy – the removal of both breasts – to try and prevent her cancer returning.

Ivy and April Anderson taking on sponsored chores for Cancer Research UK.Ivy and April Anderson taking on sponsored chores for Cancer Research UK.
Ivy and April Anderson taking on sponsored chores for Cancer Research UK.

The operation took place in February 2020 – a year after her initial cancer diagnosis.

Ashlea said: “I found a lump that didn’t feel normal so I went to the GP.

“Despite doctors feeling confident that it wouldn’t be anything because I’m young, it was cancerous and the rare triple negative type, which means it doesn’t respond to normal treatments in the same way.

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“I also found I carry the BRAC1 gene mutation, which increases my risk of developing breast cancer and some other cancers.

Ashlea Anderson, 34, with children Ivy and April.Ashlea Anderson, 34, with children Ivy and April.
Ashlea Anderson, 34, with children Ivy and April.

“My children and family are now very much part of this diagnosis as they may carry the gene so will need to be checked, making cancer research so important to my future and that of my family.”

Ashlea had hoped that the bilateral mastectomy would be the end of her treatment, but then she developed necrosis – the death of cells, which required further surgery during the outbreak of Covid-19.

Ashlea, who is mum to Joel, 15, Ivy, 6 and April, 3, is now recovering from the impact of her surgery at home.

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She said: “As well as recovering from surgery, I developed necrosis, which left a hole in my chest that required more treatment in hospital during Covid-19 which was a scary experience.

Ashlea Anderson was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in May 2019.Ashlea Anderson was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in May 2019.
Ashlea Anderson was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in May 2019.

“I also have lasting side effects from chemotherapy which leave me very tired at times so the kids being at home all the time has been quite a challenge.”

But Ashlea’s children have been helping around the house during lockdown, all while raising vital funds for Cancer Research UK.

Joel, Ivy, and April, have been taking part in the charity’s choresome fundraising campaign, doing chores in exchange for sponsorship.

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It comes as the charity expects to see its fundraising income decline by up to 25% in the next financial year, as a direct result of the Covid-19 crisis.

Ashlea, said: “Charities like Cancer Research UK will be hit hard by the current situation and it upsets me to think about what this might mean for people affected by cancer in the years to come.

“We can all play a part, no matter how big or small, in helping to lessen the impact - so I’m proud of the way my children have embraced the challenge and I hope others will do what they can. “

Cancer Research UK is now calling on others to support its work by raising money through initiatives such as its choresome fundraiser.

To get involved visit cruk.org/fundraise

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