A British woman, aged 43, has shared her disbelief upon receiving life-altering news regarding her health, despite experiencing no symptoms.
Emma Johnson, a hairdresser residing in Newcastle, Australia, maintained a vigilant approach to her health, including scheduling annual mammograms since turning 40.
However, in January of this year, she received a diagnosis of stage four breast cancer.
In an interview with FEMAIL, Johnson recounted her experiences leading to this diagnosis.
She shared: “I got the lump examined at the doctor and they told me it was more likely just going to be a funny tissue.
“I couldn’t get in for an ultrasound and a mammogram for four weeks because everywhere was busy and it was Christmas, so I didn’t really worry about it.
“The first week of January was the first time I could get an appointment. As soon as I’d done the ultrasound, a doctor came in and said that it was very hard and I should prepare for it being cancerous.”
Though taken aback, Johnson proceeded with a biopsy the next day, which confirmed dire results.
She learned she had a double-positive and aggressive form of breast cancer.
Initially informed that it was stage two and potentially treatable, she received more distressing news within a fortnight.
Subsequent MRI and PET scans revealed likely cancerous spots on her liver and its spread to lymph nodes, predicting she might have only two years to live.
Johnson explained: “I went in last Tuesday and the surgeon told me that if it was in the liver he wouldn’t be able to operate anymore… and that he was going to move me on to an oncologist.
“They told me they’re not sure ‘what path’ we can take. They said there’s no surgery, there’s no chemo and that I’ll be given a hormone injection every 28 days and two pills to take a day.
“I have cried and I’ve gone down that ‘Oh my god. Why me? Why is this happening?’ path. I’m fit. I go to gym every day. I’m healthy. I don’t eat rubbish. I did like a drink (I’ve completely stopped now) but I just would never have imagined in a million years that I’d sit there and someone would tell me I have stage four cancer.”
Seeking alternative options, Johnson and her family are looking into a treatment clinic in Mexico and aim to fundraise.
The clinic has a history of successful outcomes, and the family hopes it might extend her time with her partner and his two sons.