Aisling Reilly

Aisling Reilly

‘I thought I was too young to have breast cancer’

An accountant from Longford said she was shocked when she was diagnosed with breast cancer as she was only 32-years’-old.

Aisling Reilly went to her GP after discovering a small lump on her breast and was diagnosed two weeks later.

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“I thought it was only a cyst, but things moved so quickly and I was diagnosed with breast cancer two weeks after finding the lump. It was very hard to process it because I was so young, but I had very little time to stop and think.”

Aisling underwent chemotherapy, a lumpectomy and removal of lymph nodes followed by radiotherapy.

“I started my treatment last August and finished up there in May. It was strange going into the hospital to get my treatment during Covid-19, but I was used to carrying a hand sanitiser and protecting my immune system from the chemo anyway so it wasn’t too much of a challenge.

“I think the biggest challenge for me was the unknown and not having all the answers. I wanted to know everything from the drugs I was on, to all the potential side effects. It really helped me to talk about it, and to reach out to people who were going through something similar. I joined a Facebook page for young people with breast cancer and it really helped to share experiences with others. If I had any advice it would be to reach out and talk, and take the help from other people.”

Aisling also urged people to know the signs of breast cancer and to take urgent action.

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“It’s so important to know what to look out for and to act quickly. I was lucky and had an awful lot of support during my journey and I urge people to take all the support that is available. The work of the Irish Cancer Society is incredible and just knowing their support is there is invaluable.”

Aisling Reilly with husband
Contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line

If you or someone in your life is undergoing cancer treatment and are concerned about the coronavirus, you can speak confidentially to an Irish Cancer Society Cancer Nurse through the Freephone Support Line on 1800 200 700.

Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm