Makeover for special mum

Mar 14 2010 by Francesca Craggs, Sunday Sun

JACKIE Sexton’s battle with breast cancer has led to an unbreakable bond with daughter Shannon. FRANCESCA CRAGGS treats them to a Mother’s Day makeover.

TWELVE-YEAR-OLD Shannon Sexton is proud of her mum.

And she should be very proud of herself too. The bubbly 12-year-old from Kenton, Newcastle, has not only supported mum Jackie through her eight-year battle with breast cancer, she is also helping raise thousands of pounds for the cause.

Discovering you have breast cancer is devastating for any woman. For 41-year-old Jackie however, the blow was twice as cruel.

As well as being a single mum with a young child to care for, she was struck down by the disease not once, but twice.

Jackie, originally from Limerick in Ireland, found a lump in her right breast in January 2002.

“I went to pull up my bra and found a hard lump the size of a marble. I went to the doctor immediately and was sent straight to the RVI. I didn’t have any choice but to have a mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy and reconstructive surgery.” she said.

All was well until Jackie went for a routine mammogram in October 2007.

“They found a second tumour in the left breast. They carried out a lumpectomy but it didn’t work and they found more tumours.

“The only option was a second mastectomy, followed by reconstructive surgery again. Instead of breast implants, I opted for a procedure called a Tram Flap where skin and tissue is taken from your back or stomach and transplanted on to the breast.

“There is no history of breast cancer in my family, but the second time I was diagnosed I discovered I carry the faulty gene TP53.

“My advice to other women would be if you find a lump, don’t ignore it. Go to the doctor’s straight away as the longer you leave it, the worse it can be.”

Jackie finished her last session of Herceptin last July and has six-monthly check-ups at the RVI’s department of oncology.

Both Shannon and Jackie have found great comfort and support from the Macmillan nurses who have helped them through their ordeal.

Jackie said: “I couldn’t have done it without help from the Macmillan nurses. The first time you see them you get a fright as you associate them with people dying of cancer, but that’s really not the case.

“They are a mine of information and offer both practical and emotional support. They are there for all the family and come to see you in hospital or in your home.

“They even supported my mother when she came over from Ireland to look after Shannon. Macmillan also have a website aimed at children and teenagers which Shannon found a great help.”

Shannon said: “I was too young to understand the first time, but I was nine the second time and understood more. I was devastated and had lots of thoughts and questions running through my head. I had family and friends but they didn’t know what to say to me.

“It was easier to talk to someone I didn’t know. The Macmillan nurses came and asked if I was OK. I think they are really good and really helpful.”

Mum and daughter were so grateful to Macmillan, they become volunteers for the charity. With help from Jackie’s friend Helen Anderson, a fellow breast cancer patient whom she met while having treatment, they raised £4,500 by holding a Starlight Supper.

The event, in association with Smooth Radio, was part of a nationwide fundraiser which encouraged people to hold dinner parties with proceeds going to Breast Cancer Care, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie’s Big Build and Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

Organised in just five weeks, Jackie and Shannon hosted a dinner for 105 people at the Newcastle Falcons rugby ground including an auction, bands, and bingo. Brave Shannon also made a speech in honour of her mum.

Jackie said: “We really wanted to pay Macmillan back. The event was such a success and we were so pleased that we raised so much money. We want next year’s event to be even bigger and better. Shannon had a lot to do with its success.

“There wasn’t a dry eye in the house after her speech. I am really proud of her and want to thank her for being there for me.”

Shannon said: “I would like to say well done for being so brave, thank you for always being there and you are the best mam in the world.”