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Shingles Symptom Hid Aggressive Cancer
19 Apr
Summary
- A 38-year-old hairdresser's shingles sore masked stage 3 breast cancer.
- She had no obvious cancer symptoms beyond the unrelated shingles.
- Genetic testing revealed a PALB2 mutation, prompting a double mastectomy.
Sarah Jane Withyman, at 38, experienced a painful sore on her breast, initially diagnosed as shingles. This seemingly minor issue, however, led to the unexpected discovery of aggressive stage 3 triple negative breast cancer deep within her chest wall. Withyman had no other discernible symptoms, making the diagnosis surreal.
Following the diagnosis in May 2021, she underwent a lumpectomy and chemotherapy. Despite the challenges, including hospitalization due to side effects, the treatment was supported by pandemic lockdowns, allowing her to focus on recovery. Genetic testing revealed a PALB2 gene mutation, a significant risk factor for several cancers.
Armed with this knowledge, Withyman opted for a preventative double mastectomy in May 2022. Now 43, she continues with regular check-ups, managing the lingering anxiety that accompanies such a diagnosis. She shares her story to encourage others to pay attention to their bodies, emphasizing that her life-saving diagnosis stemmed from an initially dismissed symptom.
