A Portadown woman has bravely shared her “life-saving journey” to highlight the importance of nationwide charity, Action Cancer in an effort to help bolster their latest fundraiser.
Nicola Somerville (50) lives in Portadown with her husband Gareth and their three children, Jack (22), Rachel (20) and San (16).
She works in HR for the Southern Health and Social Trust and loves spending time with her family and going on long walks with her two cocker spaniels, Lily and Rodney.
In 2023, Nicola attended one of the charity’s specialised Big Bus events and it was this screening service that led to the discovery of her cancer.
Speaking to Action Cancer, Nicola explained: “I have availed of breast screenings on board the Big Bus since age 40. I attended every two years. If there wasn’t a Big Bus visit happening in my area when my appointment was due, I was willing to travel 30 minutes down the road so that I could access it.”
Following her fifth visit to the Big Bus – supported by Centra and SuperValu – in May 2023, Nicola received a letter 10 days later to say that something had been detected and that further investigation was required.
“I was slightly concerned that something was wrong as I hadn’t been recalled before,” said Nicola.
She attended the Breast Clinic at Craigavon Area Hospital on June 19 with her husband Gareth. Nicola had a physical examination by a doctor who said she could feel thickening in the right breast.
Nicola then had an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsies.
She continued: “As the morning wore on, I was getting more and more concerned that something was seriously wrong. You see everyone else coming and going from the waiting area and you’re still there being called back in again.
“I was just wishing that I was one of those other women. I just knew that I was going to walk away that day with bad news.”
After a number of hours, Nicola and her husband were called in to see the doctor and the Breast Nurse. Nicola was told that it was very likely that she had breast cancer but she had to await the outcome of the biopsy results before it was confirmed.
“On receiving this news, I felt numb but my biggest concern was not for me but my family. My mum had passed away 11 months to this day and I just thought how on earth am I going to tell my dad and sister this devastating news?”
On Friday June 23, Nicola was called in for an appointment to be told that the biopsy results confirmed lobular breast cancer and she would first need a mastectomy surgery, followed by radiotherapy.
Lymph nodes were taken for testing but unfortunately this revealed that cancer was present in three of them.
“This news meant that my treatment plan had to now change,” said Nicola. “I was also going to need six sessions of chemotherapy.
“This news was really upsetting to me because my youngest didn’t want me to lose my hair. I have had long blonde hair all my life and it was a big part of my identity.”
Following Nicola’s treatment plan, she is now on Tamoxifen for the next five years and a preventative cancer inhibitor for two years.
She said: “We’re really fortunate to have this free service. I am very thankful for the Big Bus offering free breast screening in local communities, it really is life-saving.”
Action Cancer say there is “really no doubt” that the screening service saves lives. They provide – with the support of public generosity – 8,000 screenings every year to women aged 40-49 and 70+.
It costs £120 to provide one breast screening and Action Cancer receives no direct government funding.
They have now launched a Winter Raffle with the draw to take place on Friday, December 12. All stubs must be returned with payment before December 8 to ensure entry to the draw.
All monies raised from the raffle will help to provide 8,000 screenings at Action Cancer House and on board the Big Bus – which travels to 175 locations each year.
Donations can also be made by visiting Action Cancer’s website here.
