A mother claims that her breast augmentation may have saved her life after it helped her detect a lump that turned out to be cancerous. Tayla Gardiner, a 32-year-old woman from Gravesend, Kent, was showering in January when she felt an itchy 20p coin-sized lump in her right breast. Wanting to rule out anything serious, she contacted her GP, who referred her to a cancer clinic in February. There, an ultrasound and subsequent biopsy revealed that she had Grade III triple-negative invasive ductal breast cancer (TNBC). Despite the lump being only 17mm, Tayla believes that her 450cc breast implant, which enhances her chest size to a 30E, pushed it forward, making it more noticeable.
Reflecting on her experience, Tayla encourages people to perform regular self-checks and seek medical help if they notice any unusual symptoms. She emphasises the importance of being proactive in monitoring one’s health. Tayla shared her journey, stating, “If you have any little thing, if you feel something isn’t right, anything you double-think and is in your mind, I’d go straight to the doctors and get it checked. I wouldn’t wait, I wouldn’t leave it, even if you feel a bit silly.” Her proactive approach to her health led to an early diagnosis, potentially saving her life.
Tayla also expressed concerns about the potential link between her breast augmentation and the cancer diagnosis. She revealed that she experienced kidney and water infections, leading to the discovery that her right breast implant had ruptured. This discovery raised questions for Tayla about the connection between her health issues and the implants. She shared her ordeal, stating, “They took the implant out, and it was yellow, it was so painful because of how long it was there for. It’s such a coincidence that it happened in my right breast where it ruptured.”
Currently, Tayla is awaiting further information on her treatment plan. While she has only experienced tiredness as a symptom, she is prepared to undergo any necessary medical interventions to fight the cancer. Tayla’s journey serves as a reminder of the importance of early detection and seeking medical advice promptly. She noted, “Every day I just walk around thinking ‘I have this cancer in my breast and I just want to cut it out.’ If I left that for a year, I don’t know where I would have been by then.” Tayla’s story highlights the impact of being proactive in monitoring one’s health and advocating for one’s well-being.
The courageous mother hopes that by sharing her story, she can raise awareness about the significance of self-examinations and seeking medical attention if any concerning symptoms arise. Her experience serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of early detection in cancer treatment. Tayla’s proactive approach to her health, coupled with her advocacy for regular self-checks, underscores the critical role individuals play in safeguarding their well-being. As she navigates her treatment journey, Tayla’s resilience and determination stand as a testament to the power of early intervention in combating life-threatening illnesses.