Keisha: I was diagnosed with breast cancer when my baby was 7 weeks old

Keisha joins BooBee’s Big Campaign

Keisha Chadwick was only 28 years old when she received the devastating news that she had breast cancer. Not only did she receive this lifechanging news on her own due to Covid, but it was only seven weeks after she had given birth to her daughter, Milana.

Now, after finishing all her active treatment, she is throwing all her weight behind BooBee’s Big Campaign and has signed up as a BooBee Ambassador. The BooBees are 100 women, who have been affected by breast cancer, who are joining together to spread awareness and fundraise for a future without breast cancer.

Keisha has very kindly shared her story with us and explained why she has joined this vitally important campaign in support of Prevent Breast Cancer.

Keisha, could you share with us a summary of your experience with breast cancer?

When I was around eight months pregnant I found a lump in my breast. With it being my first child, I asked my cousin and a few friends about lumps and bumps, and they all said it would most probably be just my boobs changing due to pregnancy and preparing for milk to come in.

When my child was four weeks old, I could still feel the lump. I decided to go to the doctors and within ten days I had an appointment at the breast clinic. I was reassured it would most probably be a blocked milk duct and to return back in two weeks for the results of my biopsy, which they decided to take after doing the ultrasound.

I returned back two weeks later, alone, as I didn’t think anything of it and was told I had breast cancer. My world ended and I thought I was going die and leave my then 7-week-old baby.

Are you currently undergoing treatment?

I have now finished all active treatment and I am just awaiting my final operation for a mastectomy and reconstruction. I have already had a mastectomy on my cancer boob. This is just a precaution mastectomy on the other side.

What inspired you to apply to take part in BooBee’s Big Campaign?

I had never ever checked my breasts and I feel it’s important to get the importance out there about checking and making sure any cancer is found as early as possible. It can happen to anyone, at any age.

What are you hoping to gain from the experience?

I just want to feel that I’ve been valuable and given something back, especially because I’ve been through it myself. Essentially, my main aim is helping people to understand how important it is to check your boobs and also, be a supportive person to anyone who may need it.

Thank you to Keisha for sharing her breast cancer journey with us.

As part of BooBee’s Big Campaign, our BooBees will be spreading awareness by taking to the streets of Manchester in early November on a huge bright pink bus. Make sure to watch this space with regards where’ll they be visiting. In the meantime, tickets are on sale for the flagship fundraising event of the campaign – BooBee presents Bingo Bedlam. Our BooBees are also working on a special calendar and organising their own individual fundraisers.