Health

Video: Cancer telethon saved my life, says County Down mum-of-four Sabrina Devlin

Sabrina Devlin was just 34-years-old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer
Sabrina Devlin was just 34-years-old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer Sabrina Devlin was just 34-years-old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer

A CO Down woman has described how watching Channel 4's Stand Up To Cancer telethon prompted her to get a lump checked before she as diagnosed with breast cancer just one week later.

Sabrina Devlin, from Hilltown, Co Down, was 34-years-old when she was diagnosed in November 2012. She endured a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and reconstruction surgery.

The 39-year-old mother-of-four said: "There was no history of breast cancer in my family and I was only 34.

"As I sat at home watching the annual Cancer Research UK Stand Up to Cancer telethon about other people battling cancer, I had no idea it was about to save my life.

"I had noticed a small lump in my right breast six months before which I had assumed was a cyst or milk duct and had thought nothing more of but as I watched the programme and saw the effect cancer has on families, I just thought to myself, I have to get this checked out."

Sabrina, who has three daughters Cecilia (21), Jessica (16), Molly (7) and son Patrick (14) said her diagnosis completely changed her life.

"When I heard the words, 'you have breast cancer,' it's like an out of body experience -  for a few moments, it's all movement and no sound, you see someone talking but you are numb," she said.

"My first question was, 'am I going to die?' and I realised how serious it was when the doctor said they were going to do everything in their power to make sure that didn't happen.

"The hardest part was telling everyone, telling my children and family members. How do you put it into words? My eldest daughter was 16 the next day and having to tell her for her 16th birthday was not nice, it is something she will always remember."

Sabrina embarked on an intense treatment course which started with her mastectomy surgery to remove the tumour the week before Christmas in 2012.

She then had to undergo six months of chemotherapy, before a four week course of radiotherapy which involved her travelling to Belfast every day for treatment.

Concerned about losing her hair, Sabrina decided to take control of that aspect of her illness by shaving her head and had a hair piece made that looked just like her own hair.

"No one knew I had my head shaved," she said "and it was a shock then when I pulled the hair piece off. I never felt I had to hide away, I was very open and honest about my treatment, I always hoped my story could help raise awareness for another young woman."

After her treatment, Sabrina had reconstruction surgery on the breast she had lost.

"I wanted a breast shape again because I was so young and I wanted to feel feminine," she said.

Sabrina had reconstruction surgery in 2014, but the operation was not what she had hoped for and she was put on a waiting list for further surgery on her left breast.

It was at this point that Sabrina was introduced to the Here I Am support group for cancer survivors in Northern Ireland. They were looking for people to come forward for a campaign to show their scars and talk about their cancer journey.

Sabrina put herself forward in January and did a photoshoot with other cancer survivors.

"It was lovely to have this bond with these people," she said. "It shows people the scars and how cancer affects people.

"It's not having to be hidden behind closed doors - we were very open and honest about it.

"If someone had asked me a year before would I do that, I would have said no, but after the surgery I wanted to help others and spread awareness.

"When I saw my picture afterwards I was shocked, it does not look like me, it's a lovely picture and I was quite proud of it."

Four years on from her diagnosis, Sabrina decided to have a mastectomy tattoo "to help me feel body beautiful again, but the response from people when it was put on Facebook was overwhelming."

Sabrina has also welcomed her first granddaughter Ellie, who is now one and was born close to her grandmother's diagnosis anniversary.

"It was a huge thing for me to be here for her birth and now every year, instead of dreading the anniversary of the diagnosis I have her to focus on, I have a nicer focus now.

"I am determined to make a stand against this disease," adds Sabrina  " Research saves lives and I want everyone to know it. That's why I'm giving my heartfelt support to Stand Up To Cancer.  It raises money to speed up more effective treatments for people, like me, who really need it."

Since it was launched in the UK in 2012, Stand Up To Cancer has raised over £38 million to fund over 40 clinical trials and research projects.

Jean Walsh, Cancer Research UK spokesperson for Northern Ireland said: "We're really grateful to Sabrina for her determination to help others by recruiting people to the cause.

"Every hour, someone in Northern Ireland is diagnosed with cancer and day after day, dedicated doctors, nurses and scientists work tirelessly to beat the disease.  We're on the brink of a revolution in cancer research, but we can't afford to stand still. It's time to rebel against cancer, raise cash and save lives.

"By raising money for game-changing research, Stand Up To Cancer will support this progress and help change the outlook for more people with the disease."

For more information, go to standuptocancer.org.uk or channel4.co.uk/SU2C or follow Cancer Research on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram