First-time mum Abi Johnston was overwhelmed with joy at her 20-week scan to learn she was expecting a daughter. But just six weeks later, it would be a very different story when an ultrasound revealed suspicious lumps, followed by a shock diagnosis of stage three triple-positive breast cancer.
Instead of excitedly preparing for life as a mum, the 27-year-old radiographer is now undergoing chemotherapy during her third trimester and will continue treatment just days after giving birth.
“The excitement of our baby coming and thinking about the cuddles is definitely helping us get through,” says Abi, who initially assumed the unexpected changes to her breasts were related to pregnancy.
“It just felt like thickened tissue to begin with. It was a bit strange, but I googled ‘pregnancy changes’ and thought it could be a cyst or a blocked milk duct.”
Sharing her story with the Weekly ahead of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ’s Pink Ribbon Breakfast on May 25, Abi encourages others not to waste any time if they notice any variations.
“I was embarrassed to go to the doctor, thinking if it’s nothing and just pregnancy-related, I’m wasting their time,” recalls Abi, who self-monitored for several weeks before seeing her GP. “I was also scared in case it was something serious.”
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin May 12, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin May 12, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills