'Incredibly kind and humbling' - Scarborough cancer mum speaks about colleagues' support
A Scarborough midwife has spoken about what it’s like to have been diagnosed with secondary breast cancer – and the ‘amazing’ support she has received from her colleagues.
Rachel McCormack, 38, is well known to many of the women in Scarborough, having delivered hundreds of babies during her working life.
The Ayton woman, who is mum to five-year-old Iris, was first diagnosed with breast cancer when she was just 27.
She had been working a night shift, and put the TV on to relax when she returned home.
She said: “Phillip Schofield (of all people) was being very vocal during a segment about checking yourself – I did and found a lump.
"I went to see my GP who immediately referred me for tests because I had a family history of breast cancer.
"I was diagnosed within two weeks.
“If she’d said it was probably nothing, I wouldn’t have gone back – and I wouldn’t be here now – I was very lucky to be watching TV that morning.”
Rachel battled hard to beat the disease and moved on with her life, welcoming Iris with husband James five years ago.
Since her diagnosis she has worked hard to raise awareness of the disease, sharing monthly reminders to check for lumps on social media and encouraging friends and family to get checked if they find anything.
Then, in July this year, Rachel received the news that her cancer had returned, and was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in her spine.
This time, although treatable, it is currently incurable.
Rachel said: “It’s early days, and we’re still uncertain of the exact prognosis, but it’s not what it was in the past.
"Cancer is becoming something you live with, and hopefully it will be treatable and manageable.”
On Monday (October 9), Rachel received a huge dose of radiotherapy to help control the pain in her fractured spine and promote healing.
She will now be treated with chemo and immunotherapy.
She said: “Chemo is okay – it was rough for the first couple of weeks, but I’m getting back my appetite and getting my levels of activity right.
"Because of where the cancer is in my lower spine, it messes with my stomach and I feel zapped of energy.
“It’s hard because I’ve got a five-year-old – last time I was child-free and I was able to stop and watch box sets, but this time there’s a level of guilt.
"I want to do everything, but I’m having to explain to her why it’s not possible.
“She knows that I’m poorly and that my hair will fall out, but she’s very good and kind, loving and caring.
“I’m off work at the moment, but will be happy to return in the next couple of weeks.
“I’m a specialist midwife and my role involves teaching and office jobs – I’m keen to get back to doing that - it’s so alien not to do anything at all
“The chemo has made my brain a little foggy, and I’m having to balance what I can sensibly do, but I have an amazing manager who is very supportive.”
Rachel has also received incredible support from her colleagues and on Sunday (October 12) a group of midwives from Scarborough, Whitby, Bridlington and Malton will take part in a sponsored glow walk in their bras to raise money to buy a campervan.
Colleague Cara Hayes said on the group’s Just Giving page: “Despite the devastating news, Rachel continues to show the same incredible strength and selflessness she always has.
“Just a few months ago, without knowing her cancer had returned, she completed the Giant’s Causeway mighty marathon hike to raise money for Macmillan cancer support.
“She also recently cut off her hair to donate to the Little Princess Trust, helping children facing their own cancer battles.”
Rachel said: “They’ve really rallied round – it’s so incredibly kind and humbling.
“I find it a very strange concept, but if I read what they’d written about me, then it’s something I would have donated to as well.
“It feels so bizarre that situation is mine.”
The family now hopes they can buy a campervan to enable them to travel when Rachel feels well enough.
She said: “It’s a logistical nightmare to arrange travel insurance, so travelling a long way is looking unlikely.
“My husband, James, is an electrical engineer for Network Rail and has great flexibility – with a camper van, the three of us can get away at the drop of a hat and make memories.
“It’s just about doing things that feel ordinary.”
Cara Hayes, who set up the Just Giving page for the family, said: “Our greatest wish for Rachel is for her to make as many beautiful memories as possible with her husband and little girl.
“Between treatments, they dream of travelling the UK in a campervan, cherishing every moment together as a family.
“With your help, we want to make that dream come true.
“Any donations you can make really will be so appreciated and mean the chance for Rachel to create unforgettable moments with the people she loves most.”
Rachel offered this advice to anyone who finds a lump, she said: “Don’t be scared – it’s not usually anything.
“The earlier you find it the better, and even if it is something, there’s lots that can be done about it.”
Scarborough Maternity Walk Against Cancer takes place on Sunday, October 12 at 5.30pm, starting from the Sea Life Centre.
Participants are encouraged to bring glow sticks and to wear their best bra.
To donate visit the Just Giving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cara-hayes-3?utm_medium=CR&utm_source=CL