Laois Mum Fears Death – Health Crisis News
Avril tierney’s Journey: Living with Stage Four Breast Cancer and the Hope of Targeted Therapies
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“I’M living proof that life is not done after my stage four breast cancer diagnosis,” says Avril Tierney, a mother of two daughters. Her story is one of resilience, acceptance, and the power of medical advancements, particularly in targeted cancer therapies.
Initial Diagnosis and Treatment
Avril Tierney’s cancer journey began in 2019 with a diagnosis of triple-negative breast cancer after discovering a lump in her right breast. She underwent chemotherapy, a lumpectomy, and other treatments, bracing for side effects like nausea, hair loss, and fatigue.
Initially,the emotional toll was significant.Avril experienced panic attacks and a sense of being out of control.However, she quickly realized she could control her response to the situation. “I could continue to panic or I could refocus, stay present and just get on with whatever came my way,” she explained.
Metastasis and a New Hope
Following initial treatment, a CT scan revealed cancerous nodules on her lungs. After their removal, a subsequent scan showed further spread, leading to a stage four (metastatic) diagnosis in 2021. This news was devastating, and Avril initially feared she had only months to live.
however, a turning point came with testing for the PD-L1 protein. Avril tested positive, making her eligible for a new immunotherapy drug combined with chemotherapy. this treatment, recently completed with positive trial results, has shown remarkable success.
“That was more than three years ago and for the last year-and-a-half I have had scans showing no evidence of disease. A place I never imagined I would get with a stage four diagnosis,” Avril shared.
The Importance of Research and Support
Avril attributes her positive outcome to advancements in research and targeted therapies. She emphasizes the crucial role of donations and organizations like Breast Cancer Ireland in funding these vital advancements.
“I am so grateful for so much, for research and trials into targeted therapies…funds that are so vital for people like me.”
She stresses that a metastatic diagnosis doesn’t equate to the end of life.”Yes, it’s devastating at first but you can move forward and live a fulfilled life with hope for the future, especially with the advances of research into medications and targeted therapies.”
Breast Cancer Statistics
| Statistic | Data |
|---|---|
| Women who will develop breast cancer (lifetime) | 1 in 7 |
| Men who will be diagnosed with breast cancer (lifetime) | 1 in 738 |
| Global diagnosis rate | Every 29 seconds |
| New cases diagnosed annually in Ireland | 3,700 |
| Diagnoses between ages 20-50 | up to 23% |
| Diagnoses between ages 50-69 | 34% |
| Diagnoses over age 70 | 36% |
| Hereditary cases | 5-10% |
The Very Pink Run
Avril is a proud ambassador for Breast Cancer Ireland and actively promotes the upcoming Very Pink Run, taking place from September 6-14 with events in Dublin, Cork, and Kilkenny. The run offers 5km and 10km options,welcoming participants of all ages and abilities.
Since its inception, the Very Pink run has raised €7.3 million for breast cancer research and awareness programs, with over 97,000 participants across 40 countries.
Event Details:
- Dublin: September 6, Leopardstown Racecourse (10km at noon, 5km at 12:30pm)
- Cork: September 7, MTU, Bishopstown (10km at noon, 5km at 12:30pm)
- Kilkenny: September 14, Kilkenny Castle Park (10km at noon, 5km at 12:15pm)
The event boasts support from numerous public figures, including Nicola Hanney, Laura Nolan, Paul Ryder, Andrea Gilligan, and many others.
Registration is open at www.verypinkrun.ie.