In a heartfelt account of survival and gratitude, Selina Moss-Davies, a 43-year-old finance professional from Rochester, England, credits her mother’s determination as the catalyst for her early breast cancer diagnosis at the tender age of 28. Now 15 years cancer-free, Selina passionately advocates for awareness and support in the fight against cancer, particularly through events like Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life.
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Selina’s story began in March 2011 when she discovered a lump in her breast. Initially reassured by her general practitioner that there was nothing to be concerned about, it was during a hug with her mother, Pauline, that the true nature of the lump was revealed. “My mum could feel it through my t-shirt because of where it was located,” Selina explained. Despite feeling secure in her initial diagnosis, Pauline recognised the need for a second opinion and took action without Selina’s knowledge, scheduling an appointment that would ultimately alter the course of her daughter’s life.
During that fateful appointment, doctors conducted a biopsy of the lump. Selina’s heart sank when she received the results. On her way to the hospital to hear news of the biopsy, her anxiety escalated. The diagnosis was grim: an aggressive grade 3 tumour, accompanied by the revelation that Selina carried the BRCA gene, placing her at heightened risk for other forms of cancer.
“It felt like I had been rammed into a brick wall,” Selina recalled, expressing her disbelief at learning about the existence of the BRCA gene. She felt isolated in the aftermath of her diagnosis, despite the support from her loved ones. “It was like I was on a different planet, watching everyone else’s lives continue while mine came to a standstill.”
With her diagnosis confirmed, Selina promptly began a rigorous treatment regimen consisting of six rounds of chemotherapy. The physically demanding treatment left her with hair loss, a diminished sense of taste, as well as fatigue and severe bone pain. Reflecting on this intense period, she remarked on the urgency she felt to start treatment, stating, “Chemotherapy is terrifying but I just wanted to get in there and get going as quickly as possible.”
Unfortunately, the emotional toll weighed heavily on Selina, especially regarding her fertility, as she was unable to freeze her eggs prior to beginning treatment. “There were dark times where I thought I might not survive,” she admitted, candidly describing the fear of mortality she faced at such a young age.
Following chemotherapy, Selina underwent a double mastectomy and breast reconstruction. Encouragingly, her subsequent scans showed no evidence of disease, enabling her to embrace a new chapter in her life as a mother to two children, Grayson, 9, and Gia, 7, with her husband Colin.
In 2021, Selina faced another challenge, undergoing a full hysterectomy due to her BRCA gene status increasing her risk of ovarian cancer. While she acknowledges an ongoing awareness of her health risks, she remains optimistic and praises her mother’s influence in facilitating her early treatment. “There is always a risk, but I have found ways to cope with it,” Selina stated. “I aim to live a good life, not just exist. I consider myself incredibly lucky.”
Now, Selina has taken to the forefront of cancer awareness by joining initiatives such as Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. Alongside friends and family, she eagerly participates in the event, reinforcing her commitment to raising funds for vital cancer research. “Race for Life is something I cherish; it raises crucial money for Cancer Research UK, the organisation that has been pivotal in BRCA gene studies,” she shared.
With a strong focus on the importance of ongoing research and protection for future generations, Selina remains dedicated to advocating for awareness and support in cancer care. “I have children, and it is my responsibility to ensure that the next generation is safeguarded,” she said, highlighting her motivations for fighting against cancer on multiple fronts.
As Selina’s journey illustrates, the battle against cancer is multifaceted and complex, often requiring tenacity, hope, and the relentless support of loved ones. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that awareness and early detection can have, potentially saving lives and altering futures.