A MOTHER from Appleby has urged others not to delay seeking treatment after she discovered a lump in her breast earlier this year.

Jo Burgess found the lump in March and was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer in April. She also suffered from Covid-19.

“I tried to stay calm but did a thorough check and found a second in my arm pit,” she said.

“I spent most of that night sitting on the sofa downstairs going through worst case scenarios.

“I had persuaded myself that I had overreacted, and I did not want to disturb the GP with the rising concerns around Covid.

“My amazing husband was insistent, so I was seen by the GP who immediately referred me to Carlisle.

“Then lockdown hit, and I got Covid! Fortunately for both me and my husband it was relatively mild.”

Ms Burgess received her diagnosis after an ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy at the breast clinic.

“On the 14th April I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer which had spread to my lymph nodes,” she said.

“I was to have a CT to see if it had spread further, within 48 hours I’d had the scan and I got the results that it hadn’t spread.”

Ms Burgess cut her hair ahead of her chemotherapy sessions, posting a picture of herself on Facebook she urged others to check themselves.

“My first Chemotherapy session was on 18th May,” said Ms Burgess.

“This was a very tough time, having four rounds of aggressive treatment every three weeks, including injections to help boost my immune system which I really dreaded as they caused bad side effects.

“All the staff in Reiver House at the Cumberland Infirmary are amazing.

“We laughed, sang, they gave me tea and biscuits. Paula called me before my very first session and was there when I had my last.

“I was grateful for lockdown, it had given our family time to process the diagnosis, my husband was furloughed and we all spent so much time in the garden together.”

Ms Burgess had her last chemotherapy on October 13, which was followed by another MRI, and she will soon be undergoing surgery.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff who looked after me throughout the diagnosis, treatment and follow up.

“Most of all I would advise anyone in a similar position not to delay going to the GP; the outcome is better when you are seen sooner.”