A MOTHER from Rhyl has thanked the “incredible” staff at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan who have treated her since she was diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Danielle Robinson, 36, was referred to Glan Clwyd by her general practitioner last July after changes in her left breast were noticed.

After undergoing a biopsy, she was found to have cancer measuring 10cm in her left breast, which has since also spread to her liver.

Doctors have told her she is likely to live for two to three years more, with Danielle having started a course of chemotherapy in early August.

READ MORE:

Dyserth woman to receive her MBE for services to cancer patient care

Prestatyn mum and daughter free of cancer within weeks of each other

Despite her poor diagnosis, and the pressures which Glan Clwyd staff are under, she said the team which has cared for her have been “absolutely amazing”.

Danielle said: “Considering the severity of the situation, it all happened very quickly. It gave me a lot of peace of mind, because I thought I could be waiting eight weeks for chemotherapy to start.

“If I don’t think about it, I don’t worry about it. It gives you a fresh outlook on life – I’ve lost my job as a primary school cook because of the side effects, so I can just live my life, do what I want, enjoy every second, and not worry about the smallest things.

“My oncologist, Julie, is the only breast specialist at Glan Clwyd, and my nurse, Nia, is my secondary breast nurse. If I have any problems, I can get hold of either of them.

“Through the empathy and warmth they show me, you’re made to feel that they do care, and that you’re not just a number.

“They look after your every need, even though they’re all run off their feet. They’ll stop and talk to you, they want to know about your life, and they will do anything to help.

“I was so nervous about it all, but I’ve been so well looked after.”

Danielle is now due to undergo a mastectomy later this month, and now has “maintenance treatment” at Glan Clwyd every three to four weeks, as well as receiving care at home.

She is maintaining a positive attitude and wants to savour every moment she has left with her six-year-old son.

Her own experience has also led her to urge any women, particularly those of a similar age to her, to voice any concerns they may have about their breasts as soon as possible.

Danielle added: “To any women with even the slightest concerns or changes in their breasts, I would say: ‘Don’t be scared to go to the doctor’s and make an appointment to get it looked at'.

“The quicker it gets seen to, the quicker it can be sorted out.

“Mentally, I feel absolutely fine. I just try to keep everything normal for my six-year-old.

“I still do the school run and the housework, so keeping that normality really helps the situation. That, and knowing I’m in such safe hands at Glan Clwyd.

“On paper, I’ve got two to three years, but there’s a chance I could make it up to five. I think if I’m mentally strong and keep smiling, I could have a better outcome.”