Cancer Research UKA Scottish mum was diagnosed with breast cancer just 16 months after her daughter was diagnosed with melanoma.
Michelle Harris, a teacher of complex needs, recalls her shock when she was diagnosed with skin cancer in November 2019.
The 38-year-old, who is now in remission, was on a family holiday to Finland when her husband Alistair first noticed a mole on her back had changed shape and was growing larger.
The mum-of-two had noticed the mole had also become itchy, so she visited her GP and was referred to University Hospital Monklands in Airdrie for tests, which confirmed she had cancer.
Cancer Research UKRecalling the tough moment of telling her children, Abby, 17, and Kaden, 13, about her diagnosis, Michelle said: “I was very matter of fact and open when I told the children I had cancer.
“I explained that doctors had told me it was stage 2b melanoma, so they had gotten the cancer early. Although I had to go through an operation, I was going to be okay.
She added: “I just had to get on with things. It was good that the NHS were there to look after me so well, and my GP was fantastic.”
Cancer Research UKMichelle had surgery on November 30, 2019, to remove the mole as well as lymph nodes from under her arms.
She required no further treatment but has regular check-ups on other areas of her body where there are moles.
Just 16 months after her diagnosis, her mum, who had helped her through treatment, was told that she had breast cancer.
Lorraine Taylor had no symptoms when she attended a routine breast screening appointment.
However, a few weeks after the screening, the 64-year-old was asked to attend the West Scotland Breast Screening Centre in Glasgow, and in March 2021, she was given the news.
Cancer Research UK“I went to the appointment on my own, which, looking back on it, I think was a mistake,” Lorraine said.
“I remember coming out of the appointment and feeling shell-shocked as I called my daughter Michelle to give her the news.”
Lorrain said, although it was a “really stressful” time, she felt lucky the screening had caught the cancer early.
“Michelle was a great support to me, and so was my husband Martin, who came with me to appointments after that,” she said.
She eventually had the surgery at Kings Park Hospital in June 2022, followed by eight sessions of radiotherapy at the Lanarkshire Beatson in Airdrie.
She was prescribed the hormone therapy drug Tamoxifen and receives annual mammograms.
Lorraine will join her daughter, Michelle, and her granddaughter, Abby, on the start line of Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life at Glasgow Green on May 18.
Speaking on the race, Michelle said it was “personal” for her and her mum.
“Cancer turns lives upside down, steals precious moments and affects far too many of us,” she said.
“We talk almost every day and plan weekends away together. Mum was an amazing support for me when I was diagnosed, and when mum faced cancer, I was right there for her.
“Taking part in Race for Life is not just about the miles. It’s about giving back to a cause that has given our family and so many others hope.
“Research means more people are getting through cancer. We’re proud to support that, to cross the finish line in honour of those going through cancer right now and also in memory of some friends and colleagues we have sadly lost to cancer.”
Abby, 17, spoke about her participation, saying: “My mum and my gran are both amazing, strong women and I’ll be proud to be by their side at Race for Life Glasgow.”
Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “We are grateful to Michelle, Lorraine and Abby for their support and know their family story will make an impact on everyone who hears it.
“Sadly, nearly 1 in 2 of us will get cancer in our lifetime, but all of us can support the research that will beat it. We’re proud that Race for Life has had such a positive impact. Every pound raised supports our life-saving work, which has helped double cancer survival in the UK over the last 50 years.
“We’d love for as many people as possible across Scotland and beyond to join us at Race for Life. There is an event for everyone and we mean everyone. Our events are strictly non-competitive which means everyone can have a go- and love every minute. There’s no pressure to finish in a certain time, just give it what you can. Lace up and join in.
“Whether people are living with cancer, taking part in honour of or in memory of a loved one with cancer, in it for the medals or just for the fun of fundraising, there is a place for everyone.”
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