A 28-year-old mother from Barnsley discovered her terminal breast cancer had returned after recognising her symptoms on a leaflet in her GP surgery waiting room.
Rachel Garfitt had been declared cancer-free following treatment for stage 3 breast cancer in 2021.
She initially attributed her back pain to a recent car accident in January. However, whilst waiting to see her doctor, she picked up a leaflet about advanced breast cancer.
"I mentioned it to my GP but they told me it was probably just sciatica," said Rachel. Her concerns were repeatedly dismissed until a CT scan revealed a 7cm tumour on her spine that had fractured the bone.
Rachel was first diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2021
GOFUNDME
Rachel was first diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2021 after finding a lump when she was just 24 years old.
She underwent extensive treatment including a mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone therapy.
Following successful treatment, she was declared cancer-free. For nearly four years, Rachel focused on raising her daughter and returning to normal life, believing she had overcome the disease.
"Breast cancer doesn't just affect older women," she explained. "I was 24 when I was diagnosed. It can happen to anyone. Early detection is everything, please learn the signs and trust your gut."
The young mother had resumed her regular routines with her daughter Lyra, confident that the worst was behind her.
The pain worsened despite medical reassurances. She visited A&E, where her concerns were again dismissed until one doctor finally ordered a CT scan.
"The nurse came in and said she'd look after my daughter while I was taken to the 'quiet room'," said Rachel. "I didn't need them to say it. I already knew."
Doctors discovered Rachel's breast cancer had returned and spread to her bones. She was diagnosed with stage 4, incurable secondary breast cancer.
Rachel has been placed on hormone therapy to starve the cancer of oestrogen. She has been forced into early menopause through monthly injections.
Her prognosis under the current treatment plan is just three years.
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Rachel initially attributed her back pain to a recent car accident
GOFUNDME
Rachel refuses to accept this timeline and has turned to private care. She and her partner, Ayden, recently travelled to Scotland for a consultation.
"There are treatments out there, innovative, newer ones that increase survival rates and even offer a chance of remission," she said. "But they're either not available on the NHS or only offered when it's too late."
A recent scan revealed a new tumour on her right femur. Rachel is exploring advanced therapies including Capivasertib, Alpelisib and tissue-free biopsies.
"This is the hardest thing I've ever been through," Rachel noted. "But I'm not giving up. I want to live. I want to get married. I want to watch my daughter grow up."
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