Mum’s ‘second chance at life’ after surviving rare form of cancer - which doctors first thought was asthma

Tianna Campbell thought it was an April fool’s day joke when doctors discovered a 12cm tumour growing behind her breastbone on April 1 last year.
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A mum-of-two said she had been given a ‘second chance of life’ after surviving a rare form of cancer - which doctors first thought was asthma.

Doctors discovered a 12cm tumour growing behind Tianna Campbell’s breastbone on April 1, last year, the Edinburgh Evening News reported.

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She had been admitted to hospital in October 2019 with pneumonia and said she had been left struggling to breath or lie flat on her back in bed.

A young mum told how she has been given a ‘second chance at life’ after surviving a rare form of cancer (SWNS)A young mum told how she has been given a ‘second chance at life’ after surviving a rare form of cancer (SWNS)
A young mum told how she has been given a ‘second chance at life’ after surviving a rare form of cancer (SWNS)

The 24-year-old said she knew something wasn't right and continued to complain to doctors she couldn't breathe, but was told it was asthma and given inhalers.

However, in March 2020 she was referred for a CT scan which uncovered the rare cancer B-cell Lymphoma.

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Medics told her it would be too dangerous to operate to remove the tumour and she was referred for chemotherapy to shrink it at the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh.

Tianna Campbell, 24, thought doctors were pulling an April fools prank on her when they discovered a 12cm tumour growing behind her breastbone on April 1 (SWNS)Tianna Campbell, 24, thought doctors were pulling an April fools prank on her when they discovered a 12cm tumour growing behind her breastbone on April 1 (SWNS)
Tianna Campbell, 24, thought doctors were pulling an April fools prank on her when they discovered a 12cm tumour growing behind her breastbone on April 1 (SWNS)
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Over the following eight months Tianna had six rounds of chemotherapy every two weeks before moving onto 15 rounds of radiotherapy every day for two months.

‘I was struggling to breathe’

Afterschool worker Tianna said: "I was admitted to hospital with pneumonia in October 2019, and after that my breathing and chest wasn't right.

"I couldn't lie flat on my bed and I was struggling to breathe.

Mum-of-two Tianna had been admitted to hospital in October 2019 with pneumonia and said she had been left struggling to breath or lie flat on her back in bed (SWNS)Mum-of-two Tianna had been admitted to hospital in October 2019 with pneumonia and said she had been left struggling to breath or lie flat on her back in bed (SWNS)
Mum-of-two Tianna had been admitted to hospital in October 2019 with pneumonia and said she had been left struggling to breath or lie flat on her back in bed (SWNS)

"I kept going to the doctors, and they kept trying to tell me it was asthma, and put me on inhalers.

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"Nothing was working though, and eventually I got a CT scan in March 2020.

"They got me in the next day, which was April fool's day, and told me I had a 12cm tumour growing behind my breast.

"I asked them if it was an April fool's joke.

"I was in complete shock, but it wasn't until I got back to my car and phoned my dad that I started crying.

"My first thought was I'm going to die and lose my hair.

"I didn't really process it until I saw my boys and thought 'I need to fight to see my boys grow up."

Tianna lost her mum to cancer aged 12

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Tianna, from Gilmerton, Edinburgh, lost her mum to breast cancer aged 12 and said she feared her children would have to grow up without a mum like she had.

She said: "My mum died of breast cancer in 2009, when I was only 12 years old, so I know how hard it is to grow up without a mum.

"I had so much support around me, my sister, my grandma, and all my friends all took turns to look after my kids.

"I didn't mention it to the boys at first until my oldest asked about my hair, so I explained that to them.

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"They got a bit frightened at first, but I talked them through it, and talked to them about my own experience growing up with my mum.

"That calmed them down."

‘I've got a second chance at life’

In December medics called to tell her she was finally in remission - and Tianna said she feels like she has been given a second chance at life.

Tianna said: "It was December 19th and I was driving on my way to post Christmas cards when I got a call and recognised it as the hospital's number.

"Soon as I saw the number I thought it was bad news.

"I then got told I was in remission.

"I said I was fine then as soon as I got off the phone I burst out crying.

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"It was the best feeling ever, knowing I've got a second chance at life."

Tianna taking part in charity skydive

Tianna now feels she can take on anything and is taking part in a charity skydive for Teenage Cancer Trust.

She said: "I have always wanted to do skydiving, but didn't want to do it for myself, I wanted to do it for a cause.

"I chose Teenage Cancer Trust as they helped me the most when I was going through cancer.

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"They helped my wee boys making them goody bags and helped me financially and mentally.

"I'm quite excited, although I probably won't be saying that when I jump out of the plane.

"I feel like I can take on anything now.

"I just enjoy loving life, making everyday count, and making memories with the boys."

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