In our new interview series, we chat to remarkable women who have gone through extreme or unusual life experiences – good, bad, traumatic and life-changing – and ask them to share what they’ve learned
In our first instalment, we chat to Róisín Doherty, a 31-year-old mother from Co Tyrone about receiving a skin cancer diagnosis at the start of this year, her treatment and recovery, and why this time of year is of specific importance to her family.
When and how did you find out you had skin cancer?
I noticed that I had a spot above my lip that just wouldn’t go away so in September 2023, I turned to my followers online to see if anyone ever had a spot that would never go away. It was more of a eczema spot, so naturally enough I didn’t think I needed to worry about it until the messages started to flood in from my followers. Some people were saying I needed to get it checked immediately, sharing their own experiences of similar situations that turned out to be skin cancer. At this point, I began to really panic!
I got a private cancellation appointment for the following Monday, and this is where they suspected it was something more than just a spot. I was sent for a biopsy, and I had to wait around 16 weeks for my results, which was absolutely terrifying, with millions of things going through my head – not knowing what type of cancer I was going to be diagnosed with. My mental health deteriorated thinking the worst, especially as a mum of three beautiful kids. It was then in January 2024 when I was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma. It wasn’t any easier to accept even though it was the best of a bad bunch, I suppose.
What was your treatment plan and what helped you most during that time?
Originally my treatment plan was surgery to remove the lump but things changed as they thought a chemotherapy cream was best option to try first as where it was located would leave significant scarring on my face. So we went ahead with the chemo cream in June of this year and during the treatment, it was horrendous! My face looked like I had been dipped into a bowl of acid with third degree burns.
Thankfully, my consultant is extremely happy with the results and thinks it has removed all cancer cells although I have to wait for the plastic surgeon team to determine whether surgery is still needed or not.
How did it affect your family?
We all had our up and down moments. I think my family held a lot of their worries from me, to be honest, but it affected everyone because it was such a shock and I suppose they were more worried about how this was mentally effecting me.
The wait for the results was traumatic for us all as we didn’t have answers, and everyone was thinking the worse outcome which I suppose is a natural thing to do as a human being.
How has going through skin cancer treatment changed your outlook on life?
I used to prioritise work my entire life before this. As much as we all need goals and success when you’re trying to build a business, that isn’t what life is about and now I realise that! My priorities have completely changed for the better.
I’ve became a better person not only for me but my family. Even though I’m still struggling with the effects of my mental health after it all, I don’t want the things I wanted before. All I want is health, happiness and to be the best mummy I can be to my little ones because tomorrow is never guaranteed and if anything were to happen, I want my kids to remember the laughs and memories we made together.
What do you want people to take from your story?
Prioritise you! Don’t wait another day if you are holding something off to get checked. Your life is too precious! Go to your doctor. And if you still aren’t sure, go to your doctor again because sometimes things can be missed… Listen to your gut!
Nov 17 was World Prematurity Day – tell us why this day means a lot to your family?
My son Brodie was born almost 2 months premature so it’s a very significant day in our household as we look back on those scary first days. Brodie was a miracle, as are all premature babies! I’m honoured to be a Pampers brand ambassador this year to highlight the work that they do. They have made almost one million of its specially made Pampers Preemie Protection nappies available to all Irish maternity hospitals, completely free of charge. People might not know this, but a premature baby’s skin is two times thinner than those born full-term which makes it so vulnerable. These special nappies are specially designed to be gentle on even the most fragile of skin and I’m really proud to be working with them to highlight their dedication and commitment to the tiniest fighters.
World Prematurity Day on November 17 is also a day to celebrate the incredible nurses and doctors that care for babies because, honestly, without them Brodie wouldn’t be here today. They truly are our earth angels!
If you could give any advice to parents going through something similar, what would it be?
Be strong, and listen to your gut instinct. No question is ever too ‘silly’, and always remember that you have got this! Lean into your family and friends, because they are a brilliant support network.
How is Brodie doing now?
Brodie is absolutely thriving. He is a gorgeous five-year-old now and he doesn’t have any serious health conditions which was something we always worried about. When they are so tiny and you see them with all those medical lines and tubes, you just worry for them but five years on, and he’s thriving. He’s just a typical boy and loves a bit of mischief. We feel so blessed to have Brodie in our lives.
Follow Roisín’s story at roisindohertyblog on Instagram.
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