A mother-of-three has revealed the moment her worst fears were confirmed after tests revealed a ‘rock-solid’ lump on her daughter’s breast was a rare form of cancer.
Five-year-old Lucy Galvin, from Pyrmont in inner-city Sydney, was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer known as Ewering sarcoma in March 2022.
The cancer is a type of tumor that grows in the bones, but the disease can also spread to the muscles and lungs.
Lucy’s mother Sarah discovered the lump on her breast while getting her ready for bed one night with her children Grace and Billy.
She discovered a ‘rock-solid’ lump protruding from the five-year-old’s ribcage.
Lucy Galvin (pictured) was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer known as Ewering’s sarcoma in 2022
“It was a rock-hard lump that wasn’t moving, wasn’t flaccid, right on her ribcage,” Ms Galvin said. 7 News.
Ms Galvin tried to find out what the lump could be by doing some research online.
She made an appointment with her GP the next morning, who sent the then three-year-old Lucy for a chest x-ray.
After receiving the results, the little girl was rushed to the hospital.
Specialists performed several tests on Lucy, which revealed an abnormal growth of tissue on one of her lungs.
Mrs. Galvin spent several sleepless nights in the hospital while Lucy underwent various tests.
“There was no way I could leave the hospital without answers, I couldn’t sleep,” she said.
Mrs Galvin (pictured right) discovered a ‘rock-solid’ lump on Lucy’s breast (pictured center left)
The family from Pyrmont in inner Sydney have raised $18,570 for Lucy’s treatment
Lucy underwent a grueling 12-month treatment (pictured) and successfully beat the cancer
Her worst fears were confirmed when Lucy was diagnosed with the rare form of cancer on March 24 and started chemotherapy three weeks later.
“I think deep down I hid the fact that I knew it was cancer,” Ms. Galvin said.
Mrs Galvin was told Lucy would need twelve months of treatment, including radiotherapy.
a GoFundMe page was set up by a family friend to provide financial support to Lucy’s family while she undergoes treatment.
Friends and family raised $18,570 with a goal of $25,000.
Lucy underwent a total of twelve months of chemotherapy and surgery to remove three ribs and successfully beat the disease.
Scans last September showed she no longer had cancer. Lucy celebrated the milestone by ringing the hospital bell.
Lucy was able to attend her first day of kindergarten with her older sister this year.