Breast cancer survivor writes explainer for kids

A BREAST cancer survivor from Blanchardstown has published a book to help children understand the condition and the healing process involved.

Now living in Drogheda, mother-of-three Yvonne Crawley, was inspired to write ‘Mammy Has Breast Cancer (Explaining to Kids)’ after struggling to tell her own children about her condition.

“It’s very hard to answer questions like ‘Mammy why are you always sick?’” Yvonne says.

Yvonne was only 37 when she was diagnosed with cancer, back in January 2015. It was just three weeks after the birth of her third child.

“I was not prepared for my maternity to be swept aside and I have had the year from hell,” she says.

Yvonne has two other young children, aged 3 and 5.

“I was very aware of trying to explain the issues without scaring them. So while I was honest, I kept the language simple.”

To keep herself occupied on the road to recovery, Yvonne developed the explanations she told her children into a small book. 

A secondary school teacher for 15 years, Yvonne knew that using simple language and pictures in the book would be important for explaining cancer to children.

She hopes her work will help other youngsters to understand what’s happening to their mothers. 

Breast Cancer affects one in 10 women in Ireland and there are 2,400 new cases annually. As with all serious illnesses, you never think it will happen to you.

Yvonne got quite a shock when she was diagnosed, especially as she didn’t have the traditional lump only “a funny spot that developed into a rash.” 

To combat the cancer, Yvonne underwent four months of dose-dense chemotherapy, which means that there is less time between treatments than regular chemotherapy plans.

Her left breast was also removed in a mastectomy.

“I was told on the first day it was going to be difficult but I had no concept of reality,” said Yvonne.

“I was unable to mind my baby. My heart was breaking everyday as my mother and aunt took over most of the duties there.” 

The family’s au pair stayed on to mind the other two children as Yvonne’s husband had to continue working. 

Just over a year on from her diagnosis Yvonne is getting better. She was told in January that she has been cancer free for sixth months! 

“I have spent my whole year terrified of everything and it has taken me until now to try and put things in perspective,” she said. 

Mammy Has Breast Cancer (Explaining to Kids) is available to buy as an eBook or paperback on Amazon.co.uk.

Róisín Nestor