A devoted mum is facing a gruelling battle with breast cancer after doctors discovered her tumour was far larger and more aggressive than first believed.<\/p>\n
Tania Heath, 42, from Christchurch Road, Ashford, was diagnosed in January, and what began as an early-stage case quickly escalated into a complex and life-altering fight \u2013 involving multiple surgeries, serious infection and now an urgent course of chemotherapy.<\/p>\n
Tania Heath is a mum to three children. Picture: Emma Cooper<\/p>\n
Ms Heath, a veterinary nurse and mum to three children, has had to juggle fighting cancer while caring for her young family.<\/p>\n
Her long-time friend Emma Cooper, who lives between Dover and Folkestone, described the moment Ms Heath delivered the devastating news.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe dropped me a message back in January and said, \u2018Bad news, but I\u2019m sure it\u2019ll be fine\u2019,\u201d Mrs Cooper told KentOnline.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt the time, we thought it would be relatively straightforward \u2013 just surgery and maybe some radiotherapy.\u201d<\/p>\n
But by May, it became clear the tumour was far more aggressive than first thought.<\/p>\n
Tania Heath is set to begin chemotherapy in August. Picture: Emma Cooper<\/p>\n
Scans had underestimated its size.<\/p>\n
Despite a lumpectomy and lymph node removal in March, doctors found the tumour was grade 3, fast-growing and dangerous.<\/p>\n
In June, the mum-of-three underwent a mastectomy and a complex DIEP flap reconstruction \u2013 a major operation using tissue from her stomach to rebuild her breast.<\/p>\n
The surgery involved removing part of her rib to attach vital blood vessels, leaving her with two large scars and a long recovery ahead.<\/p>\n
Just days after coming home, Ms Heath was rushed back into hospital with a severe abdominal infection.<\/p>\n
In June, the mum-of-three underwent a mastectomy and a complex DIEP flap reconstruction \u2013 a major operation using tissue from her stomach to rebuild her breast. Picture: Emma Cooper<\/p>\n
She spent a week in isolation and had to undergo three additional surgeries to control the infection and reopen the wound.<\/p>\n
Her stomach wound now remains open and will take at least eight weeks to close. She must travel regularly to East Grinstead for specialist dressing changes.<\/p>\n
Chemotherapy is set to begin in August, once her wound is healed.<\/p>\n
While Ms Heath\u2019s lymph nodes were thankfully clear, the grade 3 diagnosis means chemotherapy is essential to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s going to try cold capping to keep her hair, but it\u2019s uncomfortable and doesn\u2019t always work,\u201d Mrs Cooper said.<\/p>\n
Tania Heath was diagnosed with breast cancer in January. Picture: Emma Cooper<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it doesn\u2019t, she\u2019ll need specialist wigs and headwear \u2013 especially so she can carry on being a mum and maintain some normality.\u201d<\/p>\n