A MOTHER and daughter from Prestatyn were both told they were cancer-free after they had been diagnosed with the illness within weeks of each other.
Neeley Street was told she had breast cancer in December, having celebrated her 40th birthday the previous month.
Her mother, Sandra, 75, had been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in 14 years in October.
But on May 9, after months of “horrific” treatment, Neeley was given the all-clear, just a few weeks after Sandra had received the same positive news.
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Prestatyn mother and daughter undergoing cancer treatment together
Though Sandra’s chemotherapy will continue until January, Neeley said the news was understandably an enormous relief to them both.
She said: “It’s been horrific, but I’ve moved in to live with mum to help us look after each other, so we’ve gone through every minute of it together.
“I think that’s been a blessing, really; when I’m having ‘down days’, mum picks me up, and vice versa. It’s been a really hard, mentally challenging slog, but we’re getting there.
“When mum was cancer-free, it was just another level of relief. It’s such a happy moment, but still overshadowed by the fact that the treatment is still ongoing; that we’re still living this nightmare.”
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Cancer patients often ring a ceremonial bell to celebrate finishing their treatment – something Neeley and her mother did together, even if Sandra’s chemotherapy continues.
They are also both undergoing genetic testing to see if they carry the “BRCA” (breast cancer) gene, particularly given Sandra has now been diagnosed with the illness twice.
Neeley added: “When they told me I was cancer-free, I was just like: ‘Wow, finally’. I couldn’t wait to put on the t-shirt which ‘Simply Logo’ in Rhyl made me, saying: ‘Ringing that bell and running like hell’.
“My kids and closest friends came to watch me ‘ring the bell’. My mum and I did ring the bell together because we’re both cancer-free, but she obviously hasn’t finished her journey yet.
“I’m still having check-ups, but I’m finished with treatment now.”
Both Neeley and Sandra were cared for at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan.
Neeley, an extended duties nurse for North Wales Community Dental Service, paid tribute to the “amazing” staff who helped her and Sandra.
Providing her mother is well enough to travel, she is now looking forward to a holiday in Greece with her next month.
Along with her eight-year-old-son, William, Neeley is also running the 5k Race for Life in Rhyl on June 4, having already raised about £600 for Cancer Research UK between them.
She said: “We’re supposed to be going to Greece in three weeks, so I just hope she’ll be allowed to fly. She and I both really need a holiday!
“Everyone at Glan Clwyd, especially Mr Samra’s team, the oncologists, everyone at the North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre, is just absolutely incredible.
“The gruelling daily therapies have been made much less stressful because of all of the wonderful staff at North Wales Cancer Treatment Centre.
“Mr Samra was both of our surgeons; he was my mum’s surgeon 14 years ago as well. He’s a very special man; we are so lucky to have him.
“He saved my life, and he saved my mum’s life twice.”
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